FAR 2.101 defines a Preaward Survey as “an evaluation of a prospective contractor’s capability to perform a proposed contract.” The purpose of a Preaward Survey is to obtain information not available to the contracting officer to make a responsibility determination prior to contract award. While there are several types of reports that come under the category of Preaward Survey, the Standard Form 1408 (SF1408) is the Preaward Survey of Prospective Contractor—Accounting System.
Source: FAR 2.101 / DAU