R850-11-450. Bidding Procedures - Large Contracts

  1. For procurements anticipated to exceed $50,000, except for procurements of professional or legal services undertaken pursuant to R850-11-300, the agency shall prepare a written request for proposals (RFP) or invitation to bid describing information required by the agency in evaluating the proposal, which may include a description of the services required, a statement of the provider's experience and qualifications, any performance schedule or deadlines, billing rates, bid specifications, and other information relevant to the particular project.

  2. The responsible agency staff member shall seek to obtain at least three written responses to the RFP. Consideration shall be given to publishing the RFP in a newspaper of general circulation or otherwise advertising the RFP to elicit additional responses from potential providers.

  3. The provider offering the lowest bid shall be selected unless the director makes a written determination, supported by detailed reasons, that a provider submitting a higher bid is better qualified to provide the particular services being procured by the agency.