What is a Debriefing?
Also known as: Post-award debrief, Debrief
A debriefing is the government's explanation to an offeror of why its proposal was or was not selected. A timely requested debriefing gives insight into the evaluation, helps you improve future bids, and can preserve and extend protest deadlines.
What a debriefing covers
- The government's evaluation of your proposal's significant weaknesses and deficiencies.
- The overall ranking or rating where applicable.
- A summary of the rationale for award.
- Reasonable responses to relevant questions about the process.
Why it matters
Beyond improving your win rate, a debriefing affects protest timing — for required debriefings, the protest clock can run from the date of the debrief. Always request a debriefing promptly when entitled to one.
Frequently asked questions
Am I entitled to a debriefing?
For negotiated procurements (RFPs), you generally have a right to a debriefing if you request it within the required window. Simplified acquisitions and sealed bids have more limited or different requirements.
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