(a) The contracting officer must place the provision entitled
“Caution to Bidders-Bid Envelopes,” as set forth in 852.214-70, in all invitations for bids where bid submissions are by other than electronic means.
(b) In an invitation for bid for supplies, equipment, or services (other than construction), the contracting officer must define the extent to which VA will authorize and consider alternate bids. VA will consider for acceptance an alternate specified on construction projects only as a part of the basic item.
(1) When VA will consider an alternate item only if no bids or insufficient bids are received on an item desired, the contracting officer must include the provision set forth in 852.214-71, Restrictions on alternate item(s), in the invitation.
(2) When VA will consider an alternate item on an equal basis with the item specified, the contracting officer must include the provision set forth in 852.214-72, Alternate items, in the invitation.
(3) In addition to the provision referenced in paragraph (b)(1) or (2) of this section, the contracting officer must include the provision set forth in 852.214-73, Alternate packaging and packing, in the invitation when bids will be allowed on different packaging, unit designation, etc.
(c) When the contracting officer determines that samples are necessary to the proper awarding of a contract, the contracting officer must include the provision set forth in 852.214-74, Bid samples, in the solicitation, along with the provision in FAR 52.214-20, Bid samples.
