Chapter 22 - IT Competitive Sealed Bidding / Invitation for Bid

22.1.12 Descriptive literature

Bidders should not be required to furnish descriptive literature unless it is needed before award to determine whether the product(s) offered meet the specification and to establish exactly what the bidder proposes to furnish. If required for bid response, however, the IFB should clearly state what descriptive literature the bidders must furnish, the purpose for requiring the literature, the extent of its consideration in the evaluation of bids and the rules that will apply if a bidder fails to furnish the literature before the specified closing date of the IFB.

The procuring agency should document in the procurement file the reasons why product acceptability cannot be determined without the submission of descriptive literature.