What does the term "competitive range" refer to in contracting?

The term "competitive range" in contracting specifically refers to the subset of proposals that are considered worthy of further consideration during the evaluation process. This concept is crucial when assessing multiple bids in a competitive procurement environment.

When evaluating proposals, contracting officers will review submissions based on criteria such as technical merit and price. The competitive range is essentially a determination that narrows down the field to those bids that have the potential to meet the requirements of the contract effectively and at a reasonable cost. This allows for more focused discussions, negotiations, or refinements with those bidders, ultimately leading to a more efficient selection process.

By identifying this specific subset, contracting officers can facilitate negotiations and ensure that the procurement process is both competitive and fair, leading to better outcomes for the organization seeking the contract. The other options—ranging from the price of bids to the overall number of submissions—do not accurately capture the concept of competitive range as it is understood in the context of procurement and contracting.