How many proposals did the Navy receive in response to its RFP?

• A. Three
• B. Six
• C. Eight
• D. Five

Answer: (D)

Number of proposals received shapes how the procurement team plans and conducts the evaluation. Five proposals give a healthy level of competition while keeping the workload manageable. With five responses, evaluators can apply the defined criteria across price, performance, and risk, make meaningful tradeoffs, and still keep the award timeline realistic.

If there were only a few proposals, competition might be too limited to ensure best value. If there were many more, the evaluation process becomes more time-consuming and complex, increasing the chance of delays or inconsistencies. Five strikes a practical balance, supporting a fair, thorough, and timely selection.