D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 7, r. 7-1602

Current through Register Vol. 71, No. 43, October 25, 2024

Rule 7-1602 - PROCUREMENT PLANNING AND MARKET RESEARCH

1602.1

The Board shall perform procurement planning and conduct market research to promote and provide for full and open competition with due regard to the nature of the goods and services to be acquired.

1602.2

When full and open competition is not required by these Rules, the Board shall perform procurement planning and conduct market research to obtain competition to the maximum extent practicable.

1602.3

The Board shall develop an annual procurement plan outlining the Board's anticipated procurement needs for the upcoming fiscal year. Generally, procurement planning shall begin as soon as a need is identified and preferably well in advance of the fiscal year in which the contract award is needed. For each solicitation, Board's Procurement Office may seek input and advice from Board employees or consultants who will be responsible for significant aspects of the procurement, such as technical, financial, and legal personnel.

1602.4

Before issuing a solicitation or making a purchase, the Board shall:

(a) Estimate the likely cost of the proposed procurement and confirm that adequate funds are available; and

(b) Conduct appropriate market research and establish the Board's minimum needs.

1602.5

Market research is used to familiarize the Board with the current market for the goods or services it seeks and to develop an appropriate strategy for conducting procurements that promote full and open competition. The extent of market research will vary depending on factors such as urgency, size and complexity of the proposed procurement, and the Board's existing knowledge of the market based on its own experience or the experience of its key personnel in procuring similar goods or services.

1602.6

In conducting market research, generally, the Board should seek information regarding the:

(a) Customary practices in the relevant market;

(b) Prospective bidders or offerors that may be able to supply the goods or services;

(c) Benchmarks available to determine the estimated cost for goods or services and evaluate the reasonableness of prices/costs proposed by bidders and offerors; and

(d) Requirements of any law, regulation, or governance structure unique to the procurement.

D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 7, r. 7-1602

Notice of Final Rulemaking published at 57 DCR 12594, 12596 (December 31, 2010); amended by Final Rulemaking published at 68 DCR 63 (1/7/2022)

Authority: The District of Columbia Retirement Board (the Board), pursuant to the authority set forth in section 121(i) of the District of Columbia Retirement Reform Act of 1979 ( Pub. L. 96-122, 93 Stat. 866 (Nov. 17, 1979) (codified at D.C. Official Code § 1-711(i) (2001)) (the Reform Act).