Under negotiated procedures, solicitations are known as what?

Under negotiated procedures, solicitations are referred to as Requests for Proposals (RFPs). This terminology is used because RFPs are specifically designed to solicit proposals from suppliers to address a particular need or to achieve a defined outcome. In a negotiated procurement process, the emphasis is on obtaining proposals that provide the best value, which often requires discussion, negotiation, and clarification throughout the selection process.

RFPs allow contracting entities to gather detailed information concerning proposed solutions, methodologies, and pricing, enabling them to evaluate multiple factors beyond just the cost. Other terms such as Offers pertain more to the response from suppliers rather than the solicitation itself, while Invitations for Bids typically signify a more structured process where the criteria are strictly defined, and the focus is more on obtaining competitive prices rather than negotiations. Lastly, Purchase Orders represent an agreement to buy goods or services and follow after the selection process is completed. Therefore, the specific terminology of Requests for Proposals accurately captures the nature of solicitations under negotiated procedures.