12 Miss. Code. R. 9-3.4
An Invitation for Bids ("IFB") is the statutorily preferred method of procurement. The Agency provides a detailed scope of services and the minimally acceptable vendor qualifications. The Agency is required to contract with the responsive and responsible vendor(s) who submitted the lowest bid price(s). An IFB requires that the Agency use objective factors to determine whether the vendor is responsive, responsible, and submitted the lowest bid. Where an Agency wishes to compare the quality of services offered by vendors or believes trade-offs between price and quality of services is most advantageous to the Agency, an IFB should not be used. Regulations governing IFBs are in Chapter 5.
A Request for Proposals ("RFP") is primarily used when the procuring Agency needs vendors to provide unique plans or methodologies for providing personal or professional services. An RFP does not require a scope of work which is as detailed as an IFB. Responsive and responsible proposals are evaluated on their relative merits using factors in addition to Price, such as Technical or Management factors. Price shall receive at least 35% of the available points and shall be the highest weighted individual factor. Mississippi Code Annotated §§ 31-7-401 through 31-7-423 shall be implemented by procuring Agencies. In order to solicit services using an RFP, PPRB shall approve a request from the Agency to use an RFP as the procurement method (i.e., a petition for relief). Regulations governing RFPs are in Chapter 6.
The requirements and procedure for a Request for Qualifications ("RFQ") is identical to that of an RFP. Agencies have discretion as to which of these procurement methods to use. RFQs are primarily used when the Agency needs to evaluate the experience and qualifications of vendors to provide the services needed by the Agency. Regulations governing RFQs are in Chapter 6.
A Request for Applications ("RFA") can be used to procure WIN contract workers only. The Agency will set minimum qualifications and the rate of pay. Regulations governing RFAs are in Chapter 7. Contracts with WIN contract workers which exceed $75,000.00 in a 12-month period shall be approved by PPRB.
> Because competition is believed to result in higher quality services at more competitive pricing, non-competitive procurement of personal and professional services is discouraged and may only be used in specific circumstances.
12 Miss. Code. R. 9-3.4