Section 220-RICR-30-00-5.6 - Rules for SolicitationA. In general, solicitations will be sent only to those suppliers who have formally expressed a desire to bid on the particular types of items which are the subject of the bid solicitation; however, the Purchasing Agent may determine that competition would be enhanced by soliciting bidders who are not on the established Bidders List.B. Small and small disadvantaged businesses shall be solicited to maximum extent determined by the Chief Purchasing Officer to be practicable.C. Notification and Advertising 1. Notices shall be published in sufficient time to afford suppliers a fair opportunity to respond prior to the bid opening date and time.2. Advertisements may be utilized in conjunction with requests for quotations or proposals for products or services at any estimated level of expenditure if the Purchasing Agent so determines:a. that the commodity or service is of such special nature that opportunities for competition will be enhanced by extending invitations to other than known suppliers;b. that a purchase will be of interest to supportive industries, e.g. construction projects;c. that a purchase is unusually large or infrequent.3. The Purchasing Agent may advertise in widely circulated newspapers and/or trade journals to promote effective competition.4. The Purchasing Agent may place advertisements in publications directed to minority communities and/or women to enhance opportunities for disadvantaged businesses to participate in the bidding process.5. The Purchasing Agent shall have the sole authority to place advertisements for contracts awarded under his aegis; however, he may delegate such authority as circumstances dictate.D. The Purchasing Agent may solicit offers from prospective suppliers who are not registered bidders upon written recommendation by a user agency, or where such solicitation is judged to be necessary in order to expand the field of competition.E. The State of Rhode Island shall be under no obligation to consider an offer which has been submitted without solicitation.220 R.I. Code R. 220-RICR-30-00-5.6
Amended effective 11/28/2019
Amended effective 1/18/2024