Section 3-143-401 - Discussions with applicants allowed before submittal deadline(a) Before the submittal deadline, a purchasing agency may engage in discussions with applicants as provided in this section as often as the purchasing agency deems necessary or convenient.(b) Purpose of discussions. Discussions may be conducted under this section in order to promote understanding of a purchasing agency's requirements.(c) Procedure for conducting discussions. The purchasing agency shall establish procedures and schedules for conducting material discussions under this section that will insure the reasonably fair and equal treatment of all prospective applicants.(d) Modification or cancellation of request for proposals for material change. In response to matters raised during discussions conducted under this section, a purchasing agency may modify or cancel its request for proposals as provided herein. (1) If a proposed modification does not constitute a material change in the nature of the request for proposals, then the purchasing agency may issue a written addendum in accordance with section 3-143-301.(2) If a proposed modification does constitute a material change in the nature of the request for proposals, then the purchasing agency may cancel the request for proposals in accordance with section 3-143-613, and a new request for proposals may be issued.(e) Material change defined. For purposes of this section, a material change in the nature of a request for proposals is one that would alter a reasonable potential applicant's decision not to submit a proposal.(f) Confidentiality of proposed proposal contents. To prevent disclosure of proposed proposal contents to competing applicants, any information disclosed by the prospective applicant about their proposed proposal shall be confidential in accordance with section 3-143-604 during the course of any discussions conducted under this section.[Eff 6/19/99; am and comp JAN 23 2006] (Auth: HRS §§ 103F-106, 103F-402) (Imp: HRS § 103F-402)