Source: http://www.state.wv.us/admin/purchase/handbook/2007R11/hand4.htm
Timestamp: 2017-10-19 03:29:50
Document Index: 704192199

Matched Legal Cases: ['§5', '§5', '§5', '§5', '§5', '§5', '§28', '§28', '§5', '§5', '§22', '§5', '§5', '§5', '§5']

4.1 General: The effective purchase of needed commodities and services begins with proper planning. The first step is to determine the commodity or service that is needed, the quantity, the quality level, delivery location and time frame.
· Define need
· Consider acquisition and delivery lead time
· Create specifications for the commodity
· Explore internal sources, considerations and approvals
· Check mandatory resources
· Prepare the requisition and maximum budgeted amount
· Identify possible vendors
4.2 Define Need: Determining the exact requirements for a commodity to perform a specific function is one of the most important tasks in the procurement process. The agency must take into consideration the problem to be resolved and what alternatives or options are available to satisfy the need. See Appendix M – Eleven Steps of the Purchasing Process.
Agencies should always consider the expiration of funds when planning administrative lead time.
4.3.1.1 Backdating Documents: All agreements, many change orders and other documents require an effective date, at which time the vendor may begin to supply the commodities or services as specified. The West Virginia Code §5A-3-1 et seq, requires the Purchasing Division to authorize purchases on behalf of state agencies, and the Attorney General’s office to approve those purchases “as to form” before the contract is legal and binding. Verbal approval by agency personnel is prohibited for a vendor to proceed without a properly executed purchase order and is considered an illegal act. The West Virginia Code §5A-3-17, §5A-3-29, and §5A-3-31, establishes personal responsibility and penalties for noncompliance. Backdating transactions resulting from sole source determination or any other documents may not be honored.
4.4 Specifications: Specifications can either enhance or inhibit competition. In accordance with West Virginia Code §5A-3-11, competition must be sought, whenever possible. This can be accomplished by describing products and services in a manner which meets the agency's needs and encourages competition. Specifications used in the procurement process shall be retained with the purchasing file for each purchase order. Written specifications are required for purchases between $5,000 and $25,000 at the agency level to ensure vendors are being provided a fair opportunity to quote comparable products.
· Clearly understandable to both the buyer and the seller
· Identifiable wherever possible with some brand or specification already on the market
· Verifiable
· Reasonable
· Legible
4.4.1 Types of Specifications: There are three (3) types of specifications used separately and/or in combination to communicate requirements for goods and services to the vendor:
4.4.1.1 A “Brand Name(s) or Equal” Specification is based upon one (1) or more manufacturer’s commodity description(s), model number(s) and quality level. The manufacturer’s commodity numbers must be easily identified in a current publication that is available to most vendors. Commodity descriptions must be sufficiently detailed, and specify only the required features needed for the application. Unless a feature or requirement is specifically listed on the requisition, it shall not be used to disqualify a vendor.
4.4.1.2 A Performance Specification is based upon the specific performance needs of the purchaser. The performance specification is less structured as to how the product is made, and more structured as to how well it performs. Total ownership cost for operating and maintaining the product may be an element of the specification.
4.4.1.3 A Design Specification concentrates on the dimensional and other physical requirements of an item being purchased. The design specification is used when the commodity has to be specially made to meet the purchaser’s unique needs.
4.4.2 West Virginia Standard Specifications: According to West Virginia Code §5A-3-5, the Purchasing Director shall promulgate and adopt standard specifications based on scientific and technical data for appropriate commodities, which shall establish the quality to which such commodities to be purchased and services to be contracted for by the state must conform. These standard specifications, which are prepared and adopted by the Purchasing Division for various products and services, are written with the input of state agencies and vendors for products and services that are used by many state agencies. By using standard specifications, the state is assured of an acceptable quality that meets the state’s needs. These standard specifications shall include information relating to the cost of maintenance and expected life of the commodities, services or printing when the Director determines there are nationally accepted standards for commodities, services or printing.
4.4.3 Assistance in Preparing Specifications, Purchase Descriptions: Most state agencies have a procurement officer who is responsible and knowledgeable in state purchasing guidelines as well as their own agency procedures. It is important to note that questions from agency personnel relating to purchasing issues should be directed first to the respective agency procurement officer rather than directly to the Purchasing Division. If the agency procurement officer needs assistance, they are encouraged to contact the appropriate state buyer in the Acquisition and Contract Administration Section of the Purchasing Division for assistance in preparing specifications. (See Appendix C).
4.4.4 Format: When preparing a Purchase Requisition (WV-35), a specification format should be used.
Maximum Budgeted Amount: This is the most that the agency can come up with out of its budget to pay for this product or service. This amount is required on all Purchase Requisitions. This amount cannot be changed after bid opening.
The type of purchase should be identified in capital letters as the heading of the description of the Purchase Requisition.
When using a brand name specification, the words “OR EQUAL” must be inserted to inform vendors that alternate bids will be considered. The general name of the items, e.g., air blowers, automobiles, etc., should be listed first; the manufacturer and model number of the item should follow immediately. Literature should be requested to accompany any alternate bid which can verify that the alternate bid complies with the specifications. The description shall contain the essential requirements that clarify the quality level or indicate the features that are important to the function of the item/service being purchased.
· Appropriate for photocopying
· Neatly typed
· Free of typographical errors
· Approved by an authorized agency representative
The information entered on the requisition is a reflection on the agency and the State of West Virginia. Please insist on high quality work. Improperly completed requisitions or inferior quality will be returned to the agency for correction.
4.4.5 Design Services/Consultant: Any individual, corporation, or firm (except as provided by a statewide contract) paid to custom design or write specifications for a modular office system, computer system, construction or any other project or contract shall not be permitted to competitively bid to provide the product or service that was designed. This removes the possibility of the designer developing specifications that only the designer can meet or restrict another vendor from meeting. This also prevents the appearance of any impropriety, thereby protecting the integrity of the competitive bid process.
4.4.6 Product Testing: Any testing of specific brands of products, which may lead to future purchases restricting competition, must have pre-approval, in writing, by the Purchasing Division.
Agencies should submit a description of the proposed testing with complete details including, but not limited to: the specific brand and names of vendors involved in the test; the brands and vendors that may be excluded in the future; the length and cost of the test; the cost of potential future purchases after the test, etc.
4.5.1 Request for Information (RFI): The Purchasing Division recognizes only one (1) formal method for requesting written information from vendors for the purpose of developing a Request for Quotation (RFQ) or a Request for Proposal (RFP). That method is a Request for Information (RFI).
An RFI shall be used at the discretion of the agency or the Purchasing Division; it is not a mandatory prerequisite to the issuance of an RFQ or an RFP. An RFI should be used when appropriate expertise or information is lacking to develop adequate specifications for an RFQ or RFP. This process allows for the assistance of multiple vendors who have expertise and can provide information in the area of concern.
RFI’s can be processed at the agency delegated level ($25,000 or less) or by the Purchasing Division for high dollar procurements. RFI’s for commodities and services over $25,000 must be advertised by the Purchasing Division. An RFI shall not be used to make an award of a purchase order or contract.
It is important to note that the value of the new equipment without consideration of the trade-in allowance is the value to be used for determining the purchase process and also the value to be reflected on the agency’s fixed asset inventory. A trade-in allowance does not allow a state agency to alter or circumvent the purchasing process.
When agencies request to exchange existing equipment on a trade-in basis when purchasing new equipment, value is a determining factor in processing the request. If the value of the new equipment is less than $25,000, and the original cost of the proposed trade-in item is more than $1,000, the buying agency must submit a WVFIMS coversheet to WVSASP requesting authorization to trade a piece of equipment in on the purchase.
In addition to the WVFIMS coversheet, three (3) written bids supplied by vendors must also be attached. If approved by WVSASP, this approval will be electronically transmitted to the agency via the WVFIMS Fixed Asset System. Upon receipt by WVSASP of an awarded purchase order produced by the agency, WVSASP will approve the transaction by removing the items from the agency’s inventory.
Only one-for-one trade-in will be considered, and items may be traded only for the same type of item. Trade-ins will not be authorized for items purchased from statewide contacts or sole source vendors, unless it is in the best interest of the state and approved by WVSASP. For additional information on trading in equipment, please see Appendix G.
4.6 Define Sources: In the planning process, it is mandatory that agencies review all internal sources and mandatory resources as detailed below.
4.6.1.1 Surplus Property: The West Virginia State Agency for Surplus Property operates a state and federal surplus property program.
The State Property Program consists of property no longer needed within state government agencies which is made available to eligible public and nonprofit organizations. The property may also be made available to the general public through competitive public auctions and sealed bids.
In addition to the state Property Program, a federal Property Program is administered. The program serves all eligible organizations and acts as a clearinghouse by offering new and used equipment at reduced costs for acquisition.
In addition to the availability of surplus property, another function of this program is to approve the disposal of property no longer needed by the agencies, including trade-ins against the purchase of new property.
Agencies do not have authority to dispose of any property regardless of value without written approval from the West Virginia State Agency for Surplus Property. All methods of property disposal must be coordinated through Surplus Property.
State agencies are encouraged to refer to the West Virginia Surplus Property Program Reference Manual (see Appendix H) or visit its website at www.state.wv.us/admin/purchase/surplus.
Any questions concerning the disposal or sale of state surplus property should be directed to the West Virginia State Agency for Surplus Property at the address below:
4.6.1.2 Commodities and Services Provided by Correctional Industries: In accordance with West Virginia Code §28-5B-4, all offices, departments, institutions and agencies of the state which are supported in whole or in part by this state shall purchase, and all political subdivisions of this state may purchase, from the state commissioner of public institutions all articles or products required by such offices, departments, institutions, agencies or political subdivisions of this state, produced or manufactured by the state commissioner of public institutions by convict labor, as provided for by this article, and no such article or product shall be purchased by any such office, department, institution or agency, from any other source, unless excepted from the provisions of this section, as hereinafter provided.
These commodities and services must meet certain quality and price standards which are comparable to open-market sources. Use of Correctional Industries does not require bidding.
In accordance with West Virginia Code §28-5B-5, exceptions from the operation of the mandatory provisions of this section may be made in any case where, in the opinion of the state commissioner of public institutions, the state director of purchases, and the director of the budget, or a majority of them, who are hereby constituted a board for such purposes, the article or articles or product or products so produced or manufactured does or do not meet the reasonable requirements of or for such offices, departments, institutions, agencies or, in any case, where the requisition made cannot be reasonably complied with on account of an insufficient supply of the articles or products required, or otherwise. No such office, department, institution or agency, shall be allowed to evade the intent and meaning of this section by slight variations from standards adopted by the state commissioner of public institutions, when the articles or products produced or manufactured by the commissioner, in accordance with the commissioner's standards, are reasonably adapted to the actual needs of such office, department, institution or agency.
Correctional Industries offer a wide variety of products and services to state agencies. In addition to being the preferred contractor for wooden furniture, it also provides other types of furniture, Braille, welding, engraved signs, mattresses, custom signs, tags, janitorial supplies, linens, seating, detergents, inmate clothing, upholstery and decals. Correctional Industries is the sole source supplier for all printing and quick copy services.
For specific information on available commodities and services, contact Correctional Industries at (304) 558-6054 or visit http://www.wvcorrectionalindustries.com/.
4.6.1.3 Commodities and Services Provided by Sheltered Workshops: All state agencies are required by West Virginia Code §5A-3-10, to purchase commodities and services from sheltered workshops whenever such commodities and services are available and meet certain quality and price standards which are comparable to open-market sources. Use of sheltered workshops does not require bidding for commodities and services included in the WVARF statewide contract. Commodities and services not included in the WVARF statewide contract require competitive bidding.
If the West Virginia Association of Rehabilitation Facilities is unable to provide the requested commodities and services, a written notice will be provided by WVARF advising the agency that their request is unable to be met at that time and competition may be sought in accordance with the state purchasing procedures. For specific information on the sheltered workshops or the available commodities and services, contact WVARF at (304) 766-4894, or visit www.state.wv.us/admin/purchase/swc.
4.6.1.4 Technology: The West Virginia Code §5A-6-4 (3) requires that the Chief Technology Office (CTO), in conjunction with the Information Services & Communications Division (IS&C) of the Department of Administration, review and approve all data processing procurements for state agencies.
All infrastructure purposes, regardless of dollar value, require CTO approval. All state entities, with the exception of Constitutional Officers, Higher Education and K-12, shall request approval for, at a minimum, but not limited to, the purchase of servers, storage device, routers, hubs, switches, firewalls, video conferencing and telephone equipment, including PBX system. The applicable infrastructure purchases also include infrastructure software of all types, whether it is e-mail applications, anti-virus software or any other interoperability application.
State agencies may procure computer application software and other non-infrastructure software, as well as IT consulting services with an estimated value of less than $10,000 without CTO approval, but must provide copies of agency purchase orders to the CTO. All purchases of computer hardware, software and consulting services in excess of $10,000 must have prior approval of the CTO before it can be processed. Such proposed purchases must be submitted to the Office of Technology for review and evaluation, and the results will be forwarded to the CTO for final approval.
4.6.1.5 Other Considerations: Depending upon the commodity, there are certain requirements to consider when preparing specifications.
If the contract requires a craft identified in the prevailing wage scale, a provision requiring payment of the prevailing wage rates should become a part of the specification. Other considerations should include the contractor’s license, certificate of insurance, and Workers’ Compensation, unemployment compensation and bonds.
Recycled Products: In accordance with West Virginia Code §22-15A-21, all agencies and instrumentalities are encouraged, to the maximum extent possible, to purchase recycled products.
Recycled paper products shall be given a price preference of ten percent, provided, however, that priority shall be given to paper products with the highest post-consumer content. Agencies should remove any language in the specifications that discriminate against recycled products. The use of disposable and single-use projects should be eliminated, to the maximum extent possible. Compost in all land maintenance and landscaping activities are to be used by state agencies and the use of composted or deep stacked poultry litter products, certified by the Commissioner of Agriculture as being free from organisms that are not found in poultry litter produced in this state, have priority unless determined the be economically unfeasible by the agency.
Required Attachments: A Purchasing Affidavit is a required attachment on written Request for Quotations (RFQ) for all purchases exceeding $5,000. In addition, the Resident Vendor Preference Certificate is attached to all RFQ’s with the exception of construction projects (See Appendix B).
4.6.2 Mandatory Contracts
4.6.2.1 Statewide Contracts: West Virginia Code §5A-3-5, authorizes the Purchasing Director to promulgate and adopt standard specifications based on scientific and technical data for appropriate commodities and services, which establishes the quality to which such commodities and services to be purchased and services to be contracted for by the state must conform. These standard specifications are used to establish statewide contracts for commodities that are needed on a repetitive basis and are established for the benefit of state spending units. (See Appendix E).
No agency may be exempt from using statewide contracts without prior written approval from the Purchasing Director. When such prior written approval is obtained, it must be retained with the purchase order file for each transaction to which the approval applies.
Use of the State Purchasing Card shall not to be used as a payment method to circumvent purchases from established contracts.
4.6.3 Piggybacking Contracts: West Virginia Code §5A-3-19 states:
“the Purchasing Director may, upon the recommendation of a state spending unit, participate in, sponsor, conduct, or administer a cooperative purchasing agreement or consortium for the purchase of commodities or services with agencies of the federal government, agencies of other states, other public bodies or other state agencies, if available and financially advantageous. At the discretion of the director, bids may be solicited to determine whether participation in such a cooperative purchasing agreement or consortium is financially advantageous. The Department of Administration may approve administrative fees, not to exceed the amount of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000), necessary to participate in a cooperative purchasing agreement. Fees which exceed fifty thousand dollars are subject to the competitive bid requirements of this article.”
4.7.1 Types of Transactions: Identified below are six (6) types of purchases: one-time or single purchases; term contracts; professional service contracts; emergency purchases; lease and lease-purchases; and direct purchases.
4.7.1.1 One-Time/Single Purchase: This method is used to purchase commodities or services that are not considered repetitive. State agencies must submit a completed Purchase Requisition (WV-35) to the Purchasing Division and a completed WVFIMS coversheet.
4.7.1.2 Open-End Contracts: The Purchasing Division issues both statewide contracts and agency open-end contracts. The Purchasing Division, at its discretion or upon request of any state agency, may establish a contract for specific commodities and services required. These open-end contracts are convenient for recurrent purchases. For agency open-end contracts, the state agency determines its specific needs and submits a Purchase Requisition (WV-35) to the Purchasing Division for competitive bid.
After the contract is established, a “release” is required to order commodities or services.
Not Requiring Purchasing Division Approval: Most releases do not require approval from the Purchasing Division. A Release Order, WV-39, or TEAM Purchase Order (See Appendix B) is usually used for commodity-type purchases. This form is submitted by the state agency directly to the vendor.
Requiring Purchasing Division Approval: Some contract releases require the advanced approval of the Purchasing Division. When this is a requirement, it will be stated in the ordering procedures contained in the open-end contract. A Purchase Requisition, WV-35, is used for this type of release order. The WV-35 should be clearly identified as a “Special Release Order.” A WVFIMS coversheet must be submitted with the Purchase Requisition.
Agencies should always refer to the ordering procedures on all statewide contracts for proper instructions
All needs for professional services estimated to cost in excess of $25,000 must be bid through the Purchasing Division, unless specifically exempt. (See Section 9)
4.7.1.4 Emergency Purchases: In accordance with West Virginia Code §5A-3-15, purchases may be necessary when unforeseen causes arise; however, emergency purchases are not used for hardship resulting from neglect, poor planning, or lack of organization by the spending unit.
An emergency purchase is a purchase which can be made only if and after the Purchasing Director, exercising sound judgment and discretion, concludes in good faith and upon reasonable and sufficient grounds that some unforeseen or unexpected circumstance has suddenly created a situation requiring that commodities or services be immediately purchased by a state spending unit and the Purchasing Director in writing authorizes such a purchase. A report of any such purchase, together with a record of competitive bids upon which it was based, is to be submitted to the Purchasing Director.
4.7.1.5 Emergency Purchases $25,000 or Less: A minimum of three (3) bids, if possible, should be obtained. Original written bids and written agency justification shall be attached to the agency file. An Agency Purchase Order, WV-88, or a TEAM generated Purchase Order, is required if the purchase exceeds $2,500.
4.7.1.6 Emergency Purchases over $25,000: When an emergency situation occurs during normal business hours, verbal approval of the Purchasing Director or his/her designee must be obtained prior to making a purchase or execution of any work. A written explanation must be provided immediately. If an emergency occurs after business hours, on a holiday or weekend, the state agency may proceed with the emergency purchase and provide immediate written justification of the action to the Purchasing Director on the first working day following the emergency.
A minimum of three (3) bids, if possible, shall be obtained. The awarded vendor must be properly registered with the Purchasing Division. Original written bids shall be attached to the Purchase Requisition, and submitted to the Purchasing Division with a letter of justification or a copy of the Director's or designee's written approval along with the Purchase Requisition and a completed WVFIMS coversheet.
4.7.1.7 Equipment Leases and Lease Purchases: Lease and lease purchase of equipment are methods by which a state agency may obtain equipment and make payments for the use of the equipment over a period of time.
Total lease payments should not exceed the original purchase price of the equipment.
State agencies may be authorized by the Purchasing Division to purchase equipment currently under lease if the Purchasing Division competitively bids the lease originally. Each request will be evaluated on its own merits by the Purchasing Division. Approval is required by the Purchasing Division.
The minimum purchase cost to consider a lease-purchase as an option is $100,000. Borrowing money is discouraged; however, if it is critical to the operation of the agency, a letter of justification must be prepared, signed by the agency head, and submitted to the Purchasing Division. A contract for financing is available to all agencies through the Finance Division of the Department of Administration.
(c) The item is available from a State spending unit or other institution with preference under the West Virginia Code, provided the price, availability, and quality are comparable to those in the open market.
Agencies are encouraged to solicit competition rather than process a sole source request. The Purchasing Director has authority to reject sole source requests whenever competition is believed to be available.
4.7.1.8.1 Sole Source Procurements – $25,000 or Less: If an item is unique and possesses specific characteristics that are available from only one (1) source, an Agency Purchase Order (WV-88 or TEAM-generated Purchase Order) must be completed.
A written, signed quotation from the sole source vendor and written justification from the state agency for purchases over $2,500 must be obtained. Fax quotations are permitted. A specific description, terms, FOB point of shipment and price must be included in the signed quotation. (A quotation may also be accepted on the vendor’s letterhead).
The spending unit must maintain written documentation at their location certifying that no other sources are available and that the spending unit exhausted all attempts to secure competition.
4.7.1.8.2 Sole Source Procurements – More than $25,000: Whenever an item is unique and possesses specific characteristics that the agency views as being available from only one (1) source, the agency is to submit a Purchase Requisition, marked as “Direct Purchase,” with a general description of the commodity and service, along with the vendor’s quote, Purchasing Affidavit, and Non-Conflict of Interest Certification. The agency should also submit an electronic copy of the language for the sole source determination advertisement (See Appendix N). The Purchasing Division will advertise the potential sole source purchase in the West Virginia Purchasing Bulletin to ensure no other vendor may provide this commodity or service.
The spending unit must provide written documentation to the Purchasing Director certifying that no other sources are available and that the spending unit exhausted all attempts to secure competition.
Should no vendor respond to the sole source advertisement, the agency’s Purchase Requisition will be processed as a sole source purchase. A signed bid quotation from the sole source vendor must also be submitted with the completed Purchase Requisition (WV-35). A specific description, terms, FOB shipping point, and price must be included in the signed quotation. (The quotation may be on the vendor's letterhead).
4.7.2 Terms and Conditions: Terms and conditions are included to express the intent of the State of West Virginia. General terms and conditions are a part of every written solicitation issued through the Purchasing Division. (See Appendix B). Information and assistance in the preparation or use of additional special terms and conditions not contained in this manual may be obtained by contacting the Purchasing Division.
4.7.3 Life of Contract: Contracts should be issued for no more than a twelve (12) month period or cite a specific time for completion for the project or service. A solicitation for a contract that includes an option on the part of the state to extend or renew the contract for an additional period may be advantageous and may be considered. In instances where there may be larger upfront costs or for extremely complex programs or projects where an initial contract term to be in excess of 12 months is needed, the agency must request approval of the longer term and must provide justification. If price adjustments are permitted during the contract period, the conditions under which they are authorized must be specified in the original solicitation and resulting contract. All contracts should be reviewed during the contract period to determine if the need still exists for the commodities or services, if prices are fair and reasonable based on the current market conditions, and if performance is satisfactory.
4.7.4 Renewals: The standard terms and conditions used by the Purchasing Division indicate a specified date, on which the contract becomes effective, and extend for a period of one (1) year or until such “reasonable time” thereafter as is necessary to obtain a new contract or renew the original contract. The “reasonable time” period shall not exceed twelve (12) months. During this “reasonable” time, the vendor may terminate the contract for any reason upon giving the Purchasing Director thirty (30) days written notice.
Contracts that contain renewal provisions may be renewed upon the mutual written consent of the spending unit and vendor, submitted to the Purchasing Director thirty (30) days prior to the expiration date. A letter of justification must also be included, stating pertinent reasons for its recommendation to renew the existing contract. These factors include, but are not limited to, vendor performance, market conditions and other analytical measures which indicate that renewing the contract is in the best interest of the state.
Renewals shall be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the original contract and are usually limited to two (2) successive one (1) year periods.
4.7.5 Change Orders: All changes to existing contracts must be approved by the Purchasing Division and the Attorney General’s Office (as to form) prior to the commencement of any work. Any change request of a purchase order in excess of ten percent (10%) of the original contract amount (aggregate) is strongly discouraged and the agency must provide the Purchasing Director written justification. The Purchasing Director, at his discretion, may grant a change in any amount if unforeseen circumstances have occurred and such change is in the best interest of the State of West Virginia. This percentage guideline applies to most contracts, but cannot be applied in all types of contracts. For example, this guideline can and should be applied to lump sum type of contracts. For contracts awarded on an “open ended” basis, such as hourly rates, this guideline may not be practical. In those cases or in other situations when an agency may not apply the ten percent (10%) guideline, the agency should contact the appropriate Purchasing Division buyer. See Section 7.7 “Changes and Reinstatements” for additional information.
4.7.6 Contract Cancellation: The Purchasing Director reserves the right to cancel any contract or purchase order upon written notice to the vendor under any one of the following conditions including, but not limited to:
Notwithstanding other provisions of this subsection, the Director may cancel a purchase or contract for any reason or for no reason, upon 30 days’ notice to the vendor.
4.7.7 Pre-Bid Conferences: When appropriate, the Purchasing Division recommends that agencies conduct “pre-bid conferences” on major acquisitions early in the solicitation cycle to provide an opportunity to emphasize and clarify critical aspects of the solicitation, eliminate misunderstandings and encourage vendor participation. These conferences are conducted by the state agency with potential bidders when solicitations for complex, large dollar requirements are specified.
For more information on pre-bid conferences, visit Section 7.2.10.
4.7.8 Response Time: When establishing an opening date and time, buyers and/or agency personnel should allow for holiday mail disruptions as well as time required for vendors to respond.
4.7.9 Evaluation Period: After bids are opened, a review and evaluation of the bids received is required. Agencies are encouraged to evaluate bids and provide written recommendation(s) to the Purchasing Division expeditiously.
Agency recommendations to award for routine bid evaluations should be received by the Purchasing Division within 15 days.
Complex transactions such as Requests for Proposal (RFP), construction, and Expressions of Interest (EOI) should be completed within 30 days.
The Purchasing Division requires all evaluators of solicitations, despite the type of transaction, to sign a Certification of Non-Conflict of Interest, in accordance with the West Virginia Code §5A-3-31 (see Appendix B). By signing this certification, the evaluator(s) and/or advisor(s) attest that they have no conflict of interest, including financial or personal, in the evaluation of the specific solicitation. Agency procurement officers should discuss the non-conflict of interest issue with potential committee members to ensure that individuals who may have a conflict are not chosen to participate as evaluation committee members.
Please note that this requirement applies to all transaction types. This certification must be submitted at the following time frames:
Blackout Period: Information regarding the contract award, such as the name of the potential vendor and the amount, may only be released after an official award is complete. An award is considered complete only if the contract has been signed by the Purchasing Division, approved as to form by the Attorney General’s Office, encumbered and placed in the U.S. mail. When contract award information is released prior to a contract award, that information may be incorrect, premature or erroneous and cause work to begin or vendors to protest.
Delays may occur due to a number of factors, such as agency evaluation of bids, bond and insurance requests, Office of Technology / IS&C review/approval, etc.
Agency personnel are encouraged to use West Virginia vendors for delegated purchases, when possible, while maintaining compliance with state purchasing guidelines.
Locating vendors selling a particular product or service can be performed in a number of ways, including:
· Reference sources, such as the telephone book’s yellow pages and other business listings;
· Supplier’s catalogs, which not only offer local distributors but provides descriptive information on their products and current technology of the market;
· Meeting with business representatives;
· TEAM automated purchasing system; and
· Utilizing the Internet.
Agencies should suggest to the Purchasing Division buyer at least three (3) potential vendors who may be qualified to bid on the solicitation. It is important to include the vendor’s company name, contact person, mailing address, telephone number, fax number and email address.