There have been inconsistencies among contractors and Government oversight agencies in applying the requirements of the FAR cost principle on Bid and Proposal Costs (see FAR 31.205-18).
Source: PNWC’s Government Contracting Update: When Can Bid and Proposal (B&P) Spending Begin?
New Regulation Formalizes Ombudsman Practice and Identity for IDIQ Contracts
An ‘ombudsman’ is an official charged with addressing and/or investigating the interests of individuals’ or companies’