R926-10-9. Evaluation and Ranking of Proposals; Discussions with Proposers; Revised Proposals

(1) The Department shall conduct proposal evaluations and rank the proposals according to the criteria and relative weightings set forth in the RFP. The Department may adopt either of the following approaches in evaluation of proposals and selection of a proposer for negotiations or award:

(a) A cost-based approach, with the proposals evaluated first to determine whether the proposers meet qualification requirements and have submitted responsive proposals, in which case the qualifying proposal that offers the lowest cost to the state would be ranked the highest. If this approach is used, the RFP shall specify minimum requirements for responsiveness.

(b) A best value approach, whereby the Department evaluates proposals received and determines which proposal is the most advantageous to the State.

(2) The Department may request clarifications and additional information from proposers prior to selection, with or without requesting revised proposals.

(3) If the Department wishes to request revised proposals prior to selection, it may enter into discussions with the proposers or may issue the request for revised proposals without discussions. Discussions may be oral or in writing and may be conducted individually or in a group. If discussions are held with one proposer, they must be held with all short-listed proposers that submitted responsive proposals. If revised proposals are requested they will be the basis for selection and will be evaluated as stated in the request for revised proposals. If a proposer fails to submit a response to a request for revised proposals, its original proposal shall remain in full force and effect.