1500 INVITATION FOR BIDS

1500.1 The contracting officer shall solicit goods, services, and construction using the competitive sealed bidding process except when other procurement methods are specifically allowed under §303(a) of the D.C. Procurement Practices Act of 1985, D.C. Code §1-1183.3 (the 'Act').1500.2 An invitation for bids ('IFB') shall be used to solicit goods, services, and construction under competitive sealed bidding procedures.1500.3 Each IFB shall be published in accordance with the provisions of chapter 13 of this title.1500.4 If the Director has determined that an IFB is to be canceled, and that the use of negotiation is appropriate to complete the procurement, the contracting officer shall proceed in accordance with §1601 of chapter 16 of this title.1500.5 Each IFB shall include the following:- (a) Instructions and information to bidders concerning the bid submission requirements, including the time and date set for receipt of the bids and the address where bids are to be delivered;

- (b) The purchase description, delivery, or performance schedule, and any special instructions necessary; and

- (c) A statement indicating whether award will be made on the basis of the lowest bid price or the lowest evaluated bid price, whichever is applicable.1500.6 If the lowest evaluated bid price is the basis for award, the objective measurable criteria to be used shall be set forth in the IFB. The objective measurable criteria shall be related to price.1500.7 The IFB shall require written acknowledgement by each bidder of the receipt of all amendments, addenda, and changes issued.1500.8 The District shall evaluate bids without discussions with bidders.1500.9 The contracting officer shall use firm-fixed-price contracts when the method of contracting is sealed bidding. However, fixed-price contracts with economic price adjustment clauses may be used if authorized by the Director.1500.10 Postage or envelopes bearing 'Postage and Fees Paid' indicia shall not be distributed with the IFB or otherwise supplied to prospective bidders.1500.11 The contracting officer shall thoroughly review each IFB before issuance to detect and correct discrepancies or ambiguities that could limit competition or result in the receipt of nonresponsive bids.1500.12 Information concerning proposed acquisitions shall not be released outside the District before solicitation, except for pre-solicitation notices.

AUTHORITY: Unless otherwise noted, the authority for this chapter is the District of Columbia Procurement Practices Act of 1985, D.C. Law 6-85, as amended, D.C. Code §1-1181.1 et seq. (1981).

SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 35 DCR 1420 (February 26, 1988).