The pre-award phase encompasses all activities leading up to the formal execution of a contract. From the seller's perspective, this phase is critical and includes identifying business opportunities, analyzing solicitations, making the strategic "bid/no-bid" decision, and dedicating resources to prepare and submit a responsive proposal. These actions are prerequisites to being considered for the contract award and are completed before the award phase begins. The buyer conducts parallel pre-award activities, such as acquisition planning and solicitation.

B. Per-process-award: This is not a standard, recognized term within the official contract management lifecycle framework.

C. Award: This phase is the specific point in time when the contract is formally awarded to the selected seller, following the evaluation of proposals.

D. Post-award: This phase commences after the contract is signed and involves all activities related to contract administration, performance management, and closeout.

1. National Contract Management Association. (2019). Contract Management Body of Knowledge (CMBOK) (6th ed.). Section 2.2, "Selling Process," describes the seller's activities, including the bid/no-bid decision and proposal development, as part of the pre-award phase of the contract lifecycle.

2. Garrett, G. A. (2007). World-Class Contracting (4th ed.). CCH Incorporated. Chapter 3, "The Acquisition Life Cycle," pp. 3-1 to 3-4, details the pre-award phase, which includes the seller's proposal preparation efforts in response to the buyer's solicitation.

3. Defense Acquisition University (DAU). (n.d.). Contracting Life Cycle Chart. The chart clearly delineates "Pre-Award" as the initial phase, which includes the development and submission of offers by industry in response to government solicitations. This is a foundational concept in federal acquisition education.