1. Solicitation Classification & Analysis
What it does:
Automatically classifies any solicitation as an RFQ, RFP, IFB, or other type, with confidence scoring and regulatory references.
Use Cases:
- Instantly understand the requirements and rules for any opportunity
- Avoid missteps in proposal preparation
- Train new staff on solicitation types
Solicitation Classification & Analysis
Instantly Understand Any Solicitation—Before You Make Costly Mistakes
One of the most common—and expensive—errors in government contracting is misunderstanding what type of solicitation you are responding to. Treating an RFQ like an RFP, or an IFB like a negotiated procurement, can lead to non-responsive proposals, wasted effort, or even disqualification.
ACE’s Solicitation Classification & Analysis capability removes that uncertainty. It automatically analyzes solicitation language and classifies the opportunity as an RFQ, RFP, IFB, or another solicitation type, while explaining why—with confidence scoring and regulatory references to support human review.
What This Feature Does
ACE reads and analyzes solicitation documents, excerpts, or draft language and determines:
- Solicitation type (RFQ, RFP, IFB, or Other)
- Confidence level in the classification
- Regulatory basis supporting the determination
- Key textual signals that influenced the classification
- Practical implications for proposal preparation and evaluation
Rather than relying on assumptions or titles alone, ACE evaluates the substance of the solicitation, not just its label.
Why Solicitation Classification Matters
In government contracting, the solicitation type determines:
- How offers are evaluated
- What pricing rules apply
- Whether discussions are allowed
- What FAR or state/local rules govern the process
- What makes a response responsive or acceptable
Misclassification can result in:
- Proposals that fail to meet minimum requirements
- Incorrect pricing formats
- Missing mandatory representations or certifications
- Protest vulnerability or evaluation errors
ACE helps prevent these outcomes by clarifying the rules before work begins.
How ACE Performs Solicitation Classification
1. Language and Structural Analysis
ACE evaluates the solicitation text for indicators such as:
- Use of terms like quotation, proposal, bid
- References to evaluation factors vs. responsiveness
- Mentions of discussions, tradeoffs, or negotiations
- Pricing instructions and award language
2. Regulatory Alignment
ACE ties its classification to applicable authorities, such as:
- FAR Part 13 (Simplified Acquisitions / RFQs)
- FAR Part 14 (Sealed Bidding / IFBs)
- FAR Part 15 (Contracting by Negotiation / RFPs)
- State and local procurement rules where applicable
3. Confidence Scoring
Each classification includes a confidence indicator to:
- Flag ambiguous or hybrid solicitations
- Signal when human review is especially important
- Support training and quality control
4. Practical Interpretation
Beyond labeling the solicitation, ACE explains:
- What the classification means for offerors
- How evaluation is likely to occur
- What mistakes to avoid when responding
Use Cases
Instantly Understand the Rules of Any Opportunity
Whether you receive a full solicitation or a short excerpt, ACE helps you quickly answer:
- Is this a quote, proposal, or sealed bid?
- Will there be discussions?
- Is this lowest price or best value?
This clarity allows teams to align effort, resources, and timelines correctly from the start.
Avoid Costly Proposal Preparation Mistakes
By correctly identifying the solicitation type, ACE helps you avoid:
- Over-engineering responses to RFQs
- Submitting narrative proposals when bids are required
- Misunderstanding evaluation criteria
- Pricing in a format inconsistent with the solicitation
This reduces rework, improves responsiveness, and increases competitiveness.
Train New Staff and Junior Practitioners
ACE serves as a built-in training tool for:
- New contracting professionals
- Proposal staff new to government work
- Program managers supporting acquisitions
When used in training mode, ACE:
- Explains why a solicitation is classified a certain way
- Points to relevant FAR or state references
- Highlights key phrases that signal solicitation type
This accelerates learning and reinforces correct acquisition thinking.
Common Scenarios Where ACE Adds Value
- Ambiguously titled solicitations (e.g., “Request for Proposal/Quote”)
- Simplified acquisitions near the SAT
- Hybrid or non-standard procurement methods
- State and local solicitations with unclear terminology
- Draft solicitations under development or review
Benefits at a Glance
- Speed: Immediate classification without manual research
- Accuracy: Substance-based analysis, not assumptions
- Compliance Awareness: Regulatory grounding for each decision
- Risk Reduction: Fewer non-responsive or misaligned submissions
- Training Value: Reinforces correct procurement fundamentals
Designed for Human Oversight
ACE does not replace the Contracting Officer or legal review. Instead, it:
- Provides structured, explainable analysis
- Flags ambiguity and risk
- Supports informed human decision-making
Disclaimer: Outputs require human expert validation and do not constitute legal advice.
Who Benefits from This Feature
- Contracting Officers and Specialists
- Proposal Managers and Capture Teams
- Small Businesses and First-Time Offerors
- Program and Technical Staff
- State and Local Procurement Professionals