1. (a) Short list meeting. The managing office may require, or offer the opportunity to conduct, a short list meeting which will include an explanation of the interview format and requirements. The RFP packet will be furnished by the department to providers on the short list either prior to or at the short list meeting. If a short list meeting is held, the department will not accept proposals from or conduct interviews with providers that did not have a representative at the short list meeting.

2. (b) Request for proposals. The RFP packet will include:

   1. (1) instructions for a :

      1. (A) written proposal preparation and/or the interview process; and
      2. (B) submittal of the RFP packet;
   2. (2) detailed scope of services to be provided by the department;
   3. (3) detailed scope of services to be provided by the provider;
   4. (4) proposed contract duration;
   5. (5) proposed method of payment;
   6. (6) a debarment certification form;
   7. (7) a lower tier debarment certification form;
   8. (8) a lobbying certification/disclosure form;
   9. (9) any special contract requirements; and
   10. (10) the interview format and requirements if no short list meeting will be held.
3. (c) Proposal format. When a written proposal is required, the proposal shall be limited to the specific length and information outlined in the RFP packet.
4. (d) Receipt of proposals. A proposal must be received by the date, time, and place specified in the RFP packet. The department will not accept a proposal by electronic facsimile.

5. (e) Proposal evaluation criteria. The CST will evaluate proposals based on the following criteria:

   1. (1) understanding of scope of services;
   2. (2) experience of the project manager and project team;
   3. (3) ability to meet the project schedule;
   4. (4) unique or innovative methods of approaching the proposed work that may save time or money, or result in a better quality product; and
   5. (5) other CRC approved criteria listed in the RFP packet.
6. (f) Proposal evaluation scale. The CST will assign a RIF weight to each criterion. The RIF total for all criteria will equal 100. Each criterion will be scored separately on a 0-10 point scale with 10 considered the best qualified. The maximum possible score that a CST member may give is 1000 points.

Source Note:The provisions of this §9.35 adopted to be effective April 1, 1997, 22 TexReg 64; amended to be effective March 21, 1999, 24 TexReg 1821.