The solicitation phase of procurements involving open and free competition includes which activity?

• A. The prospective contractors prepare and submit their bids.
• B. The procuring entity identifies its needs and develops the criteria used to award the contract.
• C. The procuring entity performs its contractual obligations.
• D. The procuring entity determines the method for acquiring the goods or services.

Answer: (A)

In open competition, the solicitation phase centers on inviting offers and having bidders respond. The main action here is prospective contractors preparing and submitting their bids in response to the invitation and the stated requirements. This is the period when competition is opened and bids are gathered for evaluation. The other activities belong to earlier planning (defining needs and award criteria) or later stages (decision on procurement method or performing the contract after award).