R33-5. Other Standard Procurement Processes  


R33-5-101. Request for Information
Latest version.

In addition to the requirements of Part 5 of the Utah Procurement Code, a Request for Information should indicate the procedure for business confidentiality claims and other protections provided by the Utah Government Records and Access Management Act.

R33-5-104. Small Purchases
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  (1) Small purchases shall be conducted in accordance with the requirements set forth in Section 63G-6a-506. This administrative rule provides additional requirements and procedures and must be used in conjunction with the Procurement Code.

  (2)(a) Unless otherwise required as part of another standard procurement process being used pursuant to the small purchase rule, small purchases conducted under this rule do not require a solicitation or public notice.

  (b) As set forth in the definition of "solicitation" in Utah Code 63G-6a-103, the small purchase standard procurement process does not require a solicitation to be conducted;

  (i) 63G-6a-103 "Solicitation" means an invitation for bids, request for proposals, request for statement of qualifications, or request for information.

  (3) Small Purchase thresholds:

  (a) The "Individual Procurement" threshold is a maximum amount of $1,000 for a procurement item;

  (i) For individual procurement item(s) costing up to $1,000, a procurement unit may select the best source by direct award and without seeking competitive bids or quotes.

  (b) The single procurement aggregate threshold is a maximum amount of $5,000 for multiple procurement item(s) purchased from one source at one time; and

  (c) The annual cumulative threshold from the same source is a maximum amount of $50,000.

  (4) Whenever practicable, the Division of Purchasing and General Services and procurement units shall use a rotation system or other system designed to allow for competition when using the small purchases process.


R33-5-105. Small Purchases Threshold for Design Professional Services
Latest version.

  (1) The small purchase threshold for design professional services is a maximum amount of $100,000.

  (2) Design professional services may be procured up to a maximum of $100,000, by direct negotiation after reviewing the qualifications of a minimum of three design professional firms.

  (3)(a) Approved Vendor List: In order to ensure the fair and equitable treatment of all vendors on an approved vendor list, a procurement unit shall when using this rule in conjunction with an approved vendor list, select a minimum of three design professional firms from the approved vendor list using one or more of the following methods:

  (i) A rotation system, organized alphabetically, numerically, or randomly;

  (ii) Assignment of vendors to a specified geographic area;

  (iii) Assignment of vendors based on each vendor's particular expertise or field; or

  (iv) Another method approved by the chief procurement officer or head of a procurement unit with independent procurement authority;

  (b) After selecting a minimum of three firms from the approved vendor list using one of the methods specified in Subsection (3)(a), the procurement unit shall rank the firms in order and begin fee negotiations, up to $100,000, with the highest ranked firm. If an agreement cannot be reached with the highest ranked firm, the procurement unit shall move to the next highest ranked firm and so on until a fee agreement is reached;

  (c) If a fee agreement cannot be reached with the first group of firms selected, the procurement unit may select additional firms from the approved vendor list using the same process set forth in subsection (3)(a) and (b) or the procurement unit may cancel the procurement;

  (d) Each procurement unit using an approved vendor list under this rule shall document that all vendors on the approved vendor list have a fair and equitable opportunity to obtain a contract;

  (4) A procurement unit shall include minimum specifications when using the small purchase threshold for design professional services.

  (5) Executive Branch procurement units, to the extent they do not have independent procurement authority, shall involve the Division of Purchasing in the qualification process described under Section 63G-6a-410, the approved vendor list process described under Section 63G-6a-507, and the evaluation and fee negotiation process described in Part 15 of the Utah Procurement Code in the procurement of design professional services.

  (6) A procurement unit using this rule must comply with the following:

  (a) Utah Code 63G-6a-506(8) -- Prohibition against dividing a procurement into one or more smaller procurements;

  (b) Utah Code 63G-6a, Part 24 -- Unlawful Conduct and Penalties;

  (c) R33-24-104 -- Socialization with Vendors and Contractors;

  (d) R33-24-105 -- Financial Conflict of Interests Prohibited;

  (e) R33-24-106 -- Personal Relationship, Favoritism, or Bias Participation Prohibitions; and

  (f) All other applicable laws and rules.


R33-5-106. 5. Small Purchases Threshold for Construction Projects Using An Approved Vendor List
Latest version.

  (1) The small construction project threshold per individual project using an approved vendor list is a maximum of $2,500,000 for direct construction costs, including design and allowable furniture or equipment costs;

  (2) Approved Vendor List: In order to ensure the fair and equitable treatment of all vendors on an approved vendor list, a procurement unit shall:

  (a) For individual construction projects up to a maximum of $25,000 contract with a vendor/contractor by direct award using one of the following methods to select the vendor/contractor:

  (i) A rotation system, organized alphabetically, numerically, or randomly;

  (ii) Assignment of vendors to a specified geographic area;

  (iii) Assignment of vendors based on each vendor's particular expertise or field; or

  (iv) Another method approved by the chief procurement officer or head of a procurement unit with independent procurement authority;

  (b) For individual construction projects over $25,000 up to a maximum of $100,000 by obtaining a minimum of two competitive quotes from vendors/contractors on the approved vendor list;

  (i) Procurement units shall use one of the following methods to select vendors from whom quotes are obtained:

  (A) A rotation system, organized alphabetically, numerically, or randomly;

  (B) Assignment of vendors to a specified geographic area;

  (C) Assignment of vendors based on each vendor's particular expertise or field; or

  (D) Another method approved by the chief procurement officer or head of a procurement unit with independent procurement authority;

  (ii) When using one of the methods listed in Subsection (2)(b) to select vendors to provide quotes, a procurement unit may also obtain an additional quote from the vendor that provided the lowest quote on the most recently completed procurement conducted by the procurement unit using the approved vendor list;

  (iii) When quotes or bids are obtained under subsection (2)(b), procurement units shall purchase the procurement item from the vendor/contractor on the approved vendor list that provides the lowest quote for the procurement item; or

  (c) For individual construction projects over $100,000 up to a maximum of $2.5 million, by inviting all vendors/contractors on the approved vendor list to submit bids in accordance with the provisions set forth in Utah Code 63G-6a, Part 6, except public notice requirements in Part 6 are waived.


R33-5-107. Quotes for Small Purchases from $1,001 to $50,000
Latest version.

  (1) For procurement item(s) where the cost is greater than $1,000 but up to a maximum of $5,000, a procurement unit shall obtain a minimum of two competitive quotes that include minimum specifications and shall purchase the procurement item from the responsible vendor offering the lowest quote that meets the specifications.

  (2) For procurement item(s) where the cost is greater than $5,000 up to a maximum of $50,000, a procurement unit with independent procurement authority or the Division of Purchasing and General Services on behalf of an executive branch procurement unit without independent procurement authority, as applicable, shall obtain a minimum of two competitive quotes that include minimum specifications and shall purchase the procurement item from the responsible vendor offering the lowest quote that meets the specifications.

  (3) For procurement item(s) costing over $50,000, a procurement unit with independent procurement authority or the Division of Purchasing and General Services on behalf of an executive branch procurement unit without independent procurement authority, as applicable, shall conduct an invitation for bids or other procurement process outlined in the Utah Procurement Code.

  (4) Limited Purchasing Delegation for Small Purchases. The Division of Purchasing and General Services may delegate limited purchasing authority for small purchases costing more than $5,000 up to a maximum of $50,000, to an executive branch procurement unit provided that the executive branch procurement unit enters into an agreement with the Division outlining the duties and responsibilities of the unit to comply with applicable laws, rules, policies and other requirements of the Division.

  (5) The names of the vendors offering quotations and bids and the date and amount of each quotation or bid shall be recorded and maintained as a governmental record.

  (6) A procurement unit using this rule must comply with the following:

  (a) Utah Code 63G-6a-506(8) -- Prohibition against dividing a procurement into one or more smaller procurements;

  (b) Utah Code 63G-6a, Part 24 -- Unlawful Conduct and Penalties;

  (c) R33-24-104 -- Socialization with Vendors and Contractors;

  (d) R33-24-105 -- Financial Conflict of Interests Prohibited;

  (e) R33-24-106 -- Personal Relationship, Favoritism, or Bias Participation Prohibitions; and

  (f) All other applicable laws and rules.

  (7)(a) Approved Vendor List: In order to ensure the fair and quitable treatment of all vendors on an approved vendor list, a procurement unit shall, when using this rule in conjunction with an approved vendor list, obtain a minimum of two quotes from vendors on the approved vendor list using one or more of the following methods to select vendors from whom to obtain quotes:

  (i) A rotation system, organized alphabetically, numerically, or randomly;

  (ii) Assignment of vendors to a specified geographic area;

  (iii) Assignment of vendors based on each vendor's particular expertise or field;or

  (iv) Another method approved by the chief procurement officer or head of a procurement unit with independent procurement authority;

  (b) Each procurement unit using an approved vendor list under this rule shall document that all vendors on the approved vendor list have a fair and equitable opportunity to obtain a contract;

  (c) When using one of the methods listed in Subsection (7)(a) to select vendors to provide quotes, a procurement unit may also obtain an additional quote from the vendor that provided the lowest quote on the most recently completed procurement conducted by the procurement unit using the approved vendor list;

  (d) Whenever practicable, procurement units may obtain quotes from all vendors on an approved vendor list; and

  (e) Procurement units shall purchase the procurement item from the vendor on the approved vendor list that provides the lowest quote for the procurement item.


R33-5-108. Small Purchases of Professional Service Providers and Consultants
Latest version.

  (1) The small purchase threshold for professional service providers and consultants is a maximum amount of $100,000.

  (2) Professional service providers and consultants may be procured up to a maximum of $100,000, by direct negotiation after reviewing the qualifications of a minimum of three firms or individuals.

  (3)(a) Approved Vendor List: In order to ensure the fair and equitable treatment of all vendors on an approved vendor list, a procurement unit shall, when using this rule in conjunction with an approved vendor list, select a minimum of three professional service providers or consultants from the approved vendor list using one or more of the following methods:

  (i) A rotation system, organized alphabetically, numerically, or randomly;

  (ii) Assignment of vendors to a specified geographic area;

  (iii) Assignment of vendors based on each vendor's particular expertise or field;

  (iv) Another method approved by the chief procurement officer or head of a procurement unit with independent procurement authority;

  (b) After selecting a minimum of three firms or individuals from the approved vendor list using one of the methods specified in Subsection (3)(a), the procurement unit shall rank the firms or individuals in order and award a contract via direct award up to $100,000 to the highest ranked firm or individual.

  (4) Executive Branch procurement units, to the extent they do not have independent procurement authority, shall involve the Division of Purchasing at the beginning of the quote or solicitation process, in the procurement of professional services or consulting services.

  (5) A procurement unit using this rule must comply with the following:

  (a) Utah Code 63G-6a-506(8) -- Prohibition against dividing a procurement into one or more smaller procurements;

  (b) Utah Code 63G-6a, Part 24 -- Unlawful Conduct and Penalties;

  (c) R33-24-104 -- Socialization with Vendors and Contractors;

  (d) R33-24-105 -- Financial Conflict of Interests Prohibited;

  (e) R33-24-106 -- Personal Relationship, Favoritism, or Bias Participation Prohibitions;

  (f) R33-4-103(3) -- Persons with a conflict of interest, or who anticipate responding to the proposal for which the specifications are written, may not participate in writing specifications; and

  (g) All other applicable laws and rules.


R33-5-202. Contract Award Based on Established Terms
Latest version.

  (1) In accordance with Section 63G-6a-113 and 507(6)(b), a procurement unit may award a contract to a vendor on an approved vendor list at an established price based on:

  (a) A price list, rate schedule, or pricing catalog:

  (i) Submitted by a vendor and accepted by the procurement unit; or

  (ii) Mandated by the procurement unit or a federal agency; or

  (b) A federal regulation for a health and human services program.

  (2) Established terms submitted by vendors on an approved vendor list:

  (a) When awarding a contract to an approved vendor based on a price list, rate schedule, or pricing catalog submitted by the vendor, the procurement unit shall, as applicable:

  (i) Assign work or purchase from the approved vendor with the lowest price, rate or catalog price;

  (A) In case of a tie for the lowest price, the procurement unit shall follow the process described in Section R33-6-111 to resolve tie; and

  (B) If the lowest-cost approved vendor cannot provide the procurement item or quantity needed, then work shall be assigned or the purchase made from the next lowest-cost vendor, and so on, until the procurement unit's needs are met;

  (ii) Establish a cost threshold based on cost analysis as set forth in Section R33-12-603 and 604, and assign work or purchase from an approved vendor meeting the cost threshold using one of the following methods:

  (A) A rotation system, organized alphabetically, numerically, or randomly;

  (B) Assignment of vendors to a specified geographic area;

  (C) Assignment of vendors based on each vendor's particular expertise or field; or

  (D) Another method approved by the chief procurement officer or head of a procurement unit with independent procurement authority; and

  (iii) In accordance with Section 63G-6a-1206.5, an approved vendor may lower its price, rate, or catalog price at any time during the time a contract is in effect in order to be assigned work or receive purchases under Subsections (i) and (ii).

  (3) Established terms mandated by procurement unit or federal agency:

  (a) When awarding a contract to an approved vendor based on a price list, rate schedule, or pricing catalog mandated by the procurement unit or a federal agency, the procurement unit shall use one of the following methods to assign work or purchase from a vendor on an approved vendor list:

  (i) A rotation system, organized alphabetically, numerically, or randomly;

  (ii) Assignment of vendors to a specified geographic area;

  (iii) Assignment of vendors based on each vendor's particular expertise or field; or

  (iv) Another method approved by the chief procurement officer or head of a procurement unit with independent procurement authority;

  (4) When awarding a contract to an approved vendor based on a price list, rate schedule, or pricing catalog based on a federal regulation for a health and human services program the procurement unit shall follow the requirements set forth in the applicable federal regulation to assign work or make a purchase.

  (5) In accordance with the provisions set forth in Section 63G-6a-2105, the chief procurement officer may award a contract(s) to vendors on an approved vendor list on a statewide, regional, or combined statewide and regional basis.


R33-5-203. Performance Rating System for Vendors on an Approved Vendor List
Latest version.

  (1) A procurement unit may develop a performance rating system to evaluate the performance of vendors on an approved vendor list, provided the performance rating system is described in the Request for Statement of Qualifications used to establish the approved vendor list. and includes:

  (a) The minimum performance rating threshold that approved vendors must achieve in order to remain on the approved vendor list; and

  (b) A statement indicating that vendors whose performance does not meet the minimum performance rating threshold may be disqualified and removed from the approved vendor list.

  (2) A procurement unit that disqualifies and removes a vendor from an approved vendor list shall:

  (a) Make a written finding that:

  (i) Describes the performance rating system;

  (ii) Identifies the minimum performance rating threshold; and

  (iii) Explains the performance rating achieved by the disqualified vendor; and

  (b) Provide a copy of the written finding to the disqualified vendor.


R33-5-204. Approved Vendor Lists -- Using Small Purchase Process
Latest version.

  (1) When awarding a contract to an approved vendor using the small purchasing process, the procurement unit shall follow the small purchase requirements set forth in Section 63G-6a-506 and the following Administrative Rules as applicable:

  (a) Section R33-5-104. Small Purchases

  (b) Section R33-5-105. Small Purchases Threshold for Design Professional Services;

  (c) Section R33-5-106. Small Purchases Threshold for Construction Projects;

  (d) Section R33-5-107. Quotes for Small Purchases from $1,001, to $50,000;

  (e) Section R33-5-108. Small Purchases of Professional Service Providers and Consultants;

  (2) Executive branch employees are required to use state contracts for all small purchases for procurement items available on state contract.