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Solicitation Types8 min readUpdated June 6, 2026

Special Notice: When the Government Is Telling the Market Something Specific

A guide to special notices, industry days, intent-to-award messages, sole-source signals, subcontracting notices, and what to do next.

Built for
Contractors tracking market signals that are not ordinary bid packages
By the end
Separate useful special notices from distractions and choose the right follow-up.
Field guide

Special notice triage

Industry event
Events can shape requirements before release.
Signal
The notice announces industry day, site visit, briefing, or engagement.
Response
Register, prepare questions, and capture buyer language.
Intent or sole source
Deadlines can be short and specific.
Signal
The notice states an intended noncompetitive action or limited source.
Response
Read the basis and decide whether a capability response or protest-path review is appropriate.
Information update
The useful action may be monitoring, not writing.
Signal
The notice shares documents, draft material, or status.
Response
Track it to the related opportunity or future solicitation.
Part 1

Special notice is not one thing

A special notice can cover several situations. It might announce an industry event, intent to award sole source, draft document, subcontracting opportunity, meeting, or procurement update.

The right move is to classify the notice's purpose before reacting.

Part 2

Look for the action requested

Some special notices ask vendors to respond with capability by a deadline. Others simply announce information. Read for verbs: register, respond, submit capability, comment, attend, follow, or no action required.

Part 3

Use special notices for market timing

Even when there is no bid due, special notices can reveal buyer priorities, upcoming programs, incumbent direction, and acquisition timing. Capture teams should treat them as signals.

Examples

What this looks like in practice

ExampleIndustry day special notice

An agency posts a special notice announcing an upcoming industry day for a major recompete. The response is not a proposal. The opportunity is learning the buyer's language, team needs, likely acquisition path, and timeline.

Frequently asked questions

Is a special notice a solicitation?

Not necessarily. It depends on what the notice asks vendors to do.

Can a special notice announce sole-source intent?

Yes, special notices can be used for intent or market messages related to noncompetitive actions.

Should I respond to every special notice?

No. Respond when the notice asks for a response or when the event or signal fits your target market.