1. A. Selection of a vendor shall be made in accordance with the selection criteria established in the Invitation to Negotiate. When a final selection has been made, but prior to notice of award, the contract file containing the following shall be sent to the Office of State Procurement for review and approval. Submittal shall include:

   1. 1. the Invitation to Negotiate;
   2. 2. a short, plain statement that explains the basis for the selection of the vendor and that sets forth the vendor’s deliverables and price, pursuant to the contract, along with an explanation of how the deliverables and price provide the best value to the state;
   3. 3. any clarifications or changes resulting from negotiations documented in writing; and,
   4. 4. the contract.
2. B. No contract may be enforced against the state until approval of the contract has been granted by the Office of State Procurement.
3. C. Upon approval of the contract by the chief procurement officer, all vendors who replied to the Invitation to Negotiate shall be notified by the Office of State Procurement regarding the awarded contract.
4. D. Right to Protest. Any person who is aggrieved in connection with the Invitation to Negotiate or award may protest and appeal pursuant to the provisions of R.S. 39:1671, 1681, 1683, 1691, and 1692.

Authority Note

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 39:1600.2.

Historical Note

HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Office of the Governor, Division of Administration, Office of State Procurement, LR 51:1160 (August 2025).