With certain limited exceptions, purchases
exceeding $50,000 are required by the ABOR University Procurement Code to be awarded
as a result of sealed competitive bids (RFB) or proposals (RFP). In accordance
with ABOR
University Procurement Code 3-803 (C)(1), The University Director of Procurement
and Contracting Services has determined that the competitive proposal process (RFP)
is in the best interests of the University and is the better means of promoting
fair and open procurement for the following reasons:
1) Observation that bidding only based on the
low bid dollar amount often results in acquisition of lower quality of goods;
2) Price competition alone does not necessarily
result in fair competition or favorable pricing;
3) Awards based on comparative evaluation of
price, quality, performance capability and other qualitative factors will
prove the most advantageous to the University;
4) Prior procurement experience indicates that
competitive sealed proposals usually result in contracts that better serve the University's
interests.
Therefore, all University purchases which exceed an aggregate dollar amount of $50,000
will be awarded in accordance with a sealed competitive proposal (RFP) process EXCEPT
when the sole determining factor in such selection process is pricing.
For procurements not exceeding an aggregate dollar amount of $25,000, the type and
amount of competition necessary to select a supplier will be determined by the Procurement
and Contracting Services Buyer. The Buyer's professional determination of the type
and amount of competition necessary to select a supplier need not be documented,
unless the supplier is not a Small Business.
For procurements exceeding an aggregate
dollar amount of $25,000 and not exceeding $50,000, the Buyer shall conduct an informal
solicitation (i.e., fax, phone, email, or written) to a minimum of three vendors.
Only Small Businesses shall be included in the solicitation, unless it is determined
impracticable by the Buyer and so documented.
