How do I decide whether to bid?

By Matt Pettijohn · Reviewed September 14, 2026

A bid decision should separately assess eligibility, delivery capability, opportunity-specific financial capacity, and the ability to produce a complete response before the deadline.

Use four review questions

• Are we allowed to pursue? Review participation restrictions, representations, registrations, and any set-aside qualifications.
• Can we perform? Compare the full scope, quantities, schedule, geography, authorizations, and required qualifications with documented resources.
• Can we fund delivery? Record when suppliers need payment, when invoices may be accepted and paid, and the evidence behind any proposed funding path.
• Can we respond properly? Verify the response deadline and timezone, submission method, required files, evaluation factors, and amendment instructions.

Keep unknowns visible

A missing fact is a research task. Do not treat an assumed supplier commitment or favorable AI summary as supporting evidence. Record the source and the remaining condition.

Choose a documented disposition

Go, Go with conditions, Research first, and No-Go are useful internal dispositions. State why you chose one and what would change the decision. Completing a capability-development task does not automatically establish readiness for a specific solicitation.

Review the proposed partner role

Subcontracting and supply arrangements require opportunity-specific review. If FAR 52.219-14 applies, review its limits and applicable treatment of subcontractors. Record the work split and commitment evidence rather than assuming a partner removes a blocker.