1. "Bid sample" means a product sample required to be submitted by a bidder to show those characteristics of the offered products that cannot adequately be described by specifications, purchase descriptions, or the invitation for bid (e.g., balance, facility of use, or pattern).

2. Bidders must furnish bid samples as part of the bid. The Government must receive the bid samples by the time specified in the invitation for bids. If the bidder fails to submit samples on time, the Government will reject the bid, except that the Contracting Officer will consider a late sample sent by mail under the Late Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals of Bids provision of this solicitation.

3. The Government will test or evaluate bid samples to determine compliance with all the characteristics listed for examination in this solicitation. The Government will reject the bid when the sample fails to conform to the required characteristics. Products delivered under any resulting contract must conform to—

   1. The approved sample for the characteristics listed for test or evaluation; and

   2. The specifications for all other characteristics.

4. Unless otherwise specified in the solicitation, bid samples shall be—

   1. Submitted at no expense to the Government; and

   2. Returned at the bidder's request and expense, unless they are destroyed during preaward testing.

(End of provision)