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Request a bid debriefing

A debriefing is how you learn why your bid did not win and how it scored against the criteria. Ask for one promptly after award and you get feedback you can use on the next bid.

Enter the buyer and solicitation and copy a courteous, ready-to-send request letter.

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Enter the buyer and solicitation and we will draft a courteous debriefing-request letter you can copy, review, and send.

Last verified 2026-06-27

Why a debriefing is worth asking for

When you lose a bid, the evaluation holds the lessons. A debriefing tells you how your submission was scored, where it was strong, and where it fell short against the published criteria. That feedback is some of the most useful information you can get, because it comes straight from the people who scored you and points directly at what to fix next time.

Ask promptly and politely

Send your request soon after the award is announced. Many processes set a window for requesting a debriefing, so a prompt, courteous note protects your options and signals that you take the relationship seriously. Reference the solicitation, keep the tone professional, and offer to meet in whatever format suits the buyer.

The rules live in your solicitation

Who may request a debriefing and any deadlines that apply depend on the type of procurement and the terms of the specific solicitation. Federal solicitations covered by trade agreements generally allow unsuccessful bidders to request a debriefing; provincial and municipal processes set out their own debriefing provisions. Read your solicitation for the exact process and timing. This tool produces a starting template to review, not legal advice.

Common questions

What is a bid debriefing?

A debriefing is a meeting or written summary in which the buyer explains how your bid was evaluated, including the relative strengths and weaknesses of your submission against the published criteria. It helps you understand the decision and improve future bids.

When should I request a debriefing?

Request a debriefing promptly after the contract is awarded. Many procurement processes set a window for requesting one, so the sooner you ask the better. Your solicitation is the place to confirm the timing and the process that applies to your bid.

Can I get a debriefing on a provincial or municipal contract?

Often yes, but the rules vary by buyer. Provincial and municipal solicitations usually set out their own debriefing provisions. Check the solicitation for how and when to ask, then send a polite written request to the contact named in the document.

What should a debriefing request letter say?

Keep it short and courteous. Identify yourself and your company, reference the solicitation, note that the contract has been awarded, and ask for a debriefing on the evaluation of your bid and its relative strengths and weaknesses. Offer to meet at the buyer's convenience.

Is this debriefing request generator free?

Yes, free and no signup. It drafts a letter from the details you enter that you can copy and send. Treat the output as a starting template to review, not legal advice, and confirm the process in your solicitation.

After the award

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