Can the contracting officer limit the number of proposals in the competitive range to facilitate efficient competition?

The contracting officer does have the authority to limit the number of proposals in the competitive range to facilitate more efficient competition, particularly when it results in proposals that are highly rated or otherwise meets specific criteria set forth in the solicitation. This practice is typically aligned with the goal of ensuring that the procurement process is effective and manageable, focusing on the most promising offers rather than an overwhelming number of submissions.

By narrowing down to only those proposals that are highly rated, the contracting officer can concentrate evaluation efforts on the most viable options, which can streamline the decision-making process and ultimately lead to a better selection for the government’s needs. This approach promotes a more efficient use of resources and time in the evaluation stage, ensuring that the best-suited proposals receive the attention they warrant.

The notion that proposals must include all potential submissions does not account for the realities of managing large-scale procurements where practical limitations exist. Additionally, limiting the review based solely on cost or applying this restriction only to government bids misses the broader procedural latitude granted to contracting officers to manage competitive ranges effectively. Thus, the assertion that proposals can be limited to those that are highly rated aligns with best practices in competitive contracting.