Which activity is not included in the presolicitation phase of procurements involving open and free competition?

• A. The procuring entity identifies its needs.
• B. The procuring entity issues the solicitation document.
• C. The procuring entity determines the method for acquiring the goods or services.
• D. The procuring entity develops the bid specifications.

Answer: (B)

In procurements with open competition, the presolicitation phase covers planning and preparation before vendors are invited to bid. This includes identifying what is needed, deciding how to acquire it (the procurement method), and drafting the bid specifications that define the requirements and criteria for proposals. The act of issuing the solicitation document marks the start of the solicitation phase, when competitors are formally invited to submit bids or proposals. Therefore, issuing the solicitation document is not part of the presolicitation phase. The other activities—identifying needs, determining the acquisition method, and developing bid specifications—are all part of presolicitation.