Reading a US federal solicitation: Sections A–M
What each lettered section of a US solicitation covers, laid out exactly as the Federal Acquisition Regulation's Uniform Contract Format (FAR 15.204) defines it. Which structure an actual notice uses varies by acquisition — always confirm against that notice itself.
Verified against official sources: 2026-09-01
This guide quotes and organizes official sources. It is not advice.
This guide quotes and organizes primary material that a government or official body already publishes, translating it only where the source is in Japanese. It contains no views or advice of Hashike's own. Check how it applies to a specific opportunity against that solicitation and the responsible agency's own information.
When this format applies
The A–M structure is FAR Part 15's Uniform Contract Format, used for negotiated procurements (RFPs). Simplified acquisitions under FAR Parts 12/13 (RFQs, for example) may use a simpler layout. Always follow the structure the specific notice actually uses.
Part I — The Schedule (A–H)
The sections making up Part I (The Schedule), as defined at FAR 15.204-1.
- A — Solicitation/contract form
- B — Supplies or services and prices/costs
- C — Description/specifications/statement of work
- D — Packaging and marking
- E — Inspection and acceptance
- F — Deliveries or performance
- G — Contract administration data
- H — Special contract requirements
Source: acquisition.gov — FAR Part 15 ↗
Parts II–IV — Clauses, attachments, and offeror requirements (I–M)
Parts II through IV, also defined at FAR 15.204-1.
- I — Contract clauses (Part II)
- J — List of attachments (Part III)
- K — Representations, certifications, and other statements of offerors (Part IV)
- L — Instructions, conditions, and notices to offerors (Part IV)
- M — Evaluation factors for award (Part IV)
Source: acquisition.gov — FAR Part 15 ↗
FAR 15.304(d) defines Section M's role directly: it identifies the evaluation factors and their relative importance. In other words, Section M is where the rule for how a proposal will be judged actually lives.
Source: acquisition.gov — FAR Part 15 ↗
Sources
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This page is informational only, not legal advice. Confirm eligibility and procedural details against the official solicitation and the relevant agency.← Back to all guides