Federal bid decision checklist: the questions to settle before you bid.
This federal bid decision checklist covers the six areas TYR-X reviews before a bid/no-bid call: eligibility, fit, evidence, capacity, competition, and timing. Preview the sections below, then request the printable PDF. It follows the method in how to qualify a federal opportunity.
What the checklist covers
Eligibility
- Set-aside type and size standard under the stated NAICS code
- SAM registration active and representations current
- Required certifications, clearances, or program approvals held by the performing company
- Insurance, bonding, or financial prerequisites at the stated levels
Fit
- Scope matches work the performing company does today, at this scale
- Place and period of performance are achievable
- Partial fit is identified and assigned to a teaming decision, not a stretched claim
Evidence
- Recent, relevant, similar past performance attributable to the performing company or a committed teammate
- Named key personnel with current qualifications and written commitment
- Certifications and credentials verified as current and held by the right company
Capacity
- Delivery capacity alongside existing commitments
- Proposal capacity: writers, reviewers, pricing, and a final approver available for the full window
- Surge or contingency plan where the requirement asks for one
Competition
- Incumbent identified from public award data where possible
- Likely competitors and their vehicle or program advantages
- Evaluation weighting read against the team's real strengths
Timing and decision
- Days to submission, question-period deadline, and amendment risk
- Teaming agreements and letters of commitment achievable in time
- Decision owner, decision date, and the reason recorded either way
Next step
See the checklist applied.
The sample bid decision brief shows the six areas worked through on an illustrative opportunity. Our opportunity research runs this review on your live opportunity.
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