Which contract method is appropriate when adequate specifications are not available and sealed bidding is desired?

The two-step sealed bidding method is particularly appropriate in situations where there are no sufficient specifications to support a traditional sealed bidding process. This method is designed specifically for circumstances where the government needs to procure items or services but lacks detailed plans or definitions that would typically guide the completion of a contract.

In the first step of this method, interested bidders are asked to submit technical proposals without pricing. This allows the government to assess the capabilities and plans of potential contractors before moving on to the pricing phase. Once the technical proposals are evaluated, a shortlist of the most promising bidders can then be invited to submit sealed bids, complete with their price information, part of the second step.

This method successfully balances the desire for competitive bidding with the need for flexibility when specifications are not well-defined. It ensures that the eventual bidders possess the necessary understanding and capability to meet the contract's requirements, allowing for better quality submissions.

Other options like FAR Part 14 Sealed Bidding, FAR Part 15 Negotiated Contracts, and FAR Part 13 Simplified Acquisitions Procedures have their own contexts and usages but don't adequately address situations lacking proper specifications for the initial phase of bidding.