Which activities are included in the pre-award phase of contracting?

The pre-award phase of contracting primarily focuses on the activities that occur before a contract is finalized. This phase is critical for ensuring that all necessary information is gathered to make informed decisions about which contractor to select.

Need identification is the initial step where the specific requirements for goods or services are established. This ensures that the contracting authority knows exactly what is needed, laying the foundation for the entire process. Following this, market research is conducted to identify potential vendors and assess the market landscape. This research helps in understanding available solutions and in determining which contractors can fulfill the identified needs effectively.

The solicitation of offers is the next pivotal step, where formal requests for proposals or quotations are issued to potential vendors. This allows the contracting authority to gather specific bids based on the established requirements, leading to an informed selection of a contractor.

In contrast, the other activities mentioned in the other choices do not fall within the scope of the pre-award phase. Performance evaluations and contractor selection occur after proposals have been received and assessed. Contract review and execution happen after a contractor has been chosen, while project completion and contract closure take place well after the contract is awarded and fulfilled.