Administrative Services, Purchasing and General Services

Rule R33-3

Source Selection and Contract Formulation

Notice of Proposed Rule

(Amendment)

DAR File No.: 33650
Filed: 05/14/2010 10:28:23 AM

RULE ANALYSIS

Purpose of the rule or reason for the change:

The reason for the change to Rule R33-3 is to tighten restrictions on prepayments so that the state does not prepay for the services without obtaining the services. It also requires a performance bond in the amount of 100% of the prepayment amount.

Summary of the rule or change:

This rule change to Rule R33-3 is to tighten restrictions on prepayment so that the state does not prepay for the services without obtaining the services. It also requires a performance bond in the amount of 100% of the prepayment amount.

State statutory or constitutional authorization for this rule:

• Title 63G, Chapter 6

Anticipated cost or savings to:

the state budget:

It is anticipated that this change to Rule R33-3 will save the state money by assuring that prepayments are only made when the circumstances are really necessary and any prepayments are under proper monitoring. The extent of such savings is currently unknown.

local governments:

No costs or savings are anticipated for local governments with this change to Rule R33-3. No new requirements were created with this change that impact local governments.

small businesses:

There may be a fiscal impact to costs for small businesses as a result of this change if they have to secure a payment bond. The extent of such costs is currently unknown.

persons other than small businesses, businesses, or local governmental entities:

There may be a fiscal impact to costs for persons other than small businesses, businesses, or local government entities if they have to secure a payment bond. The extent of such costs is currently unknown.

Compliance costs for affected persons:

The change to Rule R33-3 does not affect compliance costs for affected persons unless they have to secure a payment bond if they wish to enter into a prepayment arrangement. The extent of such costs is currently unknown.

Comments by the department head on the fiscal impact the rule may have on businesses:

It is anticipated that this change to Rule R33-3 will save the state money by assuring that prepayments are only made when the circumstances are really necessary and any prepayments are under proper monitoring.

Kimberly Hood, Executive Director

The full text of this rule may be inspected, during regular business hours, at the Division of Administrative Rules, or at:

Administrative Services
Purchasing and General Services
450 N STATE ST
SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84114-1201

Direct questions regarding this rule to:

• Alan Bachman at the above address, by phone at 801-538-3105, by FAX at 801-538-3313, or by Internet E-mail at abachman@utah.gov
• La Priel Dye at the above address, by phone at 801-538-3240, by FAX at 801-538-3313, or by Internet E-mail at ldye@utah.gov
• Nancy Orton at the above address, by phone at 801-538-3148, by FAX at 801-538-3882, or by Internet E-mail at nancyo@utah.gov
• Kent Beers at the above address, by phone at 801-538-3143, by FAX at 801-538-3882, or by Internet E-mail at kbeers@utah.gov

Interested persons may present their views on this rule by submitting written comments to the address above no later than 5:00 p.m. on:

07/01/2010

This rule may become effective on:

07/08/2010

Authorized by:

Kent Beers, Director

R33. Administrative Services, Purchasing and General Services.

R33-3. Source Selection and Contract Formation.

 

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R33-3-2. Competitive Sealed Proposals.

3-201 Use of Competitive Sealed Proposals.

(1) Appropriateness. Competitive sealed proposals may be a more appropriate method for a particular procurement or type of procurement than competitive sealed bidding, after consideration of factors such as:

(a) whether there may be a need for price and service negotiation;

(b) whether there may be a need for negotiation during performance of the contract;

(c) whether the relative skills or expertise of the offerors will have to be evaluated;

(d) whether cost is secondary to the characteristics of the product or service sought, as in a work of art; and

(e) whether the conditions of the service, product or delivery conditions are unable to be sufficiently described in the Invitation for Bids.

(2) Determinations.

(a) Except as provided in Section 63G-6-408 of the Utah Procurement Code, before a solicitation may be issued for competitive sealed proposals, the procurement officer shall determine in writing that competitive sealed proposals is a more appropriate method for contracting than competitive sealed bidding.

(b) The procurement officer may make determinations by category of supply, service, or construction item rather than by individual procurement. Procurement of the types of supplies, services, or construction so designated may then be made by competitive sealed proposals without making the determination competitive sealed bidding is either not practicable or not advantageous. The officer who made the determination may modify or revoke it at any time and the determination should be reviewed for current applicability from time to time.

(3) Professional Services. For procurement of professional services, whenever practicable, the competitive sealed proposal process shall be used. Examples of professional services generally best procured through the RFP process are accounting and auditing, court reporters, x-ray technicians, legal, medical, nursing, education, actuarial, veterinarians, and research. The procurement officer will make the determination. Architecture and engineering professional services are to be procured in compliance with R33-5-510.

3-202 Content of the Request for Proposals.

The Request for Proposals shall be prepared in accordance with section 3-101 provided that it shall also include:

(a) a statement that discussions may be conducted with offerors who submit proposals determined to be reasonably susceptible of being selected for award, but that proposals may be accepted without discussions; and

(b) a statement of when and how price should be submitted.

3-203 Proposal Preparation Time.

Proposal preparation time shall be set to provide offerors a reasonable time to prepare their proposals. A minimum of 10 calendar days shall be provided unless a shorter time is deemed necessary for a particular procurement as determined in writing by the procurement officer.

3-204 Form of Proposal.

The manner in which proposals are to be submitted, including any forms for that purpose, may be designated as a part of the Request for Proposals.

3-204.1 Protected Records.

The following are protected records and will be redacted subject to the procedures described below. From any public disclosure of records as allowed by the Governmental Records Access and Management [acte]Act (GRAMA) Title 63G, Chapter 2 of the Utah Code. The protections below apply to the various procurement records including records submitted by offerors and their subcontractors or consultants at any tier.

(a) Trade Secrets. Trade Secrets, as defined in Section 13-24-2, will be protected and not be subject to public disclosure if the procedures of R33-3-204.2 are met.

(b) Certain commercial information or nonindividual financial information. Commercial information or nonindividual financial information subject to the provisions of Section 63G-2-305(2) will be a protected record and not be subject to public disclosure if the procedures of R33-3-204.2 are met.

(c) Other Protected Records under GRAMA. There will be no public disclosure of other submitted records that are subject to non-disclosure or being a protected record under a GRAMA statute provided that the requirements of R33-3-204.2 are met unless GRAMA requires such nondisclosure without any preconditions.

3-204.2 Process For Requesting Non-Disclosure. Any person (firm) who believes that a record should be protected under R33-3-204.1 shall include with their proposal or submitted document:

(a) a written indication of which provisions of the submittal(s) are claimed to be considered for business confidentiality (including trade secret or other reason for non-disclosure under GRAMA; and

(b) a concise statement of reasons supporting each claimed provision of business confidentiality.

3-204.3 Notification. The person who complies with R33-3-204.2 shall be notified by the governmental entity prior to the public release of any information for which business confidentiality has been asserted.

3.204.4 Non-Disclosure and Dispute Process. Except as provided by court order, the governmental entity to whom the request for a record is made under GRAMA, may not disclose a record claimed to be protected under R33-3-204.1 but which the governmental entity or State Records Committee determines should be disclosed until the period in which to bring an appeal expires or the end of the appeals process, including judicial appeal. This R33-3-204-4 does not apply where the claimant, after notice, has waived the claim by not appealing or intervening before the records committee. To the extent provided by law, the parties to a dispute regarding the release of a record may agree in writing to an alternative dispute resolution process.

3-204.5 Timing of Public Disclosure. Any allowed public disclosure of records submitted in the competitive sealed proposal process will only be made after the selection of the successful offeror(s) has been made public.

3-205 Public Notice.

Public notice shall be given by distributing the Request for Proposals in the same manner provided for distributing an Invitation for Bids under section 3-104.

3-206 Pre-Proposal Conferences.

Pre-proposal conferences may be conducted in accordance with section 3-106. Any conference should be held prior to submission of initial proposals.

3-207 Amendments to Request for Proposals.

Amendments to the Request for Proposals may be made in accordance with section 3-107 prior to submission of proposals. After submission of proposals, amendments to the Request for Proposals shall be distributed only to offerors who submitted proposals and they shall be allowed to submit new proposals or to amend those submitted. An amendment to the Request for Proposals may be issued through a request for submission of Best and Final Offers. If, in the opinion of the procurement officer, a contemplated amendment will significantly change the nature of the procurement, the Request for Proposals shall be canceled and a new Request for Proposals issued.

3-208 Modification or Withdrawal of Proposals.

Proposals may be modified or withdrawn prior to the established due date in accordance with section 3-108. For the purposes of this section and section 3-209, the established due date is either the date and time announced for receipt of proposals or receipt of modifications to proposals, if any; or if discussions have begun, it is the date and time by which best and final offers must be submitted, provided that only offerors who submitted proposals by the time announced for receipt of proposals may submit best and final offers.

3-209 Late Proposals, Late Withdrawals, and Late Modifications.

(1) Definition. Except for modification allowed pursuant to negotiation, any proposal, withdrawal, or modification received after the established due date and time at the place designated for receipt of proposals is late.

(2) Treatment. No late proposal, late modification, or late withdrawal will be considered unless received before contract award, and the late proposal would have been timely but for the action or inaction of personnel directly serving the procurement activity.

(3) Records. All documents shall be kept relating to the acceptance of any late proposal, modification or withdrawal.

3-210 Receipt and Registration of Proposals.

(1) Proposals shall be opened publicly, identifying only the names of the offerors. Proposals submitted through electronic means shall be received in such a manner that the time and date of submittal, along with the contents of such proposals shall be securely stored until the time and date set for opening. Proposals and modifications shall be time stamped upon receipt and held in a secure place until the established due date. After the date established for receipt of proposals, a register of proposals shall be open to public inspection and shall include for all proposals the name of each offeror, the number of modifications received, if any, and a description sufficient to identify the supply, service, or construction item offered. Prior to award proposals and modifications shall be shown only to purchasing agency personnel having a legitimate interest in them.

3-211 Evaluation of Proposals.

(1) Evaluation Factors in the Request for Proposals. The Request for Proposals shall state all of the evaluation factors and their relative importance, including price.

(2) Evaluation. The evaluation shall be based on the evaluation factors set forth in the Request for Proposals. Numerical rating systems may be used but are not required. Factors not specified in the Request for Proposals shall not be considered in determining award of contract.

(3) Classifying Proposals. For the purpose of conducting discussions under section 3-212, proposals shall be initially classified as:

(a) acceptable;

(b) potentially acceptable, that is, reasonably susceptible of being made acceptable; or

(c) unacceptable.

3-212 Proposal Discussion with Individual Offerors.

(1) "Offerors" Defined. For the purposes of this section, the term "offerors" includes only those businesses submitting proposals that are acceptable or potentially acceptable. The term shall not include businesses which submitted unacceptable proposals.

(2) Purposes of Discussions. Discussions are held to facilitate and encourage an adequate number of potential contractors to offer their best proposals, by amending their original offers, if needed.

(3) Conduct of Discussions. Offerors shall be accorded fair and equal treatment with respect to any opportunity for discussions and revisions of proposals. The procurement officer should establish procedures and schedules for conducting discussions. If before, or during discussions there is a need for clarification or change of the Request for Proposals, it shall be amended in compliance with R33-3-2(3-207) to incorporate this clarification or change. Auction techniques and disclosure of any information derived from competing proposals are prohibited. Any oral clarification or change of a proposal shall be reduced to writing by the offeror.

(4) Best and Final Offers. The procurement officer shall establish a common time and date for submission of best and final offers. Best and final offers shall be submitted only once unless the procurement officer makes a written determination before each subsequent round of best and final offers demonstrating another round is in the purchasing agency's interest, and additional discussions will be conducted or the purchasing agency's requirements will be changed. Otherwise, no discussion of, or changes in, the best and final offers shall be allowed prior to award. Offerors shall also be informed that if they do not submit a notice of withdrawal or another best and final offer, their immediate previous offer will be construed as their best and final offer.

3-213 Mistakes in Proposals.

(1) Mistakes Discovered Before the Established Due Date. An offeror may correct mistakes discovered before the time and date established for receipt of proposals by withdrawing or correcting the proposal as provided in section 3-208.

(2) Confirmation of Proposal. When it appears from a review of the proposal before award that a mistake has been made, the offeror should be asked to confirm the proposal. If the offeror alleges mistake, the proposal may be corrected or withdrawn during any discussions that are held or if the conditions set forth in subsection (3) of this section are met.

(3) Mistakes Discovered After Receipt But Before Award. This subsection sets forth procedures to be applied in four situations in which mistakes in proposals are discovered after receipt of proposals but before award.

(a) During Discussions; Prior to Best and Final Offers. Once discussions are commenced with any offeror or after best and final offers are requested, any offeror may freely correct any mistake by modifying or withdrawing the proposal until the time and date set for receipt of best and final offers.

(b) Minor Informalities. Minor informalities, unless otherwise corrected by an offeror as provided in this section, shall be treated as they are under competitive sealed bidding.

(c) Correction of Mistakes. If discussions are not held or if the best and final offers upon which award will be made have been received, mistakes may be corrected and the correct offer considered only if:

(i) the mistake and the correct offer are clearly evident on the face of the proposal in which event the proposal may not be withdrawn; or

(ii) the mistake is not clearly evident on the face of the proposal, but the offeror submits proof of evidentiary value which clearly and convincingly demonstrates both the existence of a mistake and the correct offer and the correction would not be contrary to the fair and equal treatment of other offerors.

(d) Withdrawal of Proposals. If discussions are not held, or if the best and final offers upon which award will be made have been received, the offeror may be permitted to withdraw the proposal if:

(i) the mistake is clearly evident on the face of the proposal and the correct offer is not; or

(ii) the offeror submits proof of evidentiary value which clearly and convincingly demonstrates that a mistake was made but does not demonstrate the correct offer or, if the correct offer is also demonstrated, to allow correction on the basis that the proof would be contrary to the fair and equal treatment of other offerors.

(4) Mistakes Discovered After Award. Mistakes shall not be corrected after award of the contract.

3-214 Award.

(1) Award Documentation. A brief written justification statement shall be made showing the basis on which the award was found to be most advantageous to the state taking into consideration price and the other evaluation factors set forth in the Request for Proposals.

(2) One Proposal Received. If only one proposal is received in response to a Request for Proposals, the procurement officer may, as the officer deems appropriate, either make an award or, if time permits, resolicit for the purpose of obtaining additional competitive sealed proposals.

3-215 Publicizing Awards.

(1) After the selection of the successful offeror(s), notice of award shall be available in the purchasing agency's office and may be available on the internet.

(2) The following shall be disclosed to the public after notice of the selection of the successful offeror(s) and after receipt of a GRAMA request and payment of any lawfully enacted and applicable fees:

(a) the contract(s) entered into as a result of the selection and the successful proposal(s), except for those portions that are to be non-disclosed under R33-3-204;

(b) the unsuccessful proposals, except for those portions that are to be non-disclosed under R33-3-204;

(c) the rankings of the proposals;

(d) the names of the members of any selection committee (reviewing authority);

(e) the final scores used by the selection committee to make the selection, except that the names of the individual scorers shall not be associated with their individual scores or rankings.

(f) the written justification statement supporting the selection, except for those portions that are to be non-disclosed under R33-3-204.

(3) After due consideration and public input, the following has been determined by the Procurement Policy Board to impair governmental procurement proceedings or give an unfair advantage to any person proposing to enter into a contract or agreement with a governmental entity, and will not be disclosed by the governmental entity at any time to the public including under any GRAMA request:

(a) the names of individual scorers in relation to their individual scores or rankings;

(b) non-public financial statements; and

(c) past performance and reference information, which is not provided by the offeror and which is obtained as a result of the efforts of the governmental entity. To the extent such past performance or reference information is included in the written justification statement, it is subject to public disclosure.

3-216 Exceptions to Competitive Sealed Proposal Process.

(1) As authorized by Section 63G-6-408(1) the Chief Procurement Officer or designee may determine that for a given request it is either not practicable or not advantageous for the state to procure a commodity or service referenced in section 3-201 above by soliciting competitive sealed proposals. When making this determination, the Chief Procurement Officer may take into consideration whether the potential cost of preparing, soliciting and evaluating competitive sealed proposals is expected to exceed the benefits normally associated with such solicitations. In the event of that it is so determined, the Chief Procurement Officer, head of a purchasing agency or designee may elect to utilize an alternative, more cost effective procurement method, which may include direct negotiations with a qualified vendor or contractor.

(2) Documentation of the alternative procurement method selected shall state the reasons for selection and shall be made a part of the contract file.

3-217 Multiple Award Contracts for Human Service Provider Services.

The Chief Procurement Officer, head of a purchasing agency or designee may elect to award multiple contracts for Human Service Provider Services through a competitive sealed proposal process by first determining the appropriate fee to be paid to providers and then contracting with all providers meeting the criteria established in the RFP. However this specialized system of contracting for human service provider services may only be used when:

(1) The agency has performed an appropriate analysis to determine appropriate rates to be paid;

(2) The agency files contain adequate documentation of the reasons the contractor was awarded the contract and the reasons for selecting a particular contractor to provide the service to each client; and

(3) The agency has a formal written complaint and appeal process, notice of which is provided to the contractors, and an internal audit function to insure that selection of the contractor from the list of awarded contractors was fair, equitable and appropriate.

 

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R33-3-7. Types of Contracts.

3-701 Policy Regarding Selection of Contract Types.

(1) General. The selection of an appropriate contract type depends on factors such as the nature of the supplies, services, or construction to be procured, the uncertainties which may be involved in contract performance, and the extent to which the purchasing agency or the contractor is to assume the risk of the cost of performance of the contract. Contract types differ in the degree of responsibility assumed by the contractor for the costs of performance and the amount and kind of profit incentive offered the contractor to achieve or exceed specified standards or goals.

Among the factors to be considered in selecting any type of contract are:

(a) the type and complexity of the supply, service, or construction item being procured;

(b) the difficulty of estimating performance costs such as the inability of the purchasing agency to develop definitive specifications, to identify the risks to the contractor inherent in the nature of the work to be performed, or otherwise to establish clearly the requirements of the contract;

(c) the administrative costs to both parties;

(d) the degree to which the purchasing agency must provide technical coordination during the performance of the contract;

(e) the effect of the choice of the type of contract on the amount of competition to be expected;

(f) the stability of material or commodity market prices or wage levels;

(g) the urgency of the requirement;

(h) the length of contract performance; and

(i) federal requirements.

The purchasing agency should not contract in a manner that would place an unreasonable economic risk on the contractor, since this action would tend to jeopardize satisfactory performance on the contract.

(2) Use of Unlisted Contract Types. The provisions of this subpart list and define the principal contract types. In addition, any other type of contract, except cost-plus-a-percentage-of-cost, may be used provided the procurement officer determines in writing that this use is in the purchasing agency's best interest.

(3) Prepayments.

(a) In general, it is the policy of the state that payments to contractors and vendors cannot be made until after services are actually rendered or goods are actually received. It may be necessary or beneficial to the state in certain instances to pay for goods or services before delivery.

(b) Prepayments are allowable in any of the following circumstances when approved by the Chief Procurement Officer or Head of a Purchasing Agency, or any of their authorized designees, and the using agency has policies and procedures that ensure that prepaid goods or services are actually received in the condition as required by the contract or purchase order:

(i) When it is the customary practice for the type of goods or services involved, including insurance, rent, certain maintenance contracts, seminars, or subscriptions.

(ii) When the using agency will receive additional benefit for prepayment, including price breaks on prepaid maintenance contracts, or registrations which would not be available if the charge was paid after delivery, and other benefits which are identifiable.

(c) All prepaid expenditures must be supported by documentation, which states the goods or services to be furnished, the date of delivery, the payment terms, and remedies for non-compliance.

(d) The Chief Procurement Officer or Head of a Purchasing Agency, or any of their authorized designees, may:

(i) Authorize the use of prepayments upon receipt of a written request from the using agency. The request must acknowledge that the using agency understands the liability and risk associated with the failure of a vendor or contractor to perform the prepaid services or provide the prepaid goods.

(ii) Require a performance bond in an amount up to 100% of the prepayment amount. The performance bond must be delivered to the state prior to the time the contract is executed or a purchase order is issued. Performance bonds must be from sureties meeting the requirements of Subsection R33-5-341(b) and be on forms acceptable to the state. If a contractor or vendor fails to deliver a required performance bond, the original award may be cancelled and the award may thereafter be made in accordance with the applicable provision of Rule R33-3.

3-702 Fixed-Price Contracts.

(1) General. A fixed-price contract is the preferred and generally utilized type of contract. A fixed-price contract places responsibility on the contractor for the delivery of the product or the complete performance of the services or construction in accordance with the contract terms at a price that may be firm or subject to contractually specified adjustments. The fixed-price contract is appropriate for use when there is a reasonably definitive requirement, as in the case of construction or standard commercial products. The use of a fixed-price contract when risks are unknown or not readily measurable in terms of cost can result in inflated prices and inadequate competition; poor performance, disputes, and claims when performance proves difficult; or excessive profits when anticipated contingencies do not occur.

(2) Firm Fixed-Price Contract. A firm fixed-price contract provides a price that is not subject to adjustment.

(3) Fixed-Price Contract with Price Adjustment.

(a) A fixed-price contract with price adjustment provides for variation in the contract price under special conditions defined in the contract, other than customary provisions authorizing price adjustments due to modifications to the work. The formula or other basis by which the adjustment in contract price can be made shall be specified in the solicitation and the resulting contract. However, clauses providing for most-favored-customer prices for the purchasing agency, that is, the price to the purchasing agency will be lowered to the lowest priced sales to any other customer made during the contract period, shall not be used. Examples of conditions under which adjustments may be provided in fixed-price contracts are:

(i) changes in the contractor's labor contract rates;

(ii) changes due to rapid and substantial price fluctuations, which can be related to an accepted index; and

(iii) when a general price change alters the base price.

(b) If the contract permits unilateral action by the contractor to bring about the condition under which a price increase may occur, the contract shall reserve to the purchasing agency the right to reject the price increase and terminate the contract without cost or damages. Notice of the price increase shall be given by the contractor in the manner and within the time specified in the contract.

3-703 Cost-Reimbursement Contracts.

(1) General. The cost-reimbursement contract provides for payment to the contractor of allowable costs incurred in the performance of the contract as determined in accordance with part 7 of these rules and provided in the contract. This type of contract establishes at the outset an estimated cost for the performance of the contract and a dollar ceiling which the contractor may not exceed without prior approval of subsequent ratification by the procurement officer and, in addition, may provide for payment of a fee. The contractor agrees to perform as specified in the contract until the contract is completed or until the costs reach the specified ceiling, whichever occurs first.

This contract type is appropriate when the uncertainties involved in contract performance are of a magnitude that the cost of contract performance cannot be estimated with sufficient reasonableness to permit use of any type of fixed-price contract. In addition, a cost-reimbursement contract necessitates appropriate monitoring by purchasing agency personnel during performance so as to give reasonable assurance that the objectives of the contract are being met. It is particularly suitable for research, development, and study-type contracts.

(2) Determination Prior to Use. A cost-reimbursement contract may be used only when the procurement officer determines in writing that:

(a) a contract is likely to be less costly to the purchasing agency than any other type or that it is impracticable to obtain otherwise, the supplies, services, or construction;

(b) the proposed contractor's accounting system will permit timely development of all necessary cost data in the form required by the specific contract type contemplated; and

(c) the proposed contractor's accounting system is adequate to allocate costs in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

(3) Cost Contract. A cost contract provides that the contractor will be reimbursed for allowable costs incurred in performing the contract.

(4) Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee Contract. This is a cost-reimbursement type contract which provides for payment to the contractor of an agreed fixed fee in addition to reimbursement of allowable, incurred costs. The fee is established at the time of contract award and does not vary whether the actual cost of contract performance is greater or less than the initial estimated cost established for the work. Thus, the fee is fixed but not the contract amount because the final contract amount will depend on the allowable costs reimbursed. The fee is subject to adjustment only if the contract is modified to provide for an increase or decrease in the work specified in the contract.

3-704 Cost Incentive Contracts.

(1) General. Cost incentive contracts provide for the sharing of cost risks between the purchasing agency and the contractor. This type of contract provides for the reimbursement to the contractor of allowable costs incurred up to a ceiling amount and establishes a formula in which the contractor is rewarded for performing at less than target cost or is penalized if it exceeds target cost. Profit or fee is dependent on how effectively the contractor controls cost in the performance of the contract.

(2) Fixed-Price Cost Incentive Contract.

(a) Description. In a fixed-price cost incentive contract, the parties establish at the outset a target cost, a target profit, a cost-sharing formula which provides a percentage increase or decrease of the target profit depending on whether the cost of performance is less than or exceeds the target cost, and a ceiling price. After performance of the contract, the actual cost of performance is arrived at based on the total incurred allowable cost as determined in accordance with part 7 of these rules and as provided in the contract. The final contract price is then established in accordance with the cost-sharing formula using the actual cost of performance. The final contract price may not exceed the ceiling price. The contractor is obligated to complete performance of the contract, and, if actual cost exceeds the ceiling price, the contractor suffers a loss.

(b) Objective. The fixed-price cost incentive contract serves three objectives. It permits the establishment of a firm ceiling price for performance of the contract which takes into account uncertainties and contingencies in the cost of performance. It motivates the contractor to perform the contract economically since cost is in inverse relation to profit; the lower the cost, the higher the profit. It provides a flexible pricing mechanism for establishing a cost sharing responsibility between the purchasing agency and contractor depending on the nature of the supplies, services, or construction being procured, the length of the contract performance, and the performance risks involved.

(3) Cost-Plus Contract with Cost Incentive Fee. In a cost-plus contract with cost incentive fee, the parties establish at the outset a target cost; a target fee; a cost-sharing formula for increase or decrease of fee depending on whether actual cost of performance is less than or exceeds the target cost, with maximum and minimum fee limitations; and a cost ceiling which represents the maximum amount which the purchasing agency is obligated to reimburse the contractor. The contractor continues performance until the work is complete or costs reach the ceiling specified in the contract, whichever first occurs. After performance is complete or costs reach the ceiling, the total incurred, allowable costs reimbursed in accordance with part 7 of these rules and as provided in the contract are applied in the cost-sharing formula to establish the incentive fee payable to the contractor. This type contract gives the contractor a stronger incentive to efficiently manage the contract than a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract provides.

(4) Determinations Required. Prior to entering into any cost incentive contract, the procurement officer shall make the written determination required by subsections 3-703(2)(b) and (c) of these rules. In addition, prior to entering any cost-plus contract with cost incentive fee, the procurement officer shall include in the written determination the determination required by subsection 3-703(2)(a) of these rules.

3-705 Performance Incentive Contracts.

In a performance incentive contract, the parties establish at the outset a pricing basis for the contract, performance goals, and a formula for increasing or decreasing the compensation if the specified performance goals are exceeded or not met. For example, early completion may entitle the contractor to a bonus while late completion may entitle the purchasing agency to a price decrease.

3-706 Time and Materials Contracts; Labor Hour Contracts.

(1) Time and Materials Contracts. Time and materials contracts provide for payment for materials at cost and labor performed at an hourly rate which includes overhead and profit. These contracts provide no incentives to minimize costs or effectively manage the contract work. Consequently, all such contracts shall contain a stated cost ceiling and shall be entered into only after the procurement officer determines in writing that:

(a) personnel have been assigned to closely monitor the performance of the work; and

(b) no other type of contract will suitably serve the purchasing agency's purpose.

(2) Labor Hour Contracts. A labor hour contract is the same as a time and materials contract except the contractor supplies no material. It is subject to the same considerations, and the procurement officer shall make the same determinations before it is used.

3-707 Definite Quantity and Indefinite Quantity Contracts.

(1) Definite Quantity. A definite quantity contract is a fixed-price contract that provides for delivery of a specified quantity of supplies or services either at specified times or when ordered.

(2) Indefinite Quantity. An indefinite quantity contract is a contract for an indefinite amount of supplies or services to be furnished as ordered that establishes unit prices of a fixed-price type. Generally an approximate quantity or the best information available is stated in the solicitation. The contract may provide a minimum quantity the purchasing agency is obligated to order and may also provide for a maximum quantity provision that limits the purchasing agency's obligation to order. The time of performance of an indefinite quantity contract may be extended upon agreement of the parties provided the extension is for 90 days or less and the procurement officer determines in writing that it is not practical to award another contract at the time of the extension.

(3) Requirements Contracts. A requirements contract is an indefinite quantity contract for supplies or services that obligates the purchasing agency to order all the actual, normal requirements of designated using agencies during a specified period of time; and for the protection of the purchasing agency and the contractor. Invitations for Bids and resulting requirements contracts shall include a provision. However, the purchasing agency may reserve in the solicitation and in the resulting contract the right to take bids separately if a particular quantity requirement arises which exceeds an amount specified in the contract. Requirements contracts shall contain an exemption from ordering under the contract when the procurement officer approves a finding that the supply or service available under the contract will not meet a nonrecurring, special need of the purchasing agency.

3-708 Progressive and Multiple Awards.

(1) Progressive Award. A progressive award is an award of portions of a definite quantity requirement to more than one contractor. Each portion is for a definite quantity and the sum of the portions is the total definite quantity procured. A progressive award may be in the purchasing agency's best interest when awards to more than one bidder or offeror for different amounts of the same item are needed to obtain the total quantity or the time or times of delivery required.

(2) Multiple Award. A multiple award is an award of an indefinite quantity contract for one or more similar supplies or services to more than one bidder or offeror, and the purchasing agency is obligated to order all of its actual, normal requirements for the specified supplies or services from those contractors. A multiple award may be in the purchasing agency's best interest when award to two or more bidders or offerors for similar products is needed for adequate delivery, service, or availability, or for product compatibility. In making a multiple award, care shall be exercised to protect and promote the principles of competitive solicitation. All eligible users of the contract shall be named in the solicitation, and it shall be mandatory that the requirements of the users that can be met under the contract be obtained in accordance with the contract, provided, that:

(a) the purchasing agency shall reserve the right to take bids separately if a particular quantity requirement arises which exceeds an amount specified in the contract; or

(b) the purchasing agency shall reserve the right to take bids separately if the procurement officer approves a finding that the supply or service available under the contract will not meet a nonrecurring special need of the agency.

(3) Intent to Use. If a progressive or multiple award is anticipated prior to issuing a solicitation, the method of award shall be stated in the solicitation.

3-709 Leases.

(1) Use. A lease may be entered into provided:

(a) it is in the best interest of the purchasing agency;

(b) all conditions for renewal and costs of termination are set forth in the lease; and

(c) the lease is not used to avoid a competitive procurement.

(2) Competition. Lease and lease-purchase contracts are subject to the requirements of competition which govern the procurement of supplies.

(3) Lease with Purchase Option. A purchase option in a lease may be exercised only if the lease containing the purchase option was awarded under competitive bidding or competitive proposals, unless the requirement can be met only by the supply or facility being leased as determined in writing by the procurement officer. Before exercising this option, the procurement officer shall:

(a) investigate alternative means of procuring comparable supplies or facilities; and

(b) compare estimated costs and benefits associated with the alternative means and the exercise of the option, for example, the benefit of buying new state of the art data processing equipment compared to the estimated, initial savings associated with exercise of a purchase option.

3-710 Multi-Year Contracts; Installment Payments.

(1) Use. A contract may be entered into which extends beyond the current fiscal period provided any obligation for payment in a succeeding fiscal period is subject to the availability of funds.

(2) Termination. A multi-year contract may be terminated without cost to the purchasing agency by reason of unavailability of funds for the purpose or for lack of performance by the contractor. Termination for other reason shall be as provided by the contract.

(3) Installment Payments. Supply contracts may provide for installment purchase payments, including interest charges, over a period of time. Installment payments, however, should be used judiciously in order to achieve economy and not to avoid budgetary restraints, and shall be justified in writing by the head of the using agency. Heads of using agencies shall be responsible for ensuring that statutory or other prohibitions are not violated by use of installment provisions and that all budgetary or other required prior approvals are obtained. No agreement shall be used unless provision for installment payments is included in the solicitation document.

3-711 Contract Option.

(1) Provision. Any contract subject to an option for renewal, extension, or purchase, shall have had a provision included in the solicitation. When a contract is awarded by competitive sealed bidding, exercise of the option shall be at the purchasing agency's discretion only, and not subject to agreement or acceptance by the contractor.

(2) Exercise of Option. Before exercising any option for renewal, extension, or purchase, the procurement officer should attempt to ascertain whether a competitive procurement is practical, in terms of pertinent competitive and cost factors, and would be more advantageous to the purchasing agency than renewal or extension of the existing contract.

 

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KEY: government purchasing

Date of Enactment or Last Substantive Amendment: [ August 1, 2008 ]2010

Notice of Continuation: November 23, 2007

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 63G-6