PursuitScope

Practical pursuit checklist

Public Procurement Early-Signal Checklist

Use this checklist to turn a public clue into a traceable monitoring decision. A signal should have a source, date, stage, fit, route, uncertainty, and next action.

Reviewed September 14, 2026 · PursuitScope Intelligence

Capture the source and signal

Save the official URL, document title, publishing entity, publication or meeting date, project name, location, and exact passage supporting the signal.

  • Capital plan, budget, grant, or agenda
  • Forecast, design action, or project page
  • Sources Sought, RFI, draft, or pre-solicitation notice
  • Solicitation, addendum, planholder, result, award, or contract record

Grade fit and readiness

Check trade scope, geography, project size, capacity, licenses, bonding, delivery method, set-aside or prequalification, funding, design status, and anticipated timing. Mark facts, inferences, and unknowns separately.

Name the route and next evidence

Identify the agency, prime, incumbent, awardee, contract holder, construction manager, or purchasing path that may control access. Choose a proportionate action and a date to re-check the evidence.

  • Bid or qualify
  • Respond through the stated channel
  • Research or contact a relevant prime
  • Monitor a milestone
  • Pass with a documented reason

Official sources

Use the current official notice and attachments as the controlling source for any procurement decision.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum evidence for an early signal?

At minimum, keep a dated official source that identifies the project or requirement and supports the stage you assign.

How should unknowns be handled?

Label them explicitly and choose a source or milestone that could resolve them.

When should a signal be excluded?

Exclude or defer it when known scope, geography, eligibility, capacity, timing, or route makes the opportunity impractical for the company.

Related guides

Request a company-fit sample

Return to the contractor answer center