R131-4-401A. Multi-Step Sealed Bidding

(1) When it is considered impractical to prepare initially a purchase description to support an award based on price, an invitation for bids may be issued requesting the submission of unpriced offers (statement of qualifications) to be followed by an invitation for bids limited to those bidders whose offers have been qualified under the criteria set forth in the first solicitation.

(2) Description. Multi-step sealed bidding is a two-phase process. In the first phase, bidders shall submit a statement of qualifications to be evaluated. In the second phase, bidders whose statement of qualifications are determined to be acceptable during the first phase shall be invited to submit price bids.

(3) Use. Multi-step sealed bidding may be used when the executive director deems it to be in the interest of the state.

(4) Procedure for First Phase. The first phase shall be processed in accordance with the notice, substance and procedural requirements of a request for proposal under R131-4-408.

(5) The second phase shall be processed in accordance with the applicable substance and procedural requirements of a competitive sealed bid under R131-4-401. No public notice will be provided for this invitation.