Can an offeror's proposal be considered if it arrives late due to getting lost?

In the context of federal contracting regulations, a proposal that arrives late is generally not considered for evaluation. This principle is rooted in the need for a fair and transparent procurement process, ensuring that all offerors have an equal opportunity to compete for contracts. The regulations stipulate that proposals must be submitted by the specified closing time, and late submissions are typically disqualified, regardless of the reasons for the delay, including situations where a proposal may have been lost in transit.

The intention behind this strict adherence to submission deadlines is to maintain integrity in the procurement system. Allowing late proposals, even with justification, could lead to potential favoritism or inequities among offerors, undermining public trust in the process. The rules are explicitly designed to avoid such scenarios and to provide clear expectations for all participants. Hence, if a proposal arrives after the closing time, it cannot be considered, which aligns with the guiding principles of fairness and consistency in federal acquisitions.