An agency bidder's list may be used in addition to advertising the project, but it is not to be used as a substitute for advertising. An exception to advertising in a statewide daily newspaper in Washington state is allowed when the contract services will be provided entirely outside of Washington state or states contiguous to Washington. The competitive solicitation process may vary in degrees of formality depending upon the significance and dollar amounts of the contract. Competitive selection of a consultant is to be based on a pre-established set of evaluation criteria which have been identified in the solicitation document. Proposals submitted by consultants are to have the date and time of receipt noted on each when received at the location specified in the solicitation document.
Proposals are to be evaluated after the due date for receipt of proposals.
Proposals are to be evaluated strictly against the evaluation criteria set forth in the solicitation document. Weighting of the evaluation criteria should be included in the solicitation document. The evaluation and selection process is to be thoroughly documented in order to substantiate that all bidders were treated equally and fairly and that an equitable and impartial competition was conducted. At a minimum, the document should include a description of the type of services required, the proposed project schedule, a request for information on the consultant s qualifications, a request for the costs or fees the consultant would charge to perform the service, and the due date and location for responses to be submitted. The document may be issued as a letter, a memorandum or other format which clearly sets forth the required information.