Who is responsible for developing a solicitation?

The responsibility for developing a solicitation primarily lies with the Buyer, which typically refers to the entity seeking to procure goods or services, such as a government agency or private organization. The Buyer must establish clear requirements and objectives to ensure that the solicitation accurately reflects the needs of the organization.

In a government context, the Government often acts as the Buyer and has specific procedures and regulations that must be followed in creating solicitations. This includes defining the scope of work, the evaluation criteria, and any legal requirements for potential Contractors who will respond to the solicitation. The Buyer must ensure that the solicitation process is transparent, fair, and compliant with applicable laws and regulations.

While the Seller, who is the Contractor or supplier responding to the solicitation, may provide input or seek clarification on the requirements, the onus of drafting the solicitation and defining what is needed rests with the Buyer. This delineation of roles is essential to ensure that the requirements are appropriately communicated and that the procurement process operates smoothly and effectively.