Which activity is part of the presolicitation phase?

• A. Negotiating terms
• B. Issuing the solicitation document
• C. Identifying needs
• D. Awarding the contract

Answer: (C)

Presolicitation focuses on shaping the purchase before asking vendors to bid. The key step is identifying needs—clearly recognizing the problem to solve, the goals to achieve, and any constraints. This sets up the subsequent work: defining robust requirements, planning the procurement approach, and establishing the evaluation criteria. Without clearly identified needs, you’d struggle to draft appropriate requirements or determine the right market approach. Negotiating terms happens later, after proposals are received and evaluated. Issuing the solicitation document occurs once the needs and requirements are defined and you’re formally inviting bids or proposals. Awarding the contract is the final step after evaluation and negotiation.