True or False: Discussions take place after the establishment of the competitive range.

The statement is true because discussions in the context of competitive range occur after proposals have been evaluated to identify which bidders are considered realistic contenders for contract award. Once the competitive range is established, agencies may engage in discussions with those offerors to clarify aspects of their proposals, assess their willingness to amend terms, and gather more detailed information as needed.

This process is crucial for ensuring that the government can make informed decisions about contract awards. Discussions are designed to enhance the proposals and ultimately lead to the best value for the procurement. Engaging in discussions after the competitive range helps the procuring agency to refine their understanding of the proposals and offers, ensuring that necessary adjustments can be made for optimal outcomes.

In contrast, discussions would not typically take place before the competitive range is identified, as there would be a larger pool of proposals to evaluate first. Hence, establishing the competitive range is a prerequisite for meaningful and focused discussions.