The solicitations website offers an easy place to find, read and apply to open solicitations. If you do intend to be bound without a formal written agreement, be explicit about stating offers, acceptances or specific agreements.Email as "Signed Writing". The written memorandum shall be filed in the office of the Purchasing Officer and a written contract shall be filed in the office of the Controller. Our agent said that it doesn't matter if a binder is in place, because other offers can still be made and accepted during this time. The general rule is that a contract is effective when both parties agree (ie, sign the Agreement of Sale) AND acceptance is communicated to the offering party. It seems clear to me that there was here no offer, no acceptance of an offer, and no contract. When one agrees to a contractual agreement, he or she should focus on the clause selecting the forum for potential future disputes.