(1) The division or a procurement unit with independent procurement authority shall evaluate each bid using the objective criteria described in the invitation for bids, which may include:

1. (a) experience;
2. (b) performance ratings;
3. (c) inspection;
4. (d) testing;
5. (e) quality;
6. (f) workmanship;
7. (g) time and manner of delivery;
8. (h) references;
9. (i) financial stability;
10. (j) cost;
11. (k) suitability for a particular purpose; or
12. (l) other objective criteria specified in the invitation for bids.

(3) The procurement unit shall:

1. (a) award the contract as soon as practicable to:

   1. (i) the lowest responsive and responsible bidder who meets the objective criteria described in the invitation for bids; or
   2. (ii) if, in accordance with Subsection (4), the procurement officer or the head of the procurement unit disqualifies the bidder described in Subsection (3)(a)(i), the next lowest responsive and responsible bidder who meets the objective criteria described in the invitation for bids; or
2. (b) cancel the invitation for bids without awarding a contract.

(4) In accordance with Subsection (5), the procurement officer or the head of the procurement unit may disqualify a bidder for:

1. (a) a violation of this chapter;
2. (b) a violation of a requirement of the invitation for bids;
3. (c) unlawful or unethical conduct; or
4. (d) a change in circumstance that, had the change been known at the time the bid was submitted, would have caused the bidder to not be the lowest responsive and responsible bidder who meets the objective criteria described in the invitation for bids.

(5) A procurement officer or head of a procurement unit who disqualifies a bidder under Subsection (4) shall:

1. (a) make a written finding, stating the reasons for disqualification; and
2. (b) provide a copy of the written finding to the disqualified bidder.