Federal Contracting Glossary
Debriefing
The agency's post-award explanation to an offeror of how its proposal was evaluated and why it was not selected.
Definition
A debriefing is the agency's explanation of how an offeror's proposal fared. In negotiated procurements under FAR Part 15, unsuccessful offerors who request one in time are entitled to a post-award debrief covering the evaluation of their proposal, the overall standing, and the rationale for award — though agencies need not disclose competitors' proprietary information.
Debriefs are both a learning tool and the trigger for protest timing. The Department of Defense uses "enhanced debriefings," which let the offeror submit follow-up questions the agency must answer, and the debriefing is not concluded until those answers are delivered. Because the protest clock and the automatic-stay deadline run from the debrief, its timing is legally significant.
How this affects your proposal
Always request a debrief in writing within the deadline — it sharpens your next proposal and is often where protest grounds surface. Track the dates: the protest clock and stay window run from the debriefing.
Common questions about debriefing
Am I entitled to a debriefing?
In FAR Part 15 negotiated procurements, unsuccessful offerors who request one within the required time are generally entitled to a debrief. Simplified acquisitions and many order buys have lighter rules.
What is a DoD "enhanced debriefing"?
A DoD process that lets a debriefed offeror submit follow-up questions within two business days; the agency must answer, and the debriefing is not concluded — so the protest deadline does not start — until it does.
Related terms
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