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Public Contracting and Procurement Rules

Public Contracting and Procurement Rules

KLAMATH COMMUNITY COLLEGE

PUBLIC CONTRACTING
AND
PROCUREMENT RULES

ADOPTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH
OREGON LAW

BY

THE KLAMATH COMMUNITY COLLEGE
BOARD OF EDUCATION
ACTING AS ITS OWN
LOCAL CONTRACT REVIEW BOARD

JANUARY 22, 2013

BOARD ACTION 162-12-13

TABLE OF CONTENTS

GENERAL INFORMATION
SECTION 100 GENERAL INFORMATION
CCR. 102 Purpose and Statutory Authority
CCR. 104 Definitions
SECTION 200 PUBLIC CONTRACT SPECIAL PROCUREMENTS AND RULES OF PROCEDURE

GENERAL CONTRACT PROVISIONS
CCR. 202 Advertisement Contracts
CCR. 204 Bid Security and Bond Requirements, Waiver of
CCR. 205 Cooperative Procurement Participation (Oregon Cooperative Purchasing Program, Western States Contracting Alliance, Association of Educational Purchasing Agencies, Oregon Educational Technology Consortium, US Communities & Government Purchasing Alliance, Etcetera)
CCR. 206 Donated Materials and/or Services
CCR. 207 Emergency Contracts (Including Oil or Hazardous Material Removal)
CCR. 208 Equipment Repair and Overhaul (Including Maintenance Agreements)
CCR. 210 Federal Contracts, Purchases under
CCR. 212 Intellectual Property (Periodicals/Library Books, Proprietary Software Licenses, Art, and Other Products of the Creative Process
CCR. 214 Intergovernmental Cooperative Purchasing Participation
CCR. 216 Life Cycle Costing/Best Value
CCR. 218 Perishables (Chemicals, Food, Laboratory Supplies)
CCR. 220 Personal Property, Used (Purchase of)
CCR. 222 Price Regulated Items (Including Gas, Diesel Fuel, Heating Oil, Lubricants, Asphalts, Distilled Alcohol, Postage, and Certain Utilities)
CCR. 226 Requirements Contracts and Price Agreements
CCR. 228 Resale -Items for
CCR. 230 Telecommunications Services

PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACTING RULES
CCR. 250 Personal Services - Contracts

PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTS EXCEPTIONS AND EXEMPTIONS
CCR. 280 Alternative Contracting Methods
CCR. 281 Donated Public Improvements
CCR. 282 First-Tier Subcontractors; Disclosure and Substitution
CCR. 283 Limited Negotiations With Bidder
SECTION 300 SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS - CONTRACTING RULES
CCR. 302 Contract Amendments & Reinstatements
CCR. 304 Cumulative Awards of Small Contracts (i.e., Anti-Fragmenting Rule)
CCR. 308 Energy Management Controls Systems
CCR. 310 Exception (Including Sole Source) - Purchases of Goods or Services through
CCR. 312 Personal Services Contracts
CCR. 314 Public Contracts Under Certain Dollar Amounts: Small Procurements and Intermediate Procurements
CCR. 316 Rejection of an Offer
CCR. 318 Space Rentals (hotels, conferences, temporary offices, etcetera)
CCR. 320 Special risk Insurance Policy
CCR. 322 Surplus Property
APPENDIX A: PROCUREMENT-RELATED COLLEGE PROCEDURES/POLICIES INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE
APPENDIX B: OREGON ATTORNEY GENERAL’S MODEL PUBLIC CONTRACT RULES (OREGON ADMINISTRATIVE RULES), AS EXPRESSLY IDENTIFIED BY THE RULE NUMBER, AND INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE—DIVISIONS 46, 47, 48 AND 49, PREPARED AND MAINTAINED BY THE STATE OF OREGON DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, GENERAL COUNSEL DIVISION, EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2012.
DIVISION 46 GENERAL PROVISIONS RELATED TO PUBLIC CONTRACTING
137-046-0100 Application; Federal Law Supremacy
137-046-0110 Definitions for the Model Rules
137-046-0120 Policy
137-046-0130 Application of the Code and Model Rules; Exceptions
137-046-0200 Affirmative Action: Limited Competition Permitted
137-046-0210 Subcontracting to and Contracting with Emerging Small Businesses
137-046-0300 Preference for Oregon Goods and Services; Nonresident Bidders
137-046-0310 Reciprocal Preferences
137-046-0320 Preference for Recycled Materials
137-046-0400 Authority for Cooperative Procurements
137-046-0410 Responsibilities of Administering Contracting Agencies and Purchasing Contracting Agencies
137-046-0420 Joint Cooperative Procurements
137-046-0430 Permissive Cooperative Procurements
137-046-0440 Advertisements of Intent to Establish Contracts or Price Agreements through a Permissive Cooperative Procurement
137-046-0450 Interstate Cooperative Procurements
137-046-0460 Advertisements of Interstate Cooperative Procurements
137-046-0470 Protests and Disputes
137-046-0480 Contract Amendments (See also CCR.302.)
137-046-0500 Repealed Rules
DIVISION 47 GENERAL PROVISIONS
137-047-0000 Application
137-047-0100 Definitions
137-047-0250 Methods of Source Selection
137-047-0255 Competitive Sealed Bidding
137-047-0257 Multistep Sealed Bids
137-047-0260 Competitive Sealed Proposals
137-047-0261 Multi-tiered and Multistep Proposals
137-047-0265 Small Procurements
137-047-0270 Intermediate Procurements
137-047-0280 Emergency Procurements
137-047-0285 Special Procurements
137-047-0290 Cooperative Procurements
137-047-0310 Bids or Proposals are Offers
137-047-0320 Facsimile Bids and Proposals
137-047-0330 Electronic Procurement
137-047-0400 Offer Preparation
137-047-0410 Offer Submission
137-047-0420 Pre-Offer Conferences
137-047-0430 Addenda to Solicitation Document
137-047-0440 Pre-Closing Modification or Withdrawal of Offers
137-047-0450 Receipt, Opening, and Recording of Offers; Confidentiality of Offers
137-047-0460 Late Offers, Late Withdrawals and Late Modifications
137-047-0470 Mistakes
137-047-0480 Time for Agency Acceptance
137-047-0490 Extension of Time for Acceptance of Offer
137-047-0500 Responsibility of Bidders and Proposers
137-047-0525 Qualified Products Lists
137-047-0550 Prequalification of Prospective Offerors
137-047-0575 Debarment of Prospective Offerors
137-047-0600 Offer Evaluation and Award
137-047-0610 Notice of Intent to Award
137-047-0620 Documentation of Award
137-047-0630 Availability of Award Decisions
137-047-0640 Rejection of an Offer (See CCR 316.)
137-047-0650 Rejection of All Offers (See CCR.316)
137-047-0660 Cancellation of Procurement or Solicitation
137-047-0670 Disposition of Offers if Procurement or Solicitation Canceled
137-047-0700 Protests and Judicial Review of Special Procurements
137-047-0720 Protests and Judicial Review of Multiple-Tiered and Multistep Solicitations
137-047-0730 Protests and Judicial Review of Solicitations
137-047-0740 Protests and Judicial Review of Contract Award
137-047-0745 Protests and Judicial Review of Qualified Products List Decision
137-047-0750 Judicial Review of Other Violations
137-047-0760 Review of Prequalification and Debarment Decisions
137-047-0800 Contract Amendments
137-047-0810 Termination of Price Agreements
DIVISION 48 CONSULTANT SELECTION: ARCHITECTURAL, ENGINEERING, LAND SURVEYING AND RELATED SERVICES CONTRACTS (See also CCR.301)
137-048-0100 Application
137-048-0110 Definitions
137-048-0120 List of Interested Consultants; Performance Record
137-048-0130 Applicable Selection Procedures; Pricing Information
137-048-0200 Direct Appointment Procedure
137-048-0210 Informal Selection Procedure
137-048-0220 Formal Selection Procedure
137-048-0230 Ties Among Proposers
137-048-0240 Protest Procedures
137-048-0250 RFP or RFQ Cancellation; Costs
137-048-0260 Two-Tiered Selection Procedure for Local Contracting Agency Public Improvement Projects
137-048-0270 Price Agreements
137-048-0300 Prohibited Payment Methodology; Purchase Restrictions
137-048-0310 Effect of Material Alteration or Delay of Project
137-048-0320 Contract Amendments
DIVISION 49 GENERAL PROVISIONS RELATED TO PUBLIC CONTRACTS FOR CONSTRUCTION SERVICES
137-049-0100 Application
137-049-0110 Policies
137-049-0120 Definitions
137-049-0130 Competitive Bidding Requirement
137-049-0140 Contracts for Construction Other Than Public Improvements
137-049-0150 Emergency Contracts; Bidding and Bonding Exemptions
137-049-0160 Intermediate Procurements; Competitive Quotes and Amendments
137-049-0200 Solicitation Documents; Required Provisions; Assignment or Transfer
137-049-0210 Notice and Advertising Requirements; Posting
137-049-0220 Prequalification or Offerors
137-049-0230 Eligibility to Bid or Propose; Registration or License
137-049-0240 Pre-Offer Conferences
137-049-0250 Addenda to Solicitation Documents
137-049-0260 Request for Clarification or Change; Solicitation Protests
137-049-0270 Cancellation of Solicitation Document
137-049-0280 Offer Submissions
137-049-0290 Bid or Proposal Security
137-049-0300 Facsimile Bids and Proposals
137-049-0310 Electronic Procurement
137-049-0320 Pre-Closing Modification or Withdrawal of Offers
137-049-0330 Receipt, Opening and Recording of Offers; Confidentiality of Offers
137-049-0340 Late Bids, Late Withdrawals and Late Modifications
137-049-0350 Mistakes
137-049-0360 First-Tier Subcontractors; Disclosure and Substitution
137-049-0370 Disqualification of Persons
137-049-0380 Bid or Proposal Evaluation Criteria
137-049-0390 Offer Evaluation and Award; Determination or Responsibility
137-049-0395 Notice of Intent to Award
137-049-0400 Documentation of Award; Availability of Award Decisions
137-049-0410 Time for Contracting Agency Acceptance; Extension
137-049-0420 Negotiation With Bidders Prohibited
137-049-0430 Negotiation When Bids Exceed Cost Estimate
137-049-0440 Rejection of Offers (See CCR 316.).
137-049-0450 Protest of Contractor Selection, Contract Award
137-049-0460 Performance and Payment Security; Waiver
137-049-0470 Substitute Contractor
137-049-0490 Foreign Contractor
137-049-0600 Purpose (Alternative Contracting Methods)
137-049-0610 Definitions for Alternative Contracting Methods
137-049-0620 Use of Alternative Contracting Methods
137-049-0630 Findings, Notice and Hearing
137-049-0640 Competitive Proposals; Procedure
137-049-0645 Requests for Qualifications (RFQ)
137-049-0650 Requests for Proposals (RFP)
137-049-0660 RFP Pricing Mechanisms
137-049-0670 Design-Build Contracts
137-049-0680 Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPC)
137-049-0690 Construction Manager /General Contractor (CMIGC)
137-049-0800 Required Contract Clauses
137-049-0810 Waiver of Delay Damages Against Public Policy
137-049-0815 BOLI Public Works Bond
137-049-0820 Retainage
137-049-0830 Contractor Progress Payments
137-049-0840 Interest
137-049-0850 Final Inspection
137-049-0860 Public Works Contracts
137-049-0870 Specifications; Brand Name Products
137-049-0880 Records Maintenance; Right to Audit Records
137-049-0890 Contracting Agency Payment for Unpaid Labor or Supplies
137-049-0900 Contract Suspension; Termination Procedures
137-049-0910 Changes to the Work and Contract Amendments

SECTION 100 - GENERAL INFORMATION

Purpose and Statutory Authority          CCR.102

(1) Purpose. These rules prescribe public contract Special Procurements (exemptions), whereby a Local Contract Review Board may approve a special procurement (pursuant to ORS 279B.085), personal services contracting rules, competitive procurement process rules, and supplementary provisions for community colleges, who have formally adopted through board resolution, these Community College Rules of Procurement, hereinafter referred to as Rules or CCRP.

(2) Statutory Authority. These Rules are authorized by Public Contracting Code 279A.050 (Procurement Authority), 279A.055(Personal Services Contracts), 279A.060 (Local Contract Review Boards), and 279A.070 (Rules). All references to PCC shall mean Public Contracting Code as defined in ORS 279A.010(1)(bb). (Note: Under ORS 279A.065(4), public contracting agencies in Oregon will be operating under the State of Oregon Attorney General's Model Rules unless they have taken special action to opt out and adopt their own contracting rules.)

(3) Participating Oregon Community Colleges These Community College Rules of Procurement (CCRP), were drafted through a statewide, collaborative effort by representatives of Participating Oregon Community Colleges (POCC). Pursuant to the POCC participatory agreement, Sections 100 and 200 of the CCRP shall remain unchanged unless modified by the POCC at a later date and subsequently ratified by each institution's Local Contract Review Board. Any member of the POCC that adopts changes to Sections 100 and/or 200 of the CCRP that have not been mutually agreed upon and adopted by all other POCC members shall by and through its actions, no longer qualify as a member of the POCC cooperative procurement group and shall not represent itself as such.

(4) Sustainability Commitment

In accordance with the Oregon Community College Rules of Procurement, member colleges are committed to the use and purchase of environmentally and socially responsible materials and products, which are fiscally responsible, reduce resource consumption and waste, perform adequately, and promote human health and well-being. Recognizing their regional economic role, colleges shall seek opportunities to educate, encourage, and influence their respective markets by utilizing, where feasible, products and services, including new environmentally preferable products, reusable products, recycled content and recycled products

Definitions for these Community College Rules of Procurement          CCR.104

The following terms, when they appear capitalized in these Community College Rules of Procurement, shall have the meaning set forth below unless otherwise indicated:

(1) "Addendum" or "Addenda" means an addition to or deletion from, a material change in, or general interest explanation of a Solicitation Document.

(2) "Auxiliary Funds" means funds intended to be profit making and/or self-sustaining for providing product or services to the College's customers. (See also "Enterprise Funds.") Examples of Auxiliary Fund or Enterprise Fund operations may include: bookstores; food services; printing services; medical/dental/science stores; student automotive and mechanical stores; and miscellaneous student stores for the resale of books and computers for instruction.

(3)"Award" or "Intent to Award" means, as the context requires, either the act or occurrence of the College's identification of the Person with whom the College will enter into a Contract following the resolution of any protest of the College's selection of that Person, and the completion of all Contract negotiations.

(4) "Best Value, Arriving at" means evaluation or assessment of performance factors and other aspects of service and product quality, as well as pricing, which may include, but not be limited to, combinations of quality, services, time, total cost of ownership considerations, and the probability of the Offeror performing the requirements stated in the Solicitation.

(5)"Bid" means a Written response to an Invitation to Bid.

(6) "Bidding/Proposing Period" means the span of time between the date of the Solicitation Document and the time and date set for receipt of Offers. The time period shall be stated in the Solicitation Document. Generally a period of fourteen (14) calendar days shall be provided, but in no case shall the time provided be less than five (5) calendar days.

(7) "Closing" means the date and time specified in a Solicitation Document as the deadline for submitting Offers.

(8) "Code" means the Public Contracting Code, as defined in ORS 279A.010.

(9) "College" means the Community College District or Community College Service District established under ORS chapter 341, hereinafter known as the specific College whose name appears on the Solicitation Document and/or subsequent Contract and whose Local Contract Review Board has adopted by resolution or ordinance these Community College Rules of Procurement.

(10) "Competitive Range" means the Offerors with whom the College will conduct discussions or negotiations if the College intends to conduct discussions or negotiations in accordance with its own rules.

(11) "Contract" means a "Public Contract," as defined in ORS 279A.010(1)(z), a sale or other disposal, or a purchase, lease, rental or other acquisition, by a contracting agency of personal property, services, including personal services, public improvements, public works, minor alterations, or ordinary repair or maintenance necessary to preserve a public improvement. "Public Contract" does not include grants. The "Contract" includes the College's Solicitation Document and the accepted portions of a Solicitation Document, whether attached or incorporated by reference, between the College and Contractor describing the work to be done and the obligations of the parties. Depending upon the goods and services being procured, the College may use "Contract" as meaning a purchase order, price agreement, or other contract document in addition to the College's Solicitation Document and the accepted portions of a Solicitation Document. If the Contract is for a public improvement or public work, the "Contract" may consist of the College's Solicitation Document, including any addenda, the general and special and/or supplementary conditions or other conditions governing the work, the accepted portions of the Solicitation Document, the performance and payment bond (if required), certificates of insurance, plans, technical specifications, approved shop drawings, Construction Change Directive or written order for a minor change in the Work, Notice of Award, Notice to Proceed, and any contract amendments, including approved change orders.

(12) "Contract Price" means, as the context requires, (i) the maximum monetary obligation that the College either will or may incur under a Contract, including bonuses, incentives, approved alternates, and contingency amounts, if the Contractor fully performs under the Contract.

(13) "Contract Review Authority" means the College's Local Contract Review Board as set forth in ORS 279A.060.

(14) "Contract Value" - in determining the applicability of a dollar threshold requirements for competitive procurements within these Community College Rules of Procurement, "Contract Value" means the gross amount of goods and/or services procured by or for the College and shall take into consideration, but not be limited to, the following elements: (1) Contract Price; (2) total amount estimated to be generated, if contract is anticipated to be revenue generating; (3) economic value; and (4) total estimated expenses incurred for which the College would be required to report to the Internal Revenue Service (e.g., 1099).

(15) "Contractor" means the Person with whom the College enters into a Contract and shall be synonymous with "Independent Contractor" (i.e., a person or business that provides services to the College in which the College neither controls nor has the right to control the means or manner by which work is performed). The College may control the results of the services, but not control the means or manner of the Contractor's performance of the Work.

(16) "Cost" means not only the product price but also other items of expense such as the actual or reasonably estimated costs related to quality or conversion, and may include such actual or estimated items as shipping, delivery, setup, installation, and training.

(17) "Descriptive Literature" means Written information submitted with the Offer that addresses the Goods and Services included in the Offer.

(18) "Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)" means a small business concern pursuant to ORS 200.005(1), which is at least 51 percent owned by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, or, in the case of any corporation, at least 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals and whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more of the socially and economically disadvantaged individuals who own it.

(19) "Effective Date of Contract" means the date established in the Contract for the Contractor's work to begin, or the date the Contract has been fully executed and received all required approvals, whichever date is later.

(20) "Electronic Advertisement" means notice of the College's request for Offers or Request for Quotes, available over the Internet via (a) The World Wide Web or some other Internet protocol; or (b) the College's electronic procurement system.

(21) "Electronic Offer" means a response to the College's request for Offers or Request for Quotes submitted to the College via email or through the College's Electronic Procurement System.

(22) "Electronic Procurement System" means an information system that Persons may access through the Internet, using the World Wide Web or some other Internet protocol, or that Persons may otherwise remotely access using a computer, that enables Persons to send Electronic Offers and the College to post Electronic Advertisements, receive Electronic Offers, and conduct other activities related to a procurement.

(23) "Emergency" means circumstances that were not reasonably foreseen by the governing body of the College, its President or another officer authorized by the College, and creates a substantial risk of loss, damage or interruption of services; a substantial threat to property, public health, welfare or safety of the environment that requires prompt execution of a Contract to remedy the condition or deal with the risk.

(24) "Enterprise Funds" means funds intended to be profit making and/or self-sustaining for providing product or services to the College's customers. (See also "Auxiliary Funds.") Examples of Auxiliary Fund or Enterprise Fund operations may include: bookstores; food services; printing services; medical/dental/science stores; student automotive and mechanical stores; and miscellaneous student stores for the resale of books and computers for instruction.

(25) "Evidence of Competition" means College documentation demonstrating competitive solicitation of responses/Offers from Person(s) in selecting a Contractor in accordance with the College's public contracting rules.

(26) "Facsimile" means electronic equipment that communicates and reproduces both printed and handwritten material.

(27)"Gift" means something of economic value given to a public official or a relative or member of the household of the public official without valuable consideration of equivalent value, including the full or partial forgiveness of indebtednesswhich is not extended to others who are not public officials or the relatives or members of the household of public officials on the same terms and conditions; orfor valuable consideration less than that required from others who are not public officials.

(28) "Goods and Services"or "Goods or Services" have the meaning set forth in ORS 279A.010(1)(j).

(29) "Interstate Agreement" means any agreement between the College and a unit of local government or state agency of another state.

(30) "Invitation to Bid" (ITB) means the Solicitation Document issued to invite Offers from prospective Contractors pursuant to either ORS 279B.055 or 279C.335.

(31) "Life Cycle Costing" means the total cost of ownership; including the cost of acquiring, operating, maintaining, supporting, and, if applicabledisposal.

(32) "Local Contract Review Board" (LCRB) means the LCRB and/or Board of Education as established by Board resolution or ordinance by each respective College adopting these Community College Rules of Procurement, to serve as its public contract review authority.

(33) "Lowest Responsible Bidder" as defined in ORS 279A.010(1)(r)means: (a) the lowest bidder whose Offer substantially complies with the requirements and criteria set forth in the Invitation to Bid and with all prescribed public procurement procedures and requirements; or (b) When the Invitation to Bid specifies or authorizes the award of multiple contracts to the responsible bidders, the bidder whose bids substantially comply with the requirements and criteria set forth in the Invitation to Bid and with all prescribed public procurement procedures and requirements and who qualify for the award of a public contract under the terms of the Invitation to Bid. (ORS 279B.055(10)and who has met the standards of responsibility set forth in ORS 279B.110(2) or 279C.375, has not been debarred or disqualified by the College under ORS 279B.130 or 279C.440, and is not on the list created by Oregon Construction Contractors Board under ORS 701.227, if the advertised contract is a Public Improvement Contract. Depending upon the requirements of the Solicitation Document, "Lowest Responsible Bidder" may also mean one who, in the determination of the Advocate for Minority, Women and Emerging Small Businesses, has undertaken both a policy and practice of actively pursuing participation by minority and women-owned business in all bids, both public and private, submitted by such bidder, pursuant to ORS 200.025 and 200.045 or a business enterprise that is owned or controlled by or that employs a disabled veteran, as defined in ORS 408.225.

(34) "Model Rules" means the State of Oregon's Attorney General's model rules of procedure for Public Contracting, which are set forth in OAR Chapter 137, divisions 46, 47, 48, and 49and required under ORS 279A.065.

(35) "ORPIN" System: The on-line electronic Oregon Procurement Information Network (ORPIN) administered through the State Procurement Office of the Procurement, Fleet and Surplus Services Division of the Oregon Department of Administrative Services.

(36) "ORS" means Oregon Revised Statutes.

(37) "Offer" means a Written offer to provide Goods or Services in response to a Solicitation Document.

(38) "Offeror" means a Person, who submits an Offer.

(39) "Opening" means the date, time and place specified in the Solicitation Document for the public opening of Offers.

(40) "PCC" means Public Contracting Code as it is defined in ORS 279A.010(1)(bb).

(41) "Person" means any of the following with legal capacity to enter into a Contract: individual, corporation, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, limited liability company, association, joint venture, governmental agency, public corporation or any other legal or commercial entity.

(42) "Personal Property" means everything subject to ownership, which is not real property and has exchangeable value; includes all chattels and movables, such as boats and vessels, merchandise and stock in trade, furniture and personal effects, goods, livestock, vehicles, farming implements, movable machinery, movable tools and movable equipment pursuant to ORS 307.020.

(43) "Personal Services Competitive Solicitation" means a documented process providing an equal and open opportunity to qualified parties, which culminates in a selection based on criteria that include, but are not limited to, the Contractor's availability, capacity, experience, reputation, responsiveness to time limitations, responsiveness to solicitation requirements, quality of previous performance and fees or cost

(44) "Personal Services Contract" or "Contract for Personal Services" means a Contract or member of a class of Contracts for Personal Services, other than a Contract for the services of an Architect, Engineer, Photogrammetrist, Transportation Planner, Land Surveyor, or Provider of Related Services as defined in ORS 279C., that the College's Local Contract Review Board has designated as a Personal Services Contract pursuant to ORS 279A.055, whose primary purpose is to acquire specialized skills, knowledge and resources in the application of technical or scientific expertise, or the exercise of professional, artistic or management discretion or judgment, including, without limitation, a Contract for the services of a(n): accountant; physician, dentist or lawyer; educator; information technology professional, travel, banking, investing, collections, or other consultant; broadcaster or artist (including a photographer, filmmaker, painter, weaver, or sculptor). "Personal Services" is also defined in ORS 279C.100, and that definition applies only to ORS 279C.100 to 279C.125, for Architectural, Engineering, Photogrammetric Mapping, Transportation Planning, Land Surveying Services or Related Services. Contracts for Architectural, Engineering, Photogrammetric Mapping, Transportation Planning, and Land Surveying Services, and Related Services are designated as a special class of Personal Services Contracts, defined in ORS 279C100(5). (See also Personal Services Contracting Rules section within these Community College Rules of Procurement for an expanded definition.)

(45) "Personal Services Contractor" means an Independent Contractor that performs a Contract for Personal Service(s) for the College, when the College has no right to and does not control the means and manner of performing the contract, except as to the delivery schedule, determining compliance with the Statement of Work, and accepting or rejecting the deliverables or results required under the Contract.

(46) "Prequalification of Offeror" means a process followed by the College, in advance of issuance of Solicitation Documents, to determine the qualifications of prospective Offerors to perform Public Contracts.

(47)"Product Sample" means the exact Goods or a representative portion of the Goods offered in an Offer, or the Goods requested in the Solicitation Document as a sample.

(48) "Proposal" means a Written response to a Request for Proposals.

(49) "Public Contract" means a sale or other disposal, or a purchase, lease, rental or other acquisition, by the College of personal property, services, including personal services, public improvements, public works, minor alterations, or ordinary repair or maintenance necessary to preserve a public improvement. (ORS 279A.010(1)(z)).

(50) "Public Notice" means a public notice of Solicitation Document that is published electronically or at least once in at least one newspaper of general circulation in the area where the Contract is to be performed, in at least one trade newspaper of statewide circulation if the Solicitation Document is for a public improvement and the contract has an estimated cost in excess of $125,000 and in as many additional issues and publications as the College determines is likely to be cost effective.

(51) "Recycled Materials" means recycled paper (as defined in ORS 279A.010(1)(gg), recycled PETE products (as defined in ORS 279A.010(1)(hh), and other recycled plastic resin products and recycled products (as defined in ORS 279A.010(1)(ii).

(52) "Request for Proposals" or "RFP" means all documents used for soliciting Proposals in accordance with either ORS 279B.060 or 279C.110, where proposal evaluation and contract award is based on criteria such as proposer qualifications and experience, product features and characteristics, service quality and efficiency, and conformance with the specifications and requirements of the Solicitation Document. Price may be evaluation criterion for an RFP, but will not necessarily be the predominant basis for contract award.

(53) "Request for Qualifications" means a Written document issued by the College, to which Contractors respond in Writing by describing their experience with and qualifications for the Services, Personal Services, or Architectural, Engineering; Photogrammetric Mapping, Transportation Planning, or Land Surveying Services, or Related Services, described in the document.

(54) "Request for Quotations" means a Written or oral request for prices, rates or other conditions under which a potential Contractor would provide Goods or perform Services, Personal Services or Public Improvements described in the request.

(55) "Requirements Contract" means a price agreement that constitutes a firm Offer by the Contractor, regardless of whether any order or purchase has been made or any performance has been tendered under the price agreement and is enforceable for the period stated in the price agreement and is not revocable by the Contractor. A price agreement does not constitute an exclusive dealing commitment on the part of the College or the Contractor unless the price agreement expressly so provides.(ORS 279B.140)

(56)"Responsible" means meeting the standards set forth in OAR 137-147-0640 or 137-049-0390(2), and not debarred or disqualified by the College under OAR 137-047-0575 or 137-049-0370.

(57) "Responsible Offeror" (also, "Responsible Bidder" or "Responsible Proposer," as applicable), means a Person that has submitted an Offer and meets the standards set forth in OAR 137-047-0640 or 137-049-0390(2), and that has not been debarred or disqualified by the College under OAR 137-047-0575 or 137-049-0370. . When used alone, "Responsible" means meeting the aforementioned standards.

(58) "Responsive Offer" means, as the context requires, a Responsive Bid, Responsive Proposal, or other Offer that substantially complies in all material respects with applicable solicitation requirements. When used alone, "Responsive" means having the characteristic of substantially complying in all material respects with applicable solicitation requirements.

(59) "Service Contract" means a Contract that calls primarily for a Contractor's time and effort rather than for an end product.

(60) "Signature" means any Written mark, word or symbol that is made or adopted by a Person with the intent to be bound and that is attached to or logically associated with a Written document to which the Person intends to be bound.

(61)"Signed" means, as the context requires, that a Written document contains a Signature or that the act of making a Signature has occurred.

(62)"Solicitation" means: (a) a request by the College for the purpose of soliciting Offers. This request may take the form of an Invitation to Bid, a Request for Proposal, a Request for Quotation, a Request for Qualifications or a similar document, or (b) the process of notifying prospective Offerors that the College requests such Offers; or the Solicitation Document itself.

(63) "Solicitation Document" means an Invitation to Bid, Request for ProposalsRequest for Quotations, or other similar document issued to invite Offers from prospective Contractors pursuant to ORS Chapter 279B or 279C. The following are not Solicitation Documents if they do not invite Offers from prospective Contractors: a Request for Qualifications, a prequalification of bidders, or a request for a product prequalification.

(64) "Special Procurement" means, unless the context requires otherwise, a Class Special Procurement, a Contract-Specific Special Procurement or both (ORS 279B.085). A "Class Special Procurement" means a contracting procedure that differs from the procedures described in ORS 279B.055, 279B.060, 279B.065 and 279B.070 and is for the purpose of entering into a series of contracts over time for the acquisition of a specified class of goods or services (ORS 279B.085(1)(a)). "Contract-Specific Special Procurement" means a contracting procedure that differs from the procedures described in ORS 279B.055, 279B.060, 279B.065 and 279B.070 and is for the purpose of entering into a single contract or a number of related contracts for the acquisition of specified goods or services on a one-time basis or for a single project (ORS 279B.085(1)(b)).

(65) "Specification" means any description of the physical or functional characteristics or of the nature of a supply, service or construction item, including any requirement for inspecting, testing or preparing a supply, service or construction item for delivery and the quantities or qualities of materials to be furnished under a Contract. Specifications generally will state the result to be obtained and may, on occasion, describe the method and manner of doing the Work to be performed. Specifications may be incorporated by reference and/or through attachment to the Contract.

(66) "Standard Fee Contract" means a contract awarded for service to be performed for a standard fee, when the standard fee is established by the College, and a like Contract is available to all qualified applicants.

(67) "Statement of Work" means a Written statement that specifically describes the phases of Work or services, major tasks, or areas of responsibility the Contractor is to perform at a particular site, or within a particular locale during a stated period of time, according to a schedule of delivery. The statement must identify specific objectives that the Contractor is to attain or describe, in detail, and the deliverables that the Contractor is to provide.

(68)"Telecommunications" means 1-way or 2-way transmission of information over a distance by means of electromagnetic systems, or electro-optical systems, or both.

(69) "Work" means the furnishing of all materials, equipment, labor and incidentals necessary to successfully complete any individual item in a Contract or the entire Contract, and successful completion of all duties and obligations imposed by the Contract.

(70) "Writing" means letters, characters and symbols inscribed on paper by hand, print, type or other method of impression, intended to represent or convey particular ideas or meanings. "Writing," when required or permitted by law, or required or permitted in a Solicitation Document, also means letters, characters and symbols made in electronic form and intended to represent or convey particular ideas or meanings.

(71) "Written" means existing in Writing.

SECTION 200 - PUBLIC CONTRACT SPECIAL PROCUREMENTS

Advertisement Contracts          CCR.202

The College may purchase advertising, which does not include contracting with advertising agencies, regardless of dollar amount, without competitive bidding. Where it is determined to be cost effective, the College may publish its public notices electronically, via the College's or other public entity's electronic procurement system or world wide web site instead of, or in addition to, a newspaper of general circulation, unless otherwise required by law.

Findings of Fact

  1. By their nature, media sources are generally unique. Advertisements are placed in a particular source because of the specific audience that source serves.
  2. Competition to furnish advertising space in daily newspapers of general, trade, or business circulation in the vicinity of the College is limited.
  3. Cost savings are difficult to quantify where the sources are unique and not interchangeable. Where the volume of purchases warrants, the College may enter into advertising contracts in accordance with ORS 279B.065 and ORS 279B.070 whenever possible to maximize savings achieved through economies of scale.
  4. Public notices may be advertised electronically and/or in a newspaper of general circulation in an effort to increase exposure and generate more widespread competition, except for public improvement contracts with an estimated cost in excess of $125,000, which must be published in at least one trade newspaper of general statewide circulation (ORS 279C.360).
    Cost savings for increased competition are difficult to quantify, but the cost to the College for advertising may be significantly reduced where electronic advertising methods are utilized.

Conclusion of Compliance with Law

It is unlikely that this Special Procurement will result in favoritism in the awarding of public contracts or substantially diminish competition since all vendors, including Oregon businesses, are able to compete (ORS 279B.085(4)(a)), and it will enable the College to promote the public interest (ORS 279B.085(4)(b)(B)), by expediting its procurement processes while maximizing its circulation efforts and notice of bidding opportunities without compromising integrity for cost.

This rule satisfies the requirements of Oregon Revised Statute 279B.055(4)(c), wherein a Local Contract Review Board may, by rule or order, authorize public notice of bids or proposals to be published electronically instead of in a newspaper of general circulation if it is likely to be cost-effective.

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Bid Security and Bond Requirements, Waiver of          CCR.204

Pursuant to ORS 279C.390, the College may, at its discretion, exempt certain contracts or classes of contracts from all or a portion of the requirement for bid security and from all or a portion of the requirement that good and sufficient bonds be furnished to ensure performance of the contract and payment of obligations incurred in the performance.

The College may waive bid security requirements and/or performance/payment bond requirements pursuant to ORS 279C.390 and this rule under the following conditions:

(1) If the contract is for a public improvement or a public work and the amount of the contract does not exceed $75,000 or another threshold as indicated by rule amendment in , and the contractor has filed a public works bond with the State of Oregon Construction Contractors Board;

(2) If the contract is not for a public improvement; or if the contract is for a public improvement that resulted from an alternative contracting method and the contract is only for pre-construction services;

(3) Where bidders are drawn exclusively from a list of certified Emerging Small Businesses maintained by the Advocate for Minority, Women and Emerging Small Business enterprise certified under ORS 200.055, or a business enterprise that is owned or controlled by or that employs a disabled veteran, as defined in ORS 408.225 and the College has been provided funds by the legislature for the purpose of assisting Emerging Small Businesses;

(4) In cases of emergency, or when the interest or property of the College or the public agency or agencies for whose benefit the contract was awarded probably would suffer material injury by delay or other cause and a declaration of such emergency has been made in accordance with rules adopted under ORS 279A.065.

The College shall not use Bid or Proposal security to discourage competition. The Offeror shall forfeit Bid or Proposal security after award of the contract if the Offeror fails to execute the contract and promptly return it with any required Performance Bond and Payment Bond.

Conclusion of Compliance with Law

It is unlikely that this Special Procurement will result in favoritism in the awarding of public contracts or substantially diminish competition since all vendors, including Oregon businesses, are able to compete, it is reasonably expected to result in substantial cost savings to the College or to the public (ORS 279B.085 (4)(b)(A)), and it will enable the College to otherwise substantially promote the public interest (ORS 279B.085(4)(b)(B), by reducing costs of bidding and maximizing participation from Emerging Small Businesses.

This rule satisfies the requirements of ORS 279C.390 wherein a Local Contract Review Board may exempt certain contracts or classes of contracts from all or a portion of the requirement for bid security and from all or a portion of the requirement that good and sufficient bonds be furnished to ensure performance of the contract and payment of obligations incurred in the performance. Consequently, findings otherwise required by law are unnecessary here.

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Cooperative Procurement Participation          CCR. 205

Examples of cooperative procurement participation may include, but not be limited to: Oregon Cooperative Purchasing Program (ORCPP), Western States Contracting Alliance (WSCA), Association of Educational Purchasing Agencies (AEPA), Organization for Educational Technology and Curriculum (OETC), Participating Oregon Community Colleges (POCC), and US Communities Government Purchasing Alliance.

Pursuant to ORS 279A.205, 279A.210, 279A.215, and 279A.220, contracting agencies may participate in a joint, permissive, or interstate cooperative procurement and/or subsequent contract award resulting from any solicitation which has been accomplished in compliance with ORS, as if said agencies had generated the solicitation and made the award on their own behalf.

Comment

In general, the results of any solicitation, formal or informal, which has taken place under the requirements of ORS and has resulted in an award, and is current (i.e., not closed, terminated, in abeyance or in default), may be utilized by the College pursuant to ORS 279A.205, 279A.210, 279A.215, and 279A.220. Prior to the College engaging in a cooperative procurement, due diligence must be performed, best practices employed, and factors in the buying decision considered. Examples of these factors include: in-state preferences, legislatively-mandated or LCRB-approved socioeconomic programs that overlay public contracting and accompany the expenditure of public funds; sustainability objectives; administrative resources and capacity; contracting efficiencies; time constraints; member participation costs; and ability to leverage economies of scale.

Conclusion of Compliance with Law

Cooperative Procurement Participation is not an exemption from the competitive procurement requirements of law; therefore, the College has determined that findings of fact are not required. The awarding of contracts pursuant to this process should "provide effective outcomes that represent optimal value to the College and, to the greatest extent feasible, be consistent with market practices" (ORS 279B.010(1)). Consequently, findings otherwise required by law are unnecessary here.

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Donated Materials and/or Services          CCR.206

The College may authorize a Person to perform services and/or provide materials regardless of dollar amount, if:

(1) The Person has agreed to donate all, or a portion of, the materials and/or services necessary to perform the work; and

(2) The Person enters into a license or agreement with the College whereby the Person agrees to comply with the public contract requirements applicable to the particular project and any requirements that the College deems necessary or beneficial in order to protect the College.

Findings of Fact

  1. Students, staff, contractors, and other community groups from time to time offer to donate all or a portion of their professional skilled services and/or materials, to help the College meet its facilities= and/or educational needs. The ability to take advantage of such donated materials and/or services enables the College to use its limited funds in other areas, and frequently results in improvements or services that the College would not otherwise be able to afford. This special class procurement thus has budgetary, operational, and public benefits.
  2. This class special procurement enables the College to take advantage of these offers, while continuing to ensure that the requirements of the Public Contracting Code continue to be met.

Conclusion of Compliance with Law

It is unlikely that this special procurement will encourage favoritism in the awarding of College Contracts or substantially diminish competition for College Contracts, because it will only apply when a Person donates all or part of the materials and/or services. In many instances, the donations are outside of the competitive market for goods and/or services. In many instances, the donations will enable the College to construct or complete projects that it otherwise would not be able to afford to do, and thus will not displace what would otherwise be a competitively solicited project. This class special procurement also substantially promotes the public interest because award of contracts pursuant to the procurement procedures in ORS Chapter 279B is not practicable in the case of donated goods and/or services.

The use of this class special procurement will result in substantial cost savings to the College, because the College is not required to pay for the goods and/or services if they are donated.

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Emergency Contracts (Including Oil or Hazardous Material Removal)          CCR.207

(1) Pursuant to the requirements of this rule, the College may, at its discretion, enter into a public contract without competitive solicitation if an emergency exists. Emergency means circumstances that could not have been reasonably foreseen which create a substantial risk of loss, damage, interruption of services or threat to public health, welfare, or safety, and require prompt execution of a contract to remedy the condition (ORS 279A.010(1)(f)).

(2) Regardless of the dollar value of the contract, when entering into an emergency contract the College shall:

  • (a) Make a written declaration of emergency, including findings describing the emergency circumstances that require the prompt performance of the contract, stating the anticipated harm from failure to establish the contract on an expedited basis; and
  • (b) Encourage competition to the extent reasonable under the circumstances; and
  • (c) Record the measures taken under subsection (b) of this section to encourage competition, the amounts of the bids, quotes or proposals obtained, and the reason for selecting the contractor.

(3) Pursuant to ORS 279B.080, if an emergency exists as defined in subsection (1) of this rule, the Board of Education, its President, or another officer authorized by the College shall declare the existence of the emergency as required by subsection (2) of this rule, which shall authorize the College to enter into an emergency contract.

(4) The written declaration of an Emergency and resulting contract are solely entered into at the discretion of the College's President or authorized officer.

(5) If the total award exceeds the threshold for formal public bidding, the Board shall be notified at its next available public meeting and provided with an opportunity to discuss the emergency, the award, and ratification thereof.

(6) Oil or Hazardous Material Removal: The College may enter into public contracts without competitive bidding, regardless of dollar amount, when ordered to clean up oil or hazardous waste pursuant to the authority granted the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), under ORS 466.605 through 466.680 and such DEQ order necessitates the prompt establishment and performance of the contract in order to comply with the statutes regarding spill or release of oil or hazardous material that has created an emergency condition. In exercising its authority under this exemption, the College shall:

  • (a)   (1) To the extent reasonable under the circumstances, encourage competition by attempting to make informal
           solicitations or to obtain informal quotes from potential suppliers of goods or services;
    • (2) Make written findings describing the circumstances requiring clean up or a copy of the DEQ order ordering such cleanup;
    • (3) Record the measures taken under subsection (a) of this section to encourage competition, the amount of the quotes or proposals obtained, if any, and the reason for selecting the contractor selected.
  • (b) The College shall not contract pursuant to this exemption in the absence of an order from the Department of Environmental Quality to clean up a site with a time limitation that would not permit hiring a contractor under the usual competitive bidding procedures.

Findings of Fact

  1. Under ORS 279B.080, public contracts may be exempted from the requirements of ORS 279B.050 if emergency conditions exist, which require prompt execution of the contract, subject to the additional requirements of ORS 279B.080.
  2. ORS 279B.080 allows the Local Contract Review Board to adopt rules to allow the head of the contracting agency or a designated person to declare that an emergency exists and to establish procedures for determining when emergency conditions are present. Subsections (2)(a), (2)(b), and (2)(c) of this rule accomplish this.
  3. When DEQ orders a public agency to remove or clean up hazardous material or oil, the public agency must respond within a very short time, which is stated in the DEQ order. This time period does not generally allow the agency to take the time necessary to solicit written bids or proposals for the work to be performed. The College would be liable for any delay in responding to DEQ orders to perform hazardous material removal or clean up.
  4. This exemption, as it pertains to subsection (7), will not be used in those situations where there is no DEQ order to remedy the situation. Routine competitive procurement methods will be used where there is no DEQ order to act immediately. The College maintains open lists of vendors, who are interested in providing hazardous materials removal and clean up services. Whenever it needs hazardous material removal or disposal, the College makes use of these lists to solicit quotes, bids, or proposals as needed, in addition to advertising the procurement as required.
  5. Cost savings are achieved through this exemption, because the College can be liable for DEQ penalties and fines, if it does not timely remove hazardous materials or oil as ordered. Serious risk in these situations could result in property damage or personal injury, if the College is slow to act.

Conclusion of Compliance with Law

Procurements made by the College in compliance with this exemption meet the requirements of emergency public contracts pursuant to: ORS 279B.050; 279B.080, and 279C.335.

It is unlikely that this exemption will encourage favoritism in the awarding of public contracts or substantially diminish competition for such contracts as required by ORS 279C 335 (2)(a). If the College is under DEQ order to act immediately, the College will still attempt to obtain competitive quotes for the work to be performed as it has the ability and time to do so. Unless the College is faced with the quasi-emergency situation of a DEQ order to remove or clean up hazardous waste or oil, it will follow normal competitive procedures to obtain these services.

The award of public contracts pursuant to this exemption will likely result in substantial cost savings to the College in these situations, as required by ORS 279C 335 (2)(b), because the College must comply with the law and avoid and minimize risk to persons and property. Where possible, the College will seek competitive quotes for the work to be performed and will award the contract to the lowest, responsive and responsible proposer.

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Equipment Repair & Overhaul (Including Maintenance Agreements)          CCR.208

(1) The College may enter into a public contract for equipment repair, maintenance agreements, or overhaul of equipment without competitive bidding, subject to the following conditions:

  • (a) Service and/or parts required are unknown, and the cost cannot be determined without extensive preliminary dismantling or testing; and/or
  • (b) Service and/or parts required are for sophisticated equipment for which specially trained personnel are required and such personnel are available from only one source;
  • (c) Maintenance agreements must be procured from the provider of the equipment and/or software being maintained in order to be valid, preserve warranties, provide the best possible service, or conform to other similar agreements being provided by the same provider for maximizing economy and/or servicing functions;
  • (d) The College shall conduct its procurement for equipment repair, maintenance agreements, or overhaul of equipment pursuant to methods and parameters established in (2) of this rule.

(2) The following limitations shall apply:

  • (a) At the discretion of the College, if it is practical to competitively procure equipment repair, maintenance agreements, or overhaul of equipment using quotations or other forms of Solicitation Documents then these competitive processes shall be utilized. If not, the file should be documented with the reasons for invoking this exemption from competitive procurement, specifically supporting the impracticality of a competitive procurement.
  • (b) If the contract exceeds or is anticipated to exceed the thresholds for Small or Intermediate Procurements as these thresholds are defined in , the College shall document in its procurement file the reasons why a competitive procurement process was deemed impractical, and the College may directly enter into the contract.

Findings of Fact

The need for equipment repair or overhaul of equipment cannot always be anticipated by College staff. If a piece of equipment is broken or not working properly, the College incurs the cost of down time, possible replacement equipment rental fees, staff time, and other inconveniences or liabilities to its programs.

  1. Generally, there are a limited number of vendors, who are able to perform repair or overhaul on a particular piece of equipment, because of its make or manufacture. Sophisticated equipment may require specially trained personnel available from only one source. Often, a piece of equipment will have a partial warranty in place, which will guarantee some savings to the College in the parts and/or labor needed to do the repair or overhaul. This warranty savings may only be achieved if the original manufacturer or provider of the equipment performs the necessary repair or overhaul.
  2. The dollar limits on the use of this Special Procurement ensure that when the cost of the equipment repair or overhaul is expected to exceed threshold amounts for Small and Intermediate Procurements as these are defined in, the College will competitively procure, or if that is not practical or cost effective, declare an emergency or obtain a specific exemption from the president of the College or the president's designee, with notification to the LCRB to proceed with the purchase of the needed repair or overhaul.

Conclusion of Compliance with Law

It is unlikely that this Special Procurement will encourage favoritism in the awarding of public contracts or substantially diminish competition and is reasonably expected to result in substantial savings for the College for such contracts as required by ORS 279B.085(4), because the dollar amount of the exempted purchase (i.e., Special Procurement), may not exceed the thresholds established in for Intermediate Procurements without additional notification and/or approval from the LCRB and/or the College president or the president's designee. Where it is practical, the College will competitively procure equipment repair, maintenance agreements, and overhaul of equipment; where it is impractical, written justification, provided by the department, will become part of the public record of the contract.

The awarding of public contracts pursuant to this exemption is reasonably expected to result in a cost savings to the College, as required by ORS 279B.085(4)(b)(A), because the College incurs direct and indirect costs from the moment equipment breaks down or becomes unusable. This Special Procurement only applies to equipment already owned by the College. Time is of the essence in contracts for equipment repair, maintenance agreements, and equipment overhaul. The College must be able to purchase necessary services and parts as quickly as possible in order to minimize equipment down time and provide uninterrupted levels of service to support the College's educational initiatives.

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Federal Contracts, Purchases under          CCR.210

When the price of goods and services has been established by a contract with the federal government pursuant to a federal contract award, the College may purchase the goods and services in accordance with the federal contract. In exercising this authority under this class special procurement, the College must:

(1) Include in the contract file a memorandum confirming the federal official who granted permission to purchase under the federal contract; and

(2) Include documentation in the contract file showing the cost savings to be gained from anticipated purchases from the federal contract.

Comment:

In order to utilize GSA contracts, a class special procurement must be adopted by the local contract review board. For those GSA schedules available for use by local governments or any other federal contracts for goods and/or services, this rules requires a two-prong test to be met prior to use.

Findings of Fact

  1. Federal contracts for goods and/or services are established by federal agencies with private vendors through competitive processes, which meet the standards of the Public Contracting Code. These processes include open competitive bidding, to which all interested vendors are invited to participate. No Oregon Company is excluded from, or disadvantaged in, participation in bidding on federal contracts. Thus the class special procurement has the public benefit of supporting a competitive selection process, while providing the operational and budgetary benefits to the College by avoiding the cost and delay of replicating the solicitation process.
  2. The prices or rates for goods and services under federal contracts are based upon competitive bids or proposals. This rule requires the College to document the cost savings to be gained from the anticipated purchase(s) from the federal contract. Documentation might include competitive comparison of previous bid prices obtained from other sources, including local Oregon businesses.
  3. This rule requires that the College obtain the permission of both the federal agency and the federal vendor to use the federal contract.

Conclusions of Compliance with the Law:

This class special procurement will not encourage favoritism or substantially diminish competition in the awarding of College contracts. All vendors, including Oregon businesses, are able to compete for the initial federal contract. Also, the College will not use a federal contract without agency and vendor permission.

This special procurement will result in substantial cost savings to the College. Federal contracts are based on competitive bidding, which result in the most advantageous price to the federal agency. Before it makes a purchase from a federal contract, the College will document the cost savings it will achieve by using the contract. These two facts will ensure that the College purchases the desired goods or services at the best price available. Further, by being able to take advantage of a competitive federal procurement, the College saves the cost of needlessly duplicating the solicitation process.

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Intellectual Property (Periodicals, Library Books, Proprietary          CCR.212

Software Licenses, Art, and Other Products of the Creative Process)

If the contract is for the purchase of Intellectual Property, which shall include, but not be limited to, Periodicals, Library Books, Subscription Services, Proprietary Software Licenses, Art, and Other Products of the Creative Process, the College may contract for the purchase of the product(s) without competitive procurement, regardless of dollar amount when the product(s) are protected under copyright law, and/or there is only one known supplier (e.g., manufacturer, copyright holder), available for such products.

Examples of copyrighted materials typically covered by this Special Procurement include, but are not limited to: magazines and other periodicals; textbooks; workbooks; curriculum kits; reference materials; audio tapes; video tapes; calculators such as those used for aircraft navigation; and most software and products of the visual, aural and written arts. It should be noted that if there is more than one supplier of copyrighted materials (especially software), and the product(s) are not being purchased directly from the writer, manufacturer or other original source, every attempt should be made to establish a competitive selection process in order to achieve the greatest economy.

Findings of Fact

  1. By design, Intellectual Property is protected for the use of a single owner. Copyrighted products may not be duplicated by others without the express permission or license of the copyright holder.
  2. Instructional initiatives define the various materials, which the college will purchase for use in its educational programs, and it is not uncommon for Intellectual Property to be produced by only one supplier (i.e., sole source), who may be the copyright holder or licensee.

Conclusion of Compliance with Law

This rule will not encourage favoritism or substantially diminish competition in the awarding of public contracts. The production and distribution of Intellectual Property is controlled by the copyright holder/owner, and may only be permitted through a sole source. This rule provides additional parameters for consideration that are complementary to the Public Contracting Code where competition does exist. It is not intended to diminish the College's ability to consider other factors or limit fair and open competition when arriving at best value. It is the policy of the State of Oregon that public contracting activities should provide effective outcomes that represent optimal value to the contracting agency, and to the greatest extent feasible, be consistent with market practices (ORS 279B.010(1)).

Additionally, pursuant to ORS 279A.025(2)(h), the Public Contracting Code does not apply to contracts for the procurement or distribution of textbooks; consequently, findings otherwise required by law are unnecessary when the procurement or distribution of Intellectual Property is specifically for textbooksCa subcategory of Intellectual Property.

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Life Cycle Costing/Best Value          CCR.216

(1) In determining the lowest bid or best proposal, in the award of a contract, the College may use the concept of life cycle costing if it complies with section (2) of this rule:

(2) (a) At the time of writing specifications for the product, the College shall identify those factors which

will have cost implications over the life of the product, and which, for evaluation purposes, will be used to adjust the bid or proposal price of the product;

(b) The solicitation document shall set out clearly the factors and methodology to be used in life cycle cost adjustments; and

(c) The results of life cycle costing adjustments shall be applied to the bid or proposal price of the product(s) offered, and the bid or proposal that results in the lowest overall ownership cost or "best value" as it is determined by ORS 279A.015(5), taking into account the life cycle costing adjustments, and other aspects of service and product quality, as well as pricing.

Conclusion of Compliance with Law

This rule provides additional parameters for consideration that are complementary to the Public Contracting Code while supporting impartial and open competition. It is not intended to diminish the College's ability to consider other factors when arriving at best value. As such, it is not an exemption or Special Procurement to the competitive bidding requirements of law. It is the policy of the State of Oregon that public contracting activities should provide effective outcomes that represent optimal value to the contracting agency, and to the greatest extent feasible, be consistent with market practices (ORS 279B.010(1)). Consequently, findings otherwise required by law are unnecessary here.

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Perishables (Chemicals, Food, Laboratory Supplies)          CCR.218

Competitive procurement need not be used for the procurement of perishables under this Special Procurement provided that the perishability and commensurate quality is of greater importance than the cost to the College.

Comment

If longevity is not an issue and multiple sources exist, standard procurement practices shall be utilized.

Findings of Fact

This rule permits such items as foodstuffs and scientific supplies, which have definitive shelf lives, and associated attributes such as quality and longevity, to be purchased without strict competitive processes based upon price. Shelf life and the associated attributes may be the determining factors.

The rule enables the buyer to decide on a source based upon time since manufactured, remaining shelf life, and interim quality, since various states of decay can affect the product.

Conclusion of Compliance with Law

It is unlikely that this Special Procurement will result in favoritism in the awarding of public contracts or substantially diminish competition, since all vendors, including Oregon businesses, are able to compete, it is reasonably expected to result in substantial cost savings to the College (ORS 279B.085(4)(b)A), and it will enable the College to otherwise substantially promote the public interest (ORS 279B(4)(b)(B)), through expediting its procurement processes without compromising integrity for cost.

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Personal Property and Equipment, Used (Purchase of)          CCR.220

Competitive procurement need not be used for the procurement of Used Personal Property if the College has determined that the purchase will result in cost savings and will not diminish competition or encourage favoritism.

For purchases of used personal property or equipment costing $25,000 or more, or an amount otherwise indicated in , the College shall, where feasible, obtain three competitive quotations, unless such comparisons are highly impractical to obtain. Procurement files pertaining to Used Personal Property shall contain documentation of price comparisons and attempts to secure competitive pricing as much as is practical.

When the value of any such purchase exceeds the threshold for Intermediate Procurements as that threshold is defined herein, , Supplementary Provisions of the Community College Rules of Procurement, such purchases shall be authorized and/or delegated only by the College President, who shall notify the LCRB of such purchases at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the LCRB.

Comment

Used Personal Property is property which has been placed in use by a previous owner or user for a period of time recognized in the relevant trade or industry as qualifying the personal property or equipment as "used," at the time of purchase.

Used Personal Property generally does not include property or equipment of which the College was the previous or current user, whether under a lease, as part of a demonstration, trial or pilot project, or similar arrangement.

Findings of Fact

The additional liberty for purchasing used personal property is essential for those who participate in auctions or other spot sales, where it is impractical to utilize conservative procedures because of the necessities of the selling process.

Conclusion of Compliance with Law

This rule provides additional parameters for consideration that are complementary to the Public Contracting Code while supporting impartial and open competition as much as is practical. It is the policy of the State of Oregon that public contracting activities should provide effective outcomes that represent optimal value to the contracting agency, and to the greatest extent feasible, be consistent with market practices (ORS 279B.010(1)). Pursuant to ORS 279B.075(1) Used Personal Property may be considered a sole-source procurement, if it is available from only one source; written findings supporting this determination and conclusion shall be made by the College. Findings otherwise required by law to support this Special Procurement are unnecessary here.

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Price Regulated Items (Including Gas, Diesel Fuel, Heating Oil, Lubricants, Asphalts,           CCR.222

Distilled Alcohol, Postage, and Certain Utilities

The College may, without competitive bidding, contract for the direct purchase of goods or services where the rate or price for the goods or services being purchased is established by federal, state, or local regulatory authority (ORS 279A.025(2)(g) and ORS 279A.025(2)(j). Regardless of whether fuel is price regulated, it may be procured via spot purchases, and such purchases may be combined on a single, written agreement such as an open purchase order between the supplier and the College, in an effort to reduce administrative costs to the College. Spot purchases are defined as one-time purchases occasioned by a small requirement (for example, one vehicle’s tankful of gasoline), where the purchase is taking advantage of availability and the most favorable market conditions.

Comment

If competition exists and it is practical to solicit quotations, bids, or proposals for Price Regulated Items, then these procurement methods should be utilized in an effort to obtain best value.

Conclusion of Compliance with Law

Competition is not generally a relevant issue in the procurement of goods or services where the provider's rate or price of the goods or services being purchased is established by federal, state, or local regulatory authority, and the goods or services are provided through a sole source. Examples include: Postage, Sewer/Water Service, Garbage Service, Electricity, Etcetera. Since there is virtually no competition available within these price regulated items, and/or the amount of the non-regulated fuel acquisitions are spot purchases and are subject to market forces and availability, it is unlikely that this exemption will encourage favoritism in the awarding of public contracts or substantially diminish competition for public contracts. Consequently, findings otherwise required by law are unnecessary here.

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Requirements Contracts and Price Agreements CCR.226

(1) Requirements contracts, for the purposes of this Rule, mean price agreements, services agreements, and sales that may be established for the purposes of minimizing paper work, achieving continuity of product, securing a source of supply, reducing inventory, combining college requirements for volume discounts, standardization among agencies, and reducing lead time for ordering. The College may enter into requirements contracts whereby it is agreed to purchase supplies and/or services for an anticipated need at a predetermined price provided the contract is let by a competitive procurement process pursuant to the requirements of ORS 279ABC and these Rules or is a contract for the procurement of products or services from a qualified nonprofit agency for individuals with disabilities pursuant to ORS 279.850.

(2) The College may purchase the supplies and/or services from a contractor awarded a requirements contract without first undertaking additional competitive solicitation.

(3) The term of the contract including renewals, must not exceed the maximum term stated in the original solicitation.

Conclusion of Compliance with Law

This rule provides additional parameters for consideration that are complementary to the Public Contracting Code while supporting impartial and open competition as much as is practical. It is the policy of the State of Oregon that public contracting activities should provide effective outcomes that represent optimal value to the contracting agency, and to the greatest extent feasible, be consistent with market practices (ORS 279B.010(1)). Pursuant to ORS 279A.065(5)(a) and ORS 279A.070, a contracting agency may, in the exercise of authority granted under ORS 279A.050, adopt rules necessary to carry out the provisions of the Public Contracting Code; consequently, findings otherwise required by law are unnecessary when the College has determined it is in its best interests to purchase supplies and/or services utilizing a competitively procured requirements contract or price agreement.

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Resale — Items for          CCR.228

Competitive procurement processes need not be used for the procurement of product or services being purchased strictly for resale. This Special Procurement applies to products or services that are specifically for resale as opposed to internal use or consumption.

Findings of Fact

  1. College Enterprise, Auxiliary Fund, and/or General Fund operations that compete in the open market need to be able to purchase products or services for resale without undue restrictions.
  2. In order to compete in the open market, these operations must be knowledgeable, proactive, and stay abreast of current trends, consumer wants, tastes and desires, and be able to meet those needs in their offerings. Additionally, fund operators must be free to purchases products or services for resale that the consumers want even if it means having a limiting factor such as brand, functionality, price, or quality.
  3. These operations must work as efficiently as possible to hold down their own costs as well as to present the goods or services to the public at a fair market price. Thus, they will be looking for the goods for resale at the most competitive prices and highest quality within their parameters.
  4. In awarding contracts, these operations must ensure the appropriate amount of the product or service will be in stock or be readily available, received, or provided at the appropriate time. Ensuring that the products or services are available, and of the proper freshness and quality, may prevent the operation from conducting timely competitive buying.

Conclusion of Compliance with Law

It is unlikely that this exemption will encourage favoritism in the awarding of public contracts or substantially diminish competition and it is reasonably expected to result in substantial cost savings to the College or to the public (ORS 279B.085(4). Additionally, this Special Procurement will substantially promote the public interest as required by ORS 279B.085(4)(b)(B), in a manner that could not practically be realized under the requirements of ORS 279B.050, 279B.055, 279B.060, 279B.065, 279B.070 (Methods of Source Selection).

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Telecommunication Services CR.230

(1) This rule is intended to allow the College to secure the most competitive, cost-effective telecommunications services of the quality needed to meet all service, performance requirements while minimizing administrative and service delivery costs.

(2) In determining the appropriate procurement method for telecommunications services, the College must determine whether competition exists. The College may consider the following factors:

  • (a) The extent to which alternative providers exist in the relevant geographic and service market. The relevant market will vary with the geographic area and from service category to service category, depending on changes in the regulatory environment and competitive marketplace. Thus, the relevant market will depend on the facts and circumstances of each case. For example, an alternative local access service or private line provider might offer services in Portland, but not in Salem or the rest of the state;
     
  • (b) The extent to which alternative services offered are comparable or substitutable in technology, service provided, and performance. (For example, if the College requires digital services, analog services are not comparable or substitutable, or if the College requires fiber optic technology, then copper, microwave, or satellite transmission technology may not be comparable or substitutable);
     
  • (c) The extent to which alternative providers can respond to the College's interests in consistency and continuity of services throughout its service area, volume discounts, equitable service for all users, centralized management, and limiting College liability. For example, to be considered as the College's telephone long distance provider, any long distance service vendor must be able to meet, support, and interface with the College's centralized automated billing requirements. The College must document for the record the findings on these factors or any other factors used in determining whether competition exists. In developing its findings, the College may solicit information either through informal telephone or written contacts or through a formal request for information.

(3) Upon determining that competition does not exist for the relevant service and geographic area, the College may proceed to secure the service on a sole source basis, as described in these Rules.

Findings of Fact

  1. In some cases, the use of competitive procurement processes is either not practicable, advantageous, or in the College's best interest due to unforeseen circumstances, unreasonable costs, difficulty in locating vendors even after extensive searches, or where time constraints occur that are due to circumstances beyond reasonable control.
  2. All practical measures will be taken to encourage competition when possible.
  3. The chief fiscal officer or designee will report to the Local Contract Review Board the reason(s) that competitive procurement processes were deemed to be impracticable and what steps, where possible, were taken to encourage competition if the acquisition meets or exceeds $100,000. A copy of the waiver shall be placed on file in the Purchasing office or other designated official location.

Conclusion of Compliance with Law

It is unlikely that this exemption from competitive procurement processes will encourage favoritism in the awarding of public contracts or substantially diminish competition and it is reasonably expected to result in substantial cost savings to the College or to the public (ORS 279B.085(4), since it would be an Exception, and would be due to extenuating circumstances. Additionally, this Special Procurement will substantially promote the public interest in a manner that could not practicably be realized by complying with requirements that are applicable under ORS 279B.055, 279B.060, 279B.065, or 279B.070 or under any rules adopted thereunder. (Stat. Auth: ORS 279B.075 and 279B.085, Sole-Source Procurements and Special Procurements, respectively.)

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PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACTING RULES

Personal Services Contracts          CCR.250

I. Definition - General

(1) A Contract for "Personal Services" is a Public Contractthat calls for specialized skills, knowledge, and resources in the application of highly technical or scientific expertise, or the exercise of professional, artistic or management discretion or judgment. Qualifications and performance history, expertise, knowledge and creativity, and the ability to exercise sound professional judgment are typically the primary considerations when selecting a Personal Services Contractor, with price being secondary.

  • (a) Contracts for Architectural, Engineering, Photogrammetric Mapping, Transportation Planning, Land Surveying Services, or Related Services are designated as a special class of Personal Services Contracts, defined in ORS 279C.100(5), and that definition applies only to ORS 279C.100 to 279C.125. Contracts for Architectural, Engineering, Photogrammetric Mapping, Transportation Planning, Land Surveying Services or Related Services are not subject to the provisions of rule CCR.250 of the Community College Rules of Procurement, but are, instead, subject to the provisions of Division 48 of the Oregon Attorney General's Model Public Contracting Rules as adopted by the College, and the Community College Rules of Procurement adopted by the College, excluding rule CCR.250.

(2) The College may waive the requirement for a competitive selection process and directly negotiate a Personal Services Contract, if the Contract Price is not more than the Minimum Threshold as this threshold is defined in - Supplementary Provisions. Regardless of the dollar value of the contract, the College may, at its discretion, enter into a Personal Services Contract without complying with formal or informal solicitation requirements if an Emergency, as defined in CCR.206 exists.

  • (a) Unless there are compelling reasons not to do so, competitive selection processes for Personal Services contractors should take place at intervals not greater than five years after initial completion and acceptance of services.
  • (b) The screening and selection procedures for the award of Personal Services Contracts are governed by ORS 279A.055 and are subject to the competitive procurement provisions of the Personal Services Contracting rules and procedures adopted herein. Every contract for Personal Services shall be based upon these screening and selection procedures developed by the College. Personal Services Contracts are considered "public contracts" as defined in ORS 279A.010.

(3) The College may enter into Personal Services Contracts with an independent contractor when:

  • (a) The work to be performed requires specialized skills, knowledge and resources in the application of highly technical or scientific expertise, or the exercise of professional, artistic, or management discretion or judgment;
  • (b) The College will not control the means or manner of the contractor's performance, but must rely on the Contractor's specialized skills, knowledge and expertise to accomplish the work. Note: The College's reservation of the right to determine and modify the delivery schedule, evaluate the quality of completed performance, and accept or reject the completed performance does not mean that the College will control the means and manner of performance; and
  • (c) Selecting a Contractor primarily on the basis of qualifications, rather than price, in accordance with the provisions of the Personal Services Contracting Rules and Procedures adopted herein would most likely meet the College's needs and result in obtaining satisfactory contract performance and optimal value for the College.

(4) Pursuant to ORS 279A.055(2), the College has the authority to designate certain service contracts or classes of service contracts as Personal Services Contracts. Personal Services Contracts may include, but are not limited to, contracts for services performed in a professional capacity such as:

  • (a) Contracts for the services of an accountant;
  • (b) Contracts for the services of an attorney;
  • (c) Contracts for the services of a physician or dentist,
  • (d) Contracts for the services of an information technology consultant,
  • (e) Contracts for the services of a broadcaster;
  • (f) Contracts for services as an artist in the performing or fine arts including, but not limited to, any person identified as a photographer, filmmaker, painter, weaver, or sculptor;
  • (g) Contracts for services that are specialized, creative and research-oriented;
  • (h) Contracts for services as a consultant;
  • (i) Contracts for educational services;
  • (j) Contracts for investment services;
  • (k) Contracts for travel services;
  • (l) Contracts for banking services;
  • (m) Contracts for auditing services;
  • (n) Contracts for student loan and college receivables;
  • (o) Contracts for real estate services (ORS 279A.025(2)(f));
  • (p) Contracts for property management;
  • (q) Contracts for employee benefit insurance (ORS 279A.025(2)7));
  • (r) Contracts for investments (ORS 279A.025(2)(q)(C));
  • (s) Contracts for energy savings performance contracts (ORS 279C.335(1)(f));
  • (t) Contracts for agents of record (examples where agents of record may be used are advertising, general insurance, sales of surplus property, workers compensation insurance, etcetera);
  • (u) Contracts for speakers, lecturers, and performers; and
  • (v) Contracts for human custodial care services;
  • (w) Contracts for food service management; and
  • (x) Contracts for telecourse providers.

(5) Personal Services Contracts do not include:

  • (a) Contracts, even though in a professional capacity, if primarily for equipment, supplies or materials, e.g., a contract to supply all hardware and standard software is not a Personal Services Contract, but a contract with a technology consultant to design or develop a new computer system is a Personal Services Contract;
  • (b) Contracts with a temporary service or personnel agency to supply labor, which is of a type that can generally be done by any skilled worker (e.g., janitorial, security guard, crop spraying, laundry, and landscape maintenance service contracts);
  • (c) Contracts for services of a trade-related activity, even though a specific license is required to engage in the activity. Examples are repair and/or maintenance of all types of equipment or structures.

II. Screening and Selection Procedures and Assistance

These rules set forth procedures for the College to follow when entering into Personal Services Contracts.

(1) The policy of the College is to select Contractors based on demonstrated qualifications and competence to perform the required services, encourage competition, discourage favoritism and obtain services at a fair and reasonable price. The purpose of this rule is to specify the College's policies and procedures for screening and selection of Contractors to perform Personal Services.

(2) The College shall comply with the procedures set out in these rules for screening and selecting Contractors to perform Personal Services Contracts.

(3) The College shall provide Evidence of Competition for all Public Contracts where competition exists or justify entering into contracts by direct negotiation if an exemption from the screening and selection process is utilized. While qualifications are the primary criteria, whenever the College determines that the services offered by two or more individuals or firms are equally able to meet the College's needs and are of equal value, the College shall award the contract to the individual or firm offering the service at the lowest price.

(4) The College may procure Personal Services from Contractors who are under contract with another governmental entity pursuant to a Cooperative Agreement as permitted and subject to ORS 279A.200 to 279A.225, if such action is expressly permitted under the original contract and if the administering agency's solicitation and award process for the original contract is an open and impartial competitive process and uses source selection methods substantially equivalent to those specified in ORS 279B.055, 279B.060 or uses a competitive bidding process substantially equivalent to the competitive bidding process in ORS chapter 279C.

III. Solicitation Requirements

A. General

(1) All formal solicitations must satisfy the requirements of this rule. Request for Proposals and Request for Qualifications must be in writing and must be advertised in accordance with the following procedures:

  • (a) All advertisements for a formal solicitation shall be placed in at least one newspaper of general circulation and in as many additional issues and publications as may be necessary or desirable to achieve adequate competition. At the option of the College, the College may publish its public notices electronically instead of, or in addition to, a newspaper of general circulation. The advertisement(s) for a formal solicitation shall be first published and appear at least once, no fewer than fourteen (14) calendar days before close of the solicitation, unless the governing body of theCollege, its President, or another officer authorized by the College declares in writing that a shorter period is deemed necessary in the public interest for a particular procurement. Conversely, the College shall broaden and extend public notice if deemed necessary to serve the public's interest for a particular procurement; and
     
  • (b) All advertisement(s) shall describe, at a minimum, a brief summary of the proposed contract, the services sought, where copies of the solicitation may be obtained, and the deadline for submitting a proposal.

(2) The Solicitation Document must provide that the College may, at any time during the solicitation process, reject any or all proposals or cancel the solicitation without liability if it is in the public interest to do so.

(3) Unless compensation is expressly provided for in the Solicitation Document, the Request for Proposals or Request for Qualifications must provide that the College is not responsible for any costs of any Offeror incurred while submitting Offers and that all Offerors who respond to solicitations do so solely at their own expense

(4) The Solicitation Document must:

  • (a) Notify proposers of potential Solicitation Document addenda. Failure to provide such notice in any solicitation may prevent addenda from being incorporated into any resulting contract, and include protest procedures for all formal solicitation and selection.

B. Formal Selection Procedures

The College shall use a formal selection procedure whenever the cost of the services is estimated or anticipated to be equal to or more than the Intermediate Threshold for Personal Services contracts as this threshold is defined in Section 300 - Supplementary Provisions. Under these formal procedures, Requests for Proposals (RFP) or Requests for Qualifications must be advertised in at least one newspaper of general circulation or through electronic means as indicated in Section 200, Rule 202, and in as many other issues or electronic procurement systems, and publications as may be necessary or desirable to achieve adequate competition.

(1) Request for Qualifications. A Request for Qualifications may be used to determine whether competition exists to perform the needed services or to establish a list of qualified Contractors prior to issuing an RFP (Note: It is not mandatory that the College issue a Request for Qualifications; it may elect to forego using a Request For Qualifications before issuing an RFP.)

  • (a) At a minimum, the Request for Qualifications shall describe the particular specialty desired, the qualifications the Contractor(s) must have in order to be considered, and the evaluation factors and their relative importance. The Request for Qualifications may require information including, but not limited to: the Contractor's particular capability to perform the required services; the number of experienced staff available to perform the required services, including specific qualifications and experience of personnel; a list of similar services the Contractor has completed, with references concerning past performance; and any other information necessary to evaluate Contractor qualifications.
  • (b) A qualifications pre-submission meeting (voluntary or mandatory) may be held for all interested Contractors to discuss the proposed services. If the meeting is mandatory, the Request for Qualifications shall include the date, time and place of the meeting(s).
  • (c) Unless the Request for Qualifications establishes that competition does not exist or unless the solicitation process is canceled or all qualification statements rejected, all respondents (who met the published qualifications) shall receive a notice (or other materials as appropriate) of any required services and have an opportunity to submit an Offer in response to the College's subsequent RFP.

(2) Request for Proposals. The RFP is used as a formal competitive solicitation that describes specific services to be performed within a defined period of time. The solicitation sets forth criteria and methods for screening, selecting and ranking the best proposal(s). The RFP may result in contracts with more than one provider.

  • (a) The RFP must either describe the situation and background for which Offers are being requested and state the outcome(s) desired, or propose a Statement of Work. The RFP must describe any conditions affecting the delivery of the services and the time period in which the services are to be completed. The RFP must, at a minimum, address the following information:
    1. Minimum standards and qualifications required to be met by the Offeror(s) to be eligible to provide the services;
    2. The evaluation process and criteria to be used to select the Contractor(s), including the weight or points applicable to each criterion. Information must include the manner in which the Offeror's cost and pricing proposal will be evaluated;
    3. A requirement to provide a list of similar services completed by the proposer(s) with references concerning past performance;
    4. The closing date and time of the solicitation and the delivery location(s) for proposals;
    5. Reservation of the right to seek clarifications of each proposal, and the right to negotiate the Statement of Work within the scope of work described in the RFP;
    6. Reservation of the right to reject any or all Proposals, if such rejection would be in the public interest;
    7. Reservation of the right to cancel the solicitation, if such cancellation would be in the public interest;
    8. Contractual provisions that will be contained in the resulting contract;
    9. The possibility of interviews; and
    10. Any other information to be used to evaluate, rank and select the best proposer(s). This should include, but is not limited to: anticipated contract award date, and at the College's discretion, funding information and budget requirements.
  • (b) A pre-proposal meeting (voluntary or mandatory) may be held for all prospective Contractors to discuss the proposed services, solicitation provisions and contract requirements. The RFP shall include the date, time and place of the meeting(s).
  • (c) An evaluation committee shall evaluate Proposals. The College's Purchasing Department shall provide the evaluation committee with guidelines for completing evaluations consistent with the process described in the RFP. The evaluation committee may consist of College employees and, if desired, members of the community with experience in related services. Evaluators shall be selected on the basis of their ability to provide an objective, impartial evaluation of the proposals. If there is a conflict of interest, the evaluator shall declare this in writing and shall be excluded from participating in the evaluation.
  • (d) The proposal evaluation committee shall review, score and rank all responsive proposals according to the evaluation criteria in the RFP, which may include, but are not limited to, the following:
    1. Availability and capability to perform the work;
    2. Experience of key staff on comparable projects, or in performing comparable services;
    3. Demonstrated ability to successfully complete similar projects or perform similar services on time and within budget;
    4. References from past clients, public and private;
    5. Performance history in meeting deadlines, submitting accurate estimates, producing quality work, and meeting financial obligations;
    6. Status and quality of any required licensing or certification;
    7. Knowledge and understanding of the required services as shown through the proposed approach to staffing and scheduling needs;
    8. Fees or costs;
    9. Results from oral interviews, if conducted;
    10. Availability of any specific required resources or equipment;
    11. Geographic proximity to the project or the area where the services will be performed;
    12. Identity of proposed subcontractors and their qualifications; and
    13. Any other criteria deemed relevant to the provision of services.
  • (e) Final ranking will be based on the evaluation criteria consistent with the process described in the RFP. Price will be considered, but will not necessarily govern selection of the Contractor(s).
  • (f) Contracts entered into under the formal selection procedure may be amended, provided the original contract allows for the particular amendment and the services to be provided under the amendment are included within, or directly related to, the scope of the project or the scope of the services described in the solicitation document.

C. Informal Selection Procedures

The College may use an informal selection process to obtain services if the estimated fee or Contract Price isless than the Minimum Threshold for Personal Services Contracts and the College shall use an informal selection process to obtain services if the estimated fee or Contract Price is more than the Minimum Threshold but less than the Intermediate Threshold for Personal Services Contracts as this threshold is defined in Section 300-Supplementary Provisions, unless otherwise exempted.

(1) The informal selection process shall solicit Offers from at least three qualified contractors offering the required services. Prospective contractors may be drawn from the ORPIN System and/or from the certified list of the Advocate for Minority, Women and Emerging Small Business or its list of Contractors. The College may place the solicitation on the ORPIN System and/or use the system-generated potential Offer list to meet the three (3) responses/proposals requirement for informal solicitations.

(2) The informal selection process shall be competitive. The selection and ranking may be based on criteria including, but not limited to, each Offeror's:

  • (a) Particular capability to perform the services required;
  • (b) Experienced staff available to perform the services required, including each Offeror's recent, current, and projected workloads;
  • (c) Performance history;
  • (d) Approach and philosophy used in providing services;
  • (e) Fees or costs;
  • (f) Geographic proximity to the project or the area where the services are to be performed; and
  • (g) Work volume previously awarded by the College, with the object of effecting an equitable distribution of contracts among qualified Contractors, provided such distribution does not violate the policy of selecting the most highly-qualified Contractor to perform the services at a fair and reasonable price.

(3) All proposals received shall be reviewed and documented and the most qualified Contractor(s) selected.

(4) If the scope of the services is revised to the extent that the estimated cost of the services is considered to be equal to or more than the Minimum Threshold as this threshold is defined in Section 300 - Supplementary Provisions, and the services are still required, the College shall either (a) terminate the contract and issue a new solicitation using the formal selection procedures or procedures allowed by subsequent rules set forth in this Section, unless waived under the provisions of Section CCR.250(I)(2), or (b) seek approval by the College's Local Contract Review Board for contract amendment.

D. Selection by Negotiation

(1) The College may procure Personal Services with Contractors directly through negotiation if the contract price is less than the Minimum Threshold as this threshold is defined in Section 300 - Supplementary Provisions.

(2) If the scope of the services is revised to the extent that the estimated cost of the services is equal to or more than the Minimum Threshold as this threshold is defined in Section 300 - Supplementary Provisions, the College shall solicit for a new Contractor(s) using applicable selection procedures under these rules.

Conclusion of Compliance with Law

The requirements of this rule ensure that competition will be carefully addressed and protected, if the College finds it is in the public's best interest to competitively procure Personal Services. This rule satisfies the requirements of Oregon Revised Statute ORS 279A.055 wherein the College may enter into Personal Services contracts, subsequent

to the Local Contract Review Board's designation of certain service contracts or classes of service contracts as personal services contracts. Consequently, findings otherwise required by law are unnecessary here.

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PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTS EXCEPTIONS AND EXEMPTIONS

Alternate Contracting Methods          CCR.280

The College may, at its discretion, exempt public improvement contracts from competitive bidding requirements utilizing Alternate Contracting Methods (ORS 279C.335(2). These methods shall take into account market realities and modern practices that are consistent with the public policy of encouraging competition. Examples of Alternate Contracting Methods are Request for Proposals for the selection of construction manager/general contractor firms (CM/GC), and Design/Build firms.

The College shall prepare written findings that support the use of this exemption from competitive bidding and obtain approval from its Local Contract Review Board. A public hearing shall be held before final adoption (ORS 279C.335(5)) of the exemption. The findings must show compliance with ORS 279C.330, and shall include, but not be limited to, information regarding:

(a) Operational, budget and financial data;

(b) Public benefits;

(c) Value engineering;

(d) Specialized expertise required;

(e) Public safety;

(f) Market conditions;

(g) Technical complexity; and

(h) Funding sources but shall not be based solely on funding sources, such as a particular bond fund, or by the method of procurement.

Conclusion of Compliance with Law

The College must demonstrate that the use of this exemption is unlikely to encourage favoritism in the awarding of public contracts or substantially diminish competition for such contracts and will likely result in substantial cost savings to the College or the public (ORS 279C.335(2)). The requirements of this rule ensure that competition will be carefully addressed and protected, if the College's Local Contract Review Board finds it is in the public's best interest to use an Alternate Contracting Method. Consequently, findings otherwise required by law are unnecessary here.

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Donated Public Improvements          CCR.281

The College may authorize a Person to construct a public improvement without competitive bidding or other competitive process regardless of dollar amount, if:

(1) The Person has agreed to donate all of the labor, materials and services necessary to construct the public improvement and perform the work; and

(2) The Person enters into a license or agreement with the College whereby the Person agrees to comply with the public contract requirements applicable to the particular project, requirements of the Public Contracting Code, and any requirements that the College deems necessary or beneficial to protect the College.

Findings of Fact

  1. Students, staff, contractors, and other community groups from time to time offer to donate all or a portion of their professional skilled services and/or materials, to help the College meet its facilities= and/or educational needs. The ability to take advantage of such donated materials and/or services enables the College to use its limited funds in other areas, and frequently results in improvements or services that the College would not otherwise be able to afford. This class special procurement thus has budgetary, operational, and public benefits.
  2. This exemption enables the College to take advantage of these offers, while continuing to ensure that the requirements of the Public Contracting Code continue to be met.
  3. ORS 279A.010 excludes projects for which no funds of a public entity are used from the definition of Public Improvement subject to the Code. This exemption will allow the College to take advantage of donated materials and/or services, where all or part of the project or funds used for the project are donated.

Conclusion of Compliance with Law

It is unlikely that this exemption will encourage favoritism in the award of College contracts or substantially diminish competition for College Contracts because it will only apply when a Person donates all or part of the materials and/or services. Charitable donations are outside of the competitive market for construction services. In many instances, the donations will enable the College to construct or complete projects that it otherwise would not be able to afford to do, and thus will not displace what would otherwise be a competitively bid project.

The use of this class special procurement will result in substantial cost savings to the College because the College is notrequired to pay for the goods and/or services if they are donated.

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First-Tier Subcontractors; Disclosure and Substitution CCR.282

This rule amends (i.e., additions are indicated by italics and deletions are indicated by a line drawn through the word(s) that has been stricken.), Appendix B of these Community College Rules of Procurement (i.e.,State of Oregon Department of Justice,Model Public Contract Rules effective January 1, 2010, Division 49), as follows:

OAR 137-049-0360(2)(b) shall be replaced with:

  • "(b) The College may, at its discretion, open Bids publicly immediately after the Bid Closing; and or it may open Bids publicly immediately following the deadline for submission of the first-tier subcontractor disclosure forms, or some other time as permitted or not prohibited by Oregon Revised Statutes."

Conclusion of Compliance with Law

As this amendment to the Attorney General's Public Contract Rules is not a Special Procurement or exemption from the competitive procurement requirements of law, the College has determined that findings of fact are not required.

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Limited Negotiations with Bidder          CCR.283

I. Definitions

For purposes of this rule, the terms below shall be defined, as follows:

"College's Cost Estimate" shall mean the fixed limit of construction cost that has been agreed upon by the College and the College's consultant.

"Value Engineering and Other Options" refers to a process agreed upon by the College, which involves the lowest responsive, responsible bidder and may include other consultants to identify deletions or adjustments to the project to reduce the cost of such work.

"Significantly Changed" with reference to the scope of the project, shall mean deletion or adjustment of components of the project or elements of the work, which in the aggregate are estimated to cost in excess of twenty-five percent of the College's Cost Estimate as originally designed.

II. Limited Negotiations and College's Cost Estimate

(1) If a project is competitively bid and all the responsive bids from responsible bidders exceed the College's Cost Estimate, the College may, prior to award, negotiate with the Lowest Responsible Bidder utilizing Value Engineering and Other Options to bring the contract price within the College's Cost Estimate.

(2) The College's negotiation with the Lowest Responsible Bidder shall not result in award of the contract to such bidder if the scope of the project is Significantly Changed from that specified in the Invitation to Bid at the time of bidding.

(3) If the College elects to use the negotiation process under this rule, the College will not produce for public inspection prior to award or termination of the negotiation process, any records of the Lowest Responsible Bidder. After award of the contract or termination of the negotiation process, the College will make available for public inspection such records as are subject to inspection under any other provision of law.

III. Negotiation and Award Process

(1) If the Lowest Responsible Bidder's Bid exceeds the College's Cost Estimate, the College may, but shall not be required to, negotiate with the Lowest Responsible Bidder to bring the cost of the project within the College's Cost Estimate.

(2) If the College elects to negotiate with the Lowest Responsible Bidder, the College shall give written notice to the Lowest Responsible Bidder of its intent, within ten (10) days of bid Opening. The notice shall include disclosure to the Lowest Responsible Bidder of the College's Cost Estimate.

(3) During any such negotiations, the Lowest Responsible Bidder's bid shall remain firm for the period prescribed in the Bid. At all times until such expiration of the Bid, and notwithstanding the occurrence of negotiations under this rule, the College shall have the right to accept the original Bid.

(4) Upon and within five (5) days of receipt of the College's notice of intent to negotiate, the Lowest Responsible Bidder and the College's representative shall meet and present to each other, in writing, any proposals either may have for Value Engineering and Other Options to bring the project within the College's Cost Estimate.

(5) The College and the Lowest Responsible Bidder shall negotiate in good faith regarding value engineering and other options, exerting their best efforts to bring the cost of the project within the College's Cost Estimate.

(6) If the College and the Lowest Responsible Bidder are able to reach agreement through value engineering and other options to identify measures which bring the project within the College's Cost Estimate, but do not Significantly Change the scope of the project, such value engineering and other options shall be reduced to writing and signed by the Lowest Responsible Bidder as an amendment to its bid and will be incorporated into the Contract at the time of award.

(7) Upon award, the terms and conditions of the amendment to the Bid shall be made public.

(8) Any protest of this negotiation process shall be subject to the Protest Process specified in the Invitation to Bid.

Conclusion of Compliance with Law

This rule satisfies the requirements of Oregon Revised Statute 279C.340 wherein the College may negotiate with the lowest responsive, responsible bidder in accordance with rules adopted by the College. Consequently, findings otherwise required by law are unnecessary here.

* * * * *

SECTION 300 SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS B CONTRACTING RULES

These Community College Rules of Procurement were drafted by participating statewide community college representatives with the intent that Sections 100 and 200 be adopted in their entirety and remain unchanged by their respective institutions unless modified by participating committee members at a later date and subsequently and unanimously ratified by their Local Contract Review Boards. Section 300 has been specifically set aside to address the unique philosophies, cultures, and/or concerns of the various community colleges, voting districts, and Local Contract Review Boards. In the event of conflict between rules or sections within these Community College Rules of Procurement, the rules in Section 300 shall take precedence over the Appendices in Section 300, and the rules in Sections 100 and/or 200 except as otherwise expressly provided.

* * * * *

Contract Amendments & Reinstatements          CCR.302

A. The College may award an amendment(s) to a Public Contract for additional work or product which is reasonably related to the scope of work under the original contract, including change orders, extra work, field orders, or other changes in the original specifications that increases the original Contract Price subject to the following conditions:

(1) Contract amendments must be made in writing;

(2) Amendments to Contracts must fall within the scope of the original solicitation. Amendments shall not be used to circumvent rules establishing approvals at certain monetary thresholds;

(3) The original Contract was let by competitive bidding or alternate contracting method or is a Special Procurement that has been exempted from competitive processes;

(4) Such amendment(s) shall not exceed a total of thirty-three percent (33%) of the original Contract Price for goods and services or twenty-five percent (25%) over the original Contract Price if the Contract is for public improvements, public works, or general trade services and the amount of the amended Contract is defined as a Small or Intermediate Procurement as these thresholds are defined in Section 300, "Public Contracts Under Certain Dollar Amounts," Supplementary Provisions of the Community College Rules of Procurement;

(5) Such amendment(s) shall not exceed a total of fifty percent (50%) of the original Contract Price, if the original Contract Price exceeds the threshold for Intermediate Procurements as this threshold is defined in Section 300, "Public Contracts Under Certain Dollar Amounts," Supplementary Provisions of the Community College Rules of Procurement, and the Contract is for public improvements, public works, or general trade services;

(6) The Vice President of Administrative Services, or designee, is authorized to approve amendments to a Contract if it is for a Public Contract, including a Public Contract for a Special Procurement. The Vice President of Administrative Services and Facilities Director are authorized to approve individual amendments up to 10% of the original contract price or $30,000 whichever is less. Amendments greater than 10% of the contract price or $30,000, can be authorized, but will not be binding until the Local Contracting Board approves.

B. The "Reinstatement of Expired Contracts" means the action of reinstatement of an expired Contract that was previously properly executed containing all the required approval signatures and following all required procurement processes. The College may approve reinstatement of an expired Contract if the following conditions are met:

(1) The College determines concisely, in writing, that the failure to extend or renew the Contract in a timely manner was due to unforeseen or unavoidable conditions;

(2) The written reinstatement justification is presented to Purchasing for approval within ninety (90) days after expiration of the original Contract; and

(3) The reinstatement is exclusively for the purpose of permitting completion of the work or services for no additional compensation; or

  • (a) When the services are of a continuing or repetitive nature, which are compensated at an hourly, daily or similar periodic rate, the reinstatement either:
    1. Does not increase the rate of compensation; or
    2. Does not increase the rate of compensation so as to exceed the rate of the increase determined by comparing the Portland, Oregon Metropolitan Area Consumer Price Index (all items), published immediately prior to the date the original contract was established with the same Index published immediately prior to the date of the reinstatement and extension.

(4) When a Contract is reinstated pursuant to this Rule, the College may compensate the Contractor, at the rate of compensation established in the original Contract, for work performed in the interim between the expiration of the original Contract and the execution and approval(s) of the extension or amendment.

(5) This rule authorizes only one reinstatement of a Contract.

(6) No reinstatement of a Contract must modify the original contract except with respect to the time for performance.

(7) If the reinstatement of a Contract pursuant to this rule raises the aggregate amount of compensation to a level that requires approval by the Local Contract Review Board, the College must obtain such approval before the extension becomes binding and before any services may be performed under the reinstated contract.

(8) Once a contract is reinstated, it is in full force and effect, as if it had not expired.

Stat. Auth: ORS 279A.065(5)(a); ORS 279A.070

Conclusion of Compliance with Law

Contracts are living entities. The work they represent is subject to change at any moment; contract amendments record and formalize those changes. Options for change orders are needed for contract administrators and contractors to perform the work in the most efficient manner. As the contract amendment process is not an exemption from the competitive procurement requirements of law, the College has determined that findings of fact are not required. It is unlikely that this process will encourage favoritism in the awarding of public contracts or substantially diminish competition and is reasonably expected to result in substantial cost savings to the College or to the public ORS 279B085(4). Consequently, findings otherwise required by law are unnecessary here.

* * * * *

Cumulative Awards of Small Contracts (i.e., Anti-Fragmenting Rule)          CCR.304

When the College awards a series of small contracts other than Special Procurements subject to ORS 279B.085,with values less than $100,000, intends to award a series of such contracts, or is likely to award a series of such contracts within one fiscal year, the sum of which will, or is likely to, meet or exceed$150,000, and the Work of which is similar, identical, or within the same operational domain, the College shall submit findings to its Local Contract Review Board to the effect that:

(1) The contracts are not intentionally fractionalized to avoid sealed, competitive public procurement; and,

(2) Competition is not being diminished by the awarding of such contracts and the consequent avoidance of public advertising of the requirement; and,

(3) Other requirements such as those of the Bureau of Labor and Industries, (prevailing wage rates), bonding, insurance and OMWESB (Office of Minority, Women and Emerging Small Business, reporting requirements), will not be avoided by the award of such contracts; or, the College shall formulate and issue a formal solicitation for the totality of such annual requirements, and shall, as a result of such solicitation, establish a requirements contract naming one or more qualified providers, for the provision of the required goods or services.

Conclusion of Compliance with Law

This rule is intended to apply to all goods, services, client services, public improvements, public works, maintenance, repair, supplies, and all other College requirements. Its purpose is to ensure that the College does not intentionally or inadvertently exceed the College's formal competitive procurement threshold requirement of $150,000 without good cause. As Special Procurements may result in a series of Contracts over time or for multiple projects, and the Cumulative Awards of Small Contracts Rule is not an exemption from the competitive procurement requirements of law, the College has determined that findings of fact are not required.

* * * * *

Energy Management Controls Systems          CCR.308

Competitive procurement need not be used for Energy Management Controls Systems provided the hardware or software is required to match or be specifically compatible with existing equipment (see Brand Names or Marks, "or Equal," Single Seller and Sole Source), or that the items are available from only one source and the College has determined that competition does not exist.

In determining the appropriate procurement method for Energy Management Controls Systems or whether competition exists, the College may consider the following factors: the extent to which alternative services offered are comparable or substitutable in technology; service provided; performance; the extent to which latest upgrades and options are offered by the manufacturer; upward and downward compatibility; and the extent to which alternative providers can respond to the College's interests in consistency and continuity of services throughout its service area, volume discounts, equitable service for all users, centralized management, and limiting College liability.

Conclusion of Compliance with Law

This rule will not encourage favoritism or substantially diminish competition in the awarding of public contracts. An energy management controls system is essentially a system of data processors, input/output devices, field devices (thermostats, terminal control units, etc.), and software that result in energy-saving strategies. This rule provides additional parameters for consideration that are complementary to the Public Contracting Code where competition does exist. It is not intended to diminish the College's ability to consider other factors or limit fair and open competition when arriving at best value. It is the policy of the State of Oregon that public contracting activities should provide effective outcomes that represent optimal value to the contracting agency, and to the greatest extent feasible, be consistent with market practices (ORS 279B.010(1)).

* * * * *

Exception (Including Sole Source) — Purchases of Goods or Services through          CCR.310

Competitive procurement processes need not be used for the procurement of goods or services when the College makes a determination, based on written findings subject to ORS 279B.075(2), that the goods or services, or class of goods or services, are available from only one source, and the award of the Contract, is approved, in writing, by the College's Vice President for Administrative Services/Chief Financial Officer or designee with such determination of sole source being placed on file in the Business Office or other designated official location; notification shall subsequently be given to the College's Local Contract Review Board, if the amount of the contract exceeds $150,000. The College is entitled to negotiate with any sole source Contractor to obtain a favorable price, terms, and/or conditions. This exception may be used for either a Contract or class of goods or services resulting in a series of Contracts, subject to these written findings, without submitting written findings for each subsequent request for a Contract, for not longer than five years. This exception is to be used infrequently and only when deemed by the Vice President of Administrative Services/Chief Financial Officer or designee to be in the best interest of the College.

Findings of Fact

  1. In some cases, the use of competitive procurement processes is either not practicable, advantageous, or in the College's best interest due to unforeseen circumstances, unreasonable costs, difficulty in locating vendors even after extensive searches, or where time constraints occur that are due to circumstances beyond reasonable control.
  2. All practical measures will be taken to encourage competition when possible.
  3. The Vice President for Administrative Services/Chief Financial Officer or designee will report to the Local Contract Review Board the reason(s) that competitive procurement processes were deemed to be impracticable; will report to the Local Contract Review Board what steps, where possible, were taken to encourage competition if the acquisition meets or exceeds $150,000; and will make specific written findings pursuant to ORS 279B.075(2). A copy of the waiver shall be placed on file in the Business Office or other designated official location.

Conclusion of Compliance with Law

It is unlikely that this exemption from competitive procurement processes will encourage favoritism in the awarding of public contracts or substantially diminish competition, and it is reasonably expected to result in substantial cost savings to the College or to the public ORS 279B.085(4), since it would be an Exception, and would be due to extenuating circumstances. Additionally, this Special Procurement will substantially promote the public interest in a manner that could not practicably be realized by complying with requirements that are applicable under ORS 279B.055, 279B.060, 279B.065, or 279B.070 or under any rules adopted thereunder. (Stat. Auth.: ORS 279B.075 and 279B.085, Sole-Source Procurements and Special Procurements, respectively.)

* * * * *

Personal Services Contracts (CCR.250 Amended)          CCR.312

This rule replaces and amends Personal Services Contract Rule CCR.250(I)(2) to read:

(2) The College may waive the requirement for a competitive selection process and directly negotiate a Personal Services Contract, if the contract price is not more than the Minimum Threshold as this threshold is defined in Section 300-Supplementary Provisions, Rule CCR.312. "Minimum Threshold" means $50,000; "Intermediate Threshold" means$150,000. Regardless of the dollar value of the contract, the College may, at its discretion, enter into a Personal Services Contract without complying with formal or informal solicitation requirements if anEmergency, as defined in CCR.206 exists.

  • (a) Unless there are compelling reasons not to do so, competitive selection processes for Personal Services contractors should take place at intervals not greater than five years.
    • (1) Informal Selection Procedures may be used for contracts less than the Minimum Threshold (i.e., $50,000), but are not required to be used for contracts less than the Minimum Threshold.
    • (2) Informal Selection Procedures shall be used for contracts estimated or anticipated to be equal to or more than $50,000, but which are not estimated or anticipated to be more than the Intermediate Threshold (i.e.,$150,000).
    • (3) Formal Selection Procedures shall be used for contracts estimated or anticipated to be more than or equal to the Intermediate Threshold (i.e.,$150,000), but may be used for contracts of any estimated dollar value if it is deemed to be in the College's best interest.
  • (b) The screening and selection procedures for the award of Personal Services Contracts are governed by ORS 279A.055 and are subject to the competitive procurement provisions of the Personal Services Contracting rules and procedures adopted herein. Every contract for Personal Services shall be based upon these screening and selection procedures developed by the College. Personal Services Contracts are considered "public contracts" as defined in ORS 279A.010. Pursuant to ORS 279A.010(1)(kk), services designated as “personal services” under ORS 279A.055 are excepted from the definition of “services” and are, therefore, not subject to the Cost Analysis of feasibility determination requirements of ORS 279B.030, 279B.033, or 279B.036.

This rule replaces and amends Personal Services Contracts Rule CCR.250(I)(5) to read:

(5) Personal Services Contracts do not include:

  • (a) Contracts, even though in a professional capacity, if primarily for equipment, supplies, or materials, e.g., a contract to supply all hardware and standard software is not a Personal Services Contract, but a contract with a technology consultant to design or develop a new computer system is a Personal Services Contract;
  • (b) Contracts with a temporary service or personnel agency to supply labor, which is of a type that can generally be done by any skilled worker;
  • (c) Contracts for services of a trade-related activity, even though a specific license is required to engage in the activity. Examples are repair and/or maintenance of all types of equipment or structures;

(6) If the procurement is grant-funded, "Minimum Threshold" means the amount as identified by the grant-funding agency, if the grant-funding agency's threshold requirements are more restrictive than the College's. The College will follow the provisions of Personal Services contracting rules of the grant-funding agency and/or those of the College, or a combination thereof, as identified by the grantor.

Conclusion of Compliance with Law

The requirements of Rule CCR.250 and its subsequent amendment, CCR.312, ensure that competition will be carefully addressed and protected, if the College finds it is in the public's best interest to competitively procure Personal Services. This rule satisfies the requirements of Oregon Revised Statute ORS 279A.055 wherein the College may enter into Personal Services contracts, subsequent to the Local Contract Review Board's designation of certain service contracts or classes of service contracts as personal services contracts. Consequently, findings otherwise required by law are unnecessary here.

* * * * *

Public Contracts Under Certain Dollar Amounts          CCR.314

(1) The College shall submit recommendations for contract award to the Local Contract Review Board for contracts greater than or equal to$150,000, subsequent to College policies and procedures contained herein and defined in Appendix A.

(2) The College may, at its discretion, enter into public contracts not to exceed $150,000 for the purchase of goods, materials, supplies, and services, including contracts for architectural, photogrammetric mapping, transportation planning, engineering, land surveying services, or related services, and public improvements or general trade services, without issuing a formal competitive Solicitation Document, if the College has determined that the awarding of the contract without issuing a formal competitive Solicitation Document will result in cost savings and the following conditions are met:

  • (a) The contract is for a single project, and is not a component of or related to any other project;
  • (b) Due to the challenges in negotiating favorable or equivalent terms and conditions in the electronic marketplace, securing reasonable assurances regarding ownership/title of property, and the diminished capacity for the College to have recourse in the event the goods and/or services are not as indicated by the seller, procurements conducted via electronic commerce marketplace (e.g., eBay, Amazon, Google Shopping, NexTag, etcetera), are not permitted unless express authorization from the College's Vice President of Administrative Services/ Chief Financial Officer or designee has been granted to the College's staff member(s) who is/are requesting to utilize or authorize the use of an auction transaction;
  • (c) When the amount of the contract does not exceed $5,000, defined herein as a "Small Procurement," the College shall, where feasible, obtain competitive quotes, unless the contract is for architectural, engineering, photogrammetric mapping, transportation planning, or land surveying services or, related services procedures in which case a Direct Appointment (see Appendix B, 137-048-0200), may be made for contracts with Estimated Fees less than$50,000;
  • (d) When the amount of the contract is more than $5,000, but less than$150,000, defined herein as an "Intermediate Procurement," and is not for architectural, engineering, photogrammetric mapping, transportation planning, or land surveying services, or related services, the College shall obtain a minimum of three informally solicited competitive quotes. At least one of the three quotes should be obtained from a disadvantaged, minority, women or emerging small business enterprise certified under ORS 200.055 or a business that is owned or controlled by or that employs a disabled veteran, as defined in ORS 408.225. The College shall keep a written record of the source and amount of the quotes received. If three quotes are not available, a lesser number will suffice provided that a written record is made of the effort to obtain the quotes;
  • (e) The College willabide by ORS 279A.025(4), regarding Qualified Nonprofit Agencies, unless the required goods, materials, supplies or services are unavailable from a Qualified Nonprofit Agency as provided in ORS 279.835 to 279.855;
  • (f) The College shall encourage certified disadvantaged, minority, women-owned or emerging small businesses to participate in its purchasing processes, where applicable, by notifying the Advocate for Minority, Women and Emerging Small Business as required by ORS 200.035; and
  • (g) The goods or services, or class of goods or services, are available from only one source and the determination of a sole source is based upon written findings in accordance with the provisions set forth in ORS 279B.075.

(3) The College may, at its discretion, enter into public contracts not to exceed$150,000, where competitive procurement processes have been waived pursuant to ORS 279B.075 and/or 279B.085, and the provisions of CCR.310, "Exception (Including Sole Source) - Purchases of Goods or Services through."

(4) The College may, at its discretion, enter into public contracts for trade-related projects, i.e., construction, maintenance, repair, or similar labor and materials contracts without competitive bidding if the College has determined that the awarding of the contract without competitive bidding will result in cost savings and the following conditions are met:

  • (a) The contract is for a single project, and is not a component of or related to any other project;
  • (b) When the amount of the contract does not exceed $5,000, the College should, where feasible, obtain competitive quotes (ORS 279B.065);
  • (c) When the amount of the contract is more than $5,000, but less than$150,000, the College shall obtain a minimum of three competitive quotes. The College shall keep a written record of the source and amount of the quotes received. If three quotes are not available, a lesser number will suffice provided that a written record is made of the effort to obtain the quotes;
  • (d) When the contract is a public improvement contract of less than$150,000, and the bidders are being drawn exclusively from a list of certified emerging small businesses maintained by the Office of Minority, Women and Emerging Small Business, the College may let the contract without formal competitive bidding after a good faith effort to obtain a minimum of three competitive quotes from Emerging Small Businesses. To obtain maximum exposure for all firms and guard against favoritism, care shall be taken to obtain quotes from different firms each time the list is used. The College shall keep a written record of the source and amount of the quotes received and comply with the requirements, as applicable, of subsection (2)(e) of this rule. A lesser number will suffice provided a written record is maintained of the effort to obtain the quotes; and
  • (e) When the contract is for a "public improvement" as defined in ORS 279A.010(1)(cc) and/or for "public works" as defined in ORS 279C.800(6), and the contract price exceeds $50,000 but is less than$150,000, the College and the contractor shall comply with:
    1. The prevailing wage provisions of ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870, when applicable;
    2. The contractor registration requirements of ORS 701; and
    3. Any other law applicable to such a contract.

(5) If more than one supplier may be available and the total purchase is estimated to exceed$150,000, the College shall select a contractor through a formal competitive solicitation process;

(6) Pursuant to ORS 279C.105, when the contract is for architectural, engineering, photogrammetric mapping, transportation planning, or, land surveying services, or related services, and the Estimated Fee is $150,000 or greater, the College shall screen and select a contractor through a formal competitive solicitation process as these procedures are defined in Appendix B, 137-048-0220, of these Community College Rules of Procurement.

(7) Renegotiated Contracts for Supplies and Services

The College may renegotiate the terms and conditions, including the Contract Price, of a Contract without additional competition and amend a Contract if it is in the best interest of the College subject to the following conditions:

  • (a) The College must determine that, with all things considered, the renegotiated Contract is at least as favorable to the College as the original Contract; and
  • (b) The renegotiated Contract will not have a total term greater than allowed in the original Solicitation Document, Contract or approval of a Special Procurement after combining the initial and extended terms. For example, a one-year Contract, renewable each year for up to four additional years, may be renegotiated as a two to five-year Contract, but not beyond a total of five years. Also, if Contracts with a single Contractor are restated as a single contract, the term of the single Contract may not have a total term greater than any one of the prior Contracts.
  • (c) If a Contractor offers a lower price in exchange for a change in term or condition that was expressly rejected in the original solicitation, the amended Contract may be structured with this changed term as an optional, but not as a mandatory Contract term.
  • (d) If the Contract is the result of a Cooperative Procurement, the amended Contract must be within the Scope of the Original Contract and may not materially change the terms, conditions, and prices of the Original Contract.

(8) If the procurement is grant-funded, "Minimum Threshold" means the amount as identified by the grant- funding agency, if the grant-funding agency's threshold requirements are more restrictive than the College's. The College will follow the provisions of the Public Contracting rules of the grant-funding agency and/or those of the College, or a combination thereof, as identified by the grantor.

Comment:

Public Contract shall mean the "completed project cost basis"of a Public Contract (i.e., the total cost of performing one discrete, identifiable totality of work, including all components, shipping, warranty costs, service agreements obtained in conjunction with the purchase contract, reimbursables, and any other associated costs).

Conclusion of Compliance with Law

This rule is more restrictive than the requirements of the Public Contracting Code. As such, it is not an exemption or Special Procurement to the competitive bidding requirements of law. Consequently, findings otherwise required by law are unnecessary here.

* * * * *

Rejection of an Offer          CCR.316

This rule amends (i.e., additions are indicated by italics and deletions are indicated by a line drawn through the word(s) that has been stricken.), Appendix (B) of these Community College Rules of Procurement (i.e., State of Oregon, Department of Justice, Model Public Contract Rules, effective January 1, 2010, Division 48 and 49), as follows:

OAR 137-047-0640(1)(b) shall be replaced with:

  • "(b) The College may reject an Offer upon the College's finding that the Offer:"

OAR 137-049-0440(1)(b) shall be replaced with:

  • "(b) The College may reject an Offer upon the College's finding that the Offer:"

Conclusion of Compliance with Law

As this amendment to the Attorney General's Public Contract Rules, 2004, is not a Special Procurement or exemption from the competitive procurement requirements of law, the College has determined that findings of fact are not required.

* * * * *

Source Selection          CCR.317

This rule amends (i.e., additions are indicated by italics), Appendix B of these Community College Rules of Procurement (i.e., State of Oregon, Department of Justice, Model Public Contract Rules effective January 1, 2010, Division 47), as follows:

OAR 137-047-0250(2) shall be replaced with:

(2) Written Cost Analysis for Contracts for Services. Before conducting the Procurement of a Contract for Services that is subject to sections 2 to 4 of Oregon Laws 2009, chapter 880, the College must, in the absence of a determination under section 34 of that enactment that performing the services with the College‘s own personnel and resources is not feasible, conduct a Written cost analysis. The College has specifically opted out of the model rules adopted by the Attorney General and adopted its own rules of procedure for Public Contracting pursuant to 279A.065 in the exercise of its own contracting authority and is not subject to these model rules, except for those portions of the model rules that the College has prescribed for its own use for Public Contracting.

(a) This rule applies to a procurement for services—other than personal services designated under ORS 279A.055—that the College estimates will result in one or more Contracts with a value that exceeds $250,000 for the estimated term of the Contract(s)Value, including incidental costs related to the services, and anticipated amendments, but not unanticipated amendments;

  1. If procurement is conducted in accordance with these rules, an Award is made, and one or more unanticipated amendments then increase the estimated Contract Value over $250,000, a Cost Analysis is not required at that time.

Conclusion of Compliance with Law

As this amendment to the Attorney General’s Public Contract Rules is not a Special Procurement or exemption from the competitive procurement requirements of law, the College has determined that findings of fact are not required.

* * * * *

Space Rentals (hotels, conferences, temporary offices, etcetera)          CCR.318

Competitive procurement need not be used for the rental of real estate, floor space or other short- or long-term rentals of physical space.

Findings of Fact

Many space rental transactions must, of necessity, take place in private in order to ensure that public disclosure will not have negative effects upon price or other contractual considerations. Additionally, rentals are subject to considerable personal judgment in the selection of the space, its availability, its surrounds, its geographical location, the landlord, and the contract terms. Many of these items are not subject to negotiation or are extremely difficult to compare objectively. Moreover, many such rentals must be finalized in extremely short periods, occasionally within minutes, or the arrangement may be lost to another offeror. It is not in the best interest of the public to disadvantage the College by necessitating an arduous selection process for rentals of space, which, of necessity, are highly subjective activities.

Conclusion of Compliance with Law

It is unlikely that this Special Procurement will result in favoritism in the awarding of public contracts or substantially diminish competition since all vendors, including Oregon businesses, are able to competeand it is reasonably expected to result in substantial cost savings to the College or to the public (ORS 279B.085(4)(b) or otherwise substantially promote the public interest (ORS 279B(4)(b)(B)), through expediting its procurement processes without compromising integrity for cost.

* * * * *

Special Risk Insurance Policies          CCR.320

Types of Special Risk Insurance Policies shall include, but not be limited to, policy/policies for: Accidental Death and Dismemberment for Board of Education Travel; Student Athletic Accident and Injury; College Volunteers; Day Care Students; optional Medical coverage for Students; and International Student (federally-mandated) coverage. The College may, at its discretion, exempt Special Risk Insurance Policies from competitive bidding requirements, subject to the following conditions:

The College shall take into consideration market realities and determine:

  • (a) whether comparable benefits/services at competitive prices are available;
  • (b) Contractor's ability to assure continuous quality delivery of services;
  • (c) if it is cost effective for the College to contract for the direct right for the insurer or the insurer's agent; and
  • (d) if applicable, whether Contractor's past performance has been satisfactory.

Findings of Fact

(1) In some cases, the use of a competitive procurement process is either not practicable, advantageous, or in the College's best interest due to unforeseen circumstances, unreasonable costs, economies of scale, or difficulty in contracting for Special Risk Insurance Policies through the College's competitively procured Insurance Agent of Record;

(2) In some cases, the College selects the Contractor and makes available Special Risk Insurance Policies as a courtesy to staff/students, but the insurer/insured relationship is between the staff/student and the Contractor - not the College.

(3) If competition exists and it is practical and cost effective to solicit quotations, bids, or proposals for Special Risk Insurance Policies, then these procurement methods should be utilized in an effort to obtain best value.

Conclusion of Compliance with Law

It is unlikely that this Special Procurement will result in favoritism in the awarding of public contracts or substantially diminish competition, and it is reasonably expected to result in substantial cost savings to the College or to the public (ORS 279B.085(4)), since multiple contract awards to independent brokers/agents may result, and it will enable the College to otherwise substantially promote the public interest (ORS 279B.085(4)(b)(B)), by minimizing administrative costs, expediting procurement processes, and maximizing efficiencies. The requirements of this rule ensure that competition will be carefully considered, if the College finds it is in the public's best interest to competitively procure Special Risk Insurance Policies.

* * * * *

Surplus Property          CCR.322

The Vice President of Administrative Services/Chief Financial Officer may, at any time, declare College personal property as surplus and authorize its disposal when such property is no longer useful to the College, unsuitable for school use, too costly to repair, or obsolete. Disposal of the property may be by methods permitted or not prohibited by state or federal law. Methods of disposal may include, but are not limited to, sealed bid sales, fixed price retail sales, oral auctions, and Internet auctions. Surplus property may also be donated to other public educational institutions, such as the local K-12 institutions or recognized 501(c)(3) organizations. Personal property may also be used as a "trade-in" on the purchase of a similar item to reduce the cost of the replacement item. Property deemed to be unsuitable for donation or sale may be discarded. Any personal property donated, sold, or discarded, if part of the College's Capital Assets, will be removed from the Capital Asset listing.

Findings of Fact

The College finds that this rule avoids an unnecessary solicitation expense by allowing the College to dispose of surplus property when the cost of a solicitation would not be justified. This rule allows the Vice President of Administrative Services/Chief Financial Officer to establish programs for donation to other recognized charitable organizations.

Conclusion of Compliance with Law

This rule will not encourage favoritism in the sale of College surplus property, not will it diminish competition as the rule simply allows the College to respond to unique opportunities in disposing of assets not useful to the College, but which may be useful to other nonprofit organizations. If there is a retained monetary value of assets the College has flexibility in determining how to dispose of the asset in a manner that is practical and makes sense. Competitive procedures can be utilized if appropriate. There are so many variations in the type, quantity, and quality of opportunities for recycling and disposal of surplus property that flexibility is important.

Appendix A

PROCUREMENT-RELATED COLLEGE PROCEDURES/POLICIES INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE.

Board Policy
 
100.0245 Board Duties and Responsibilities
100.0500 Contract Review Board
620.0120 Fixed Asset Inventory
630.0400 Contributions to Klamath Community College District
640.0120 Purchasing Authority
640.0130 Purchase Contracts
640.0160 Bidding Requirements

100.0245          Board Duties and Responsibilities

General Powers. The Board of Education shall be responsible for the general supervision and control of any and all community colleges operated by the district. Consistent with any applicable rules of the State Board of Education, the Board may:

A. Employ administrative officers, professional personnel and other employees, define their duties, terms and conditions of employment and prescribe compensation therefore.

B. Enact rules for the governance of all operations of the district, including professional personnel and other employees and students therein.

C. Prescribe the educational program.

D. Control use of and access to the grounds, buildings, books, equipment and other property of the district.

E. Acquire, receive, hold control of, convey, sell, manage, operate, lease, lease-purchase, lend, invest, improve and develop any and all property of whatever nature given to or appropriated for the use, support or benefit of any activity under the control of the Board, according to the terms and conditions of such gift or appropriation.

F. Purchase real property upon a contractual basis when the period of time allowed for payment under the contract does not exceed 30 years.

G. Fix standards of admission to the community college, prescribed tuition for admissions to the community college, including fixing different tuition rates for students who reside in the district, students who do not reside in the district, but are residents of the state, and students who do not reside in the state.

H. Prescribe and expend funds so raised for special programs and services for the students and for programs for the cultural and physical development of the students.

I. Provide and disseminate to the public information relating to the program, operation and finances of the community college.

J. Establish or contract for advisory and consultant services.

K. Take, hold and dispose of mortgages on real and personal property acquired by way of gift or arising out of transactions entered into in accordance with the powers, duties, and authority of the board and institute, maintain and participate in suits and actions and other judicial proceedings in the name of the district for the foreclosure of such mortgages.

L. Maintain programs, services and facilities, and, in connection therewith, cooperate and enter into agreements with any person or public or private agency.

M. Provide student services including health, guidance, counseling and placement services, and contract therefor.

N. Join appropriate associations and pay any required dues therefor from resources of the district.

O. Apply for federal funds and accept and enter into any contracts or agreements for the receipt of such funds from the Federal Government or its agencies for educational purposes.

P. Exercise any other power, duty or responsibility necessary to carry out the functions under this section or required by law.

Q. Prescribe rules for the use and access to public records of the district that are consistent with ORS 192.420. However, the following records shall not be made available to public inspection for any purpose except with consent of the person who is the subject of the record, student or faculty, or upon order of a court of competent jurisdiction:

  1. Student records relating to matters such as grades, conduct, personal and academic evaluations, results of psychometric testing, disciplinary actions, if any, and other personal matters.
  2. Faculty records relating to matters such as conduct, personal and academic evaluations, disciplinary actions, if any, and other personal matters.

T. Enter into contract for the receipt of cash or property, or both and establish annuities pursuant to ORS 731.704 to 731.724;

and, commit, appropriate, authorize and budget for the payment of or other disposition of general funds to pay, in whole or in part, sums due under an annuity agreement, and to provide the necessary funding for reserves or other trust funds pursuant to ORS 731.716.

U. Encourage gifts to the district by faithfully devoting the proceeds of such gifts to the district purposes for which intended.

V. Build, equip, repair, lease, purchase, and raze facilities; and locate, buy and acquire lands for all district purposes. Financing may be any prudent method including but not limited to loans, contract purchase or lease. Leases authorized by this section include lease-purchase agreements whereunder the district may acquire ownership of the leased property at a nominal price. Such financing agreements may be for a term of up to 30 years except for lease arrangements which may be for term of up to 50 years.

W. Participate in an educational consortium with public and private institutions that offer upper division and graduate instruction. Community colleges engaged in such consortiums may expend money, provide facilities and assign staff to assist those institutions offering upper division and graduate instruction.

100.0500          Contract Review Board

By ORS 279.055, the KCC Board of Education is designated as the local contract review board for the KCC District.

620.0120          Fixed Asset Inventory

The College will maintain a fixed asset inventory of all items with an initial purchase price of $5000 or more and with a life expectancy of one or more years.

630.0400          Contributions to Klamath Community College District

All donations of equipment, property, services, cash, etc., to Klamath Community College District shall be receipted through the Klamath Community College Foundation Office.

640.0120          Purchasing Authority

The Business Office will assist staff as needed in the purchasing of equipment, materials or services for the College.

A. Purchasing will occur when Board approved, budgeted funds are available and authorized by appropriate staff with budgetary authority.

  1. Procedures for purchasing are governed by:
    1. Oregon state law;
    2. KCC Board policy;
    3. KCC Local Contract Review Board.
  2. Failure to comply with established procedures may cause the liability to become a personal one.

B. Purchase orders are required for all capital outlay purchases and those purchases which are greater than or equal to $100 including freight, shipping and all incremental charges.

  1. Capital outlay expenditures are for:
    1. The acquisition of, or the increase of, visible, tangible property of a non-consumable nature; and
    2. Items with a unit cost of $500 or more and a useful life of one year or greater; and
    3. Software with a unit cost of $500 or more.
  2. Purchases under $100 must utilize one of the following options:
    1. Although a purchase order is not required, one should be issued through the College's electronic purchasing system;
    2. If a purchase order is not issued, the purchase must be documented with an invoice on file in the Business Office and have an authorized signature and the account number to be charged on the invoice.
  3. Purchases equal or greater than $100 require a purchase order, and must:
    1. Be issued through the College's electronic purchasing system; and
    2. Be approved by appropriate staff with budget authority for the respective account.
  4. Exceptions to the purchase order process may occur when waived by the Dean for Administrative Services or designee with such waiver(s) placed on file in the Business Office, or for the following types of expenditures:
    1. For authorized employee travel vouchers and advances related to travel;
    2. For continuous utility and monthly services; e.g., phone, power;
    3. Personal services contracts;
    4. Contracted services;
    5. Facility rentals;
    6. Dues/Memberships;
    7. Conferences/Accommodations;
    8. Reimbursements.

640.0130          Purchase Contracts

The President and the Vice President of Administrative Services shall be authorized to enter into purchase contracts. Routine purchases shall be accomplished in conformance with the Purchasing Authority policy 640.0120.

640.0160          Bidding Requirements

Bids or proposals shall be called for on all purchases, lease or sale of personal property, public improvements or services other than agreements for personal service in accordance with applicable competitive procurement provisions of Oregon Revised Statutes, Oregon Administrative Rules, and the Rules of Klamath Community College Local Contract Review Board.

The Board will serve as the Local Public Contract Review Board for the district. A copy of the Board's policy or resolution so designating the district shall be filed with the county governing body.

In its capacity as the Local Public Contract Review Board, the Board of Education shall adopt rules consistent with Oregon’s Public Contracts and Purchasing Law.

Appendix B

OREGON ATTORNEY GENERAL'S MODEL PUBLIC CONTRACT RULES OREGON
ADMINISTRATIVE RULES), AS EXPRESSLY IDENTIFIED BY THE RULE
NUMBER, AND INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE — DIVISIONS 46, 47, 48
AND 49, ADOPTED ON DECEMBER 27, 2005, BY THE STATE OF OREGON,
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, GENERAL COUNSEL DIVISION, EFFECTIVE
JANUARY 1, 2006.

DIVISION 46 - GENERAL PROVISIONS RELATED TO PUBLIC CONTRACTING

137-046-0100

Content and General Application; Federal Law Supremacy

(1) These Model Rules are rules of procedure for Public Contracting as required under ORS 279A.065 and consist of the following four divisions:

  • (a) This division 46, which applies to all Public Contracting;
  • (b) Division 47, which describes procedures for Public Contracting for Goods, Services and Personal Services other than Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services and Related Services;
  • (c) Division 48, which describes procedures for Public Contracting for Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services and Related Services; and
  • (d) Division 49, which describes procedures for Public Contracting for Construction Services.

(2) If a conflict arises between these division 46 rules and rules in divisions 47, 48 and 49, the rules in divisions 47, 48 and 49 take precedence over these division 46 rules.

(3) Except as otherwise expressly provided in ORS 279C.800 through 279C.870, and notwithstanding ORS Chapters 279A, 279B, and 279C.005 through 279C.670, applicable federal statutes and regulations govern when federal funds are involved and the federal statutes or regulations conflict with any provision of ORS Chapters 279A, 279B, or 279C.005 through 279C.670 or these Model Rules, or require additional conditions in Public Contracts not authorized by ORS Chapters 279A, 279B, and 279C.005 through 279C.670 or these Model Rules.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279A.030 & 279A.065
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 19-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08

137-046-0110

Definitions for the Model Rules

Unless the context of a specifically applicable definition in the Code requires otherwise, capitalized terms used in the Model Rules have the meaning set forth in the division of the Model Rules in which they appear, and if not defined there, the meaning set forth in these division 46 rules, and if not defined here, the meaning set forth in the Code. The following terms, when capitalized in these Model Rules, have the meaning given below:

(1) "Addendum" or "Addenda" means an addition to, deletion from, a material change in, or general interest explanation of a Solicitation Document.

(2) "Administering Contracting Agency" has the meaning set forth in ORS 279A.200(1)(a) and for Interstate Cooperative Procurements includes the entities specified in ORS 279A.220(4).

(3) "Award" means, as the context requires, either identifying or the Contracting Agency's identification of the Person with whom the Contracting Agency intends to enter into a Contract following the resolution of any protest of the Contracting Agency's selection of that Person and the completion of all Contract negotiations.

(4) "Bid" means a Written response to an Invitation to Bid.

(5) "Closing" means the date and time specified in a Solicitation Document as the deadline for submitting Offers.

(6) "Code" means the Public Contracting Code.

(7) "Competitive Range" means the Proposers with whom the Contracting Agency will conduct discussions or negotiations if the Contracting Agency intends to conduct discussions or negotiations in accordance with OAR 137-047-0262 or 137-049-0650.

(8) "Contract" means a contract for sale or other disposal, or a purchase, lease, rental or other acquisition, by a contracting agency of personal property, services, including personal services, public improvements, public works, minor alterations, or ordinary repair or maintenance necessary to preserve a public improvement. "Contract" does not include grants.

(9) "Contract Price" means, as the context requires, the maximum monetary obligation that a Contracting Agency either will or may incur under a Contract, including bonuses, incentives and contingency amounts, if the Contractor fully performs under the Contract.

(10) "Contract Review Authority" means:

  • (a) For State Contracting Agencies, generally the Director of the Oregon Department of Administrative Services;
  • (b) For Local Contracting Agencies, the Local Contracting Agency's Local Contract Review Board determined as specified in ORS 279A.060; and
  • (c) Where specified by statute, the Director of the Oregon Department of Transportation.

(11) "Contractor" means the Person, including a Consultant as defined in OAR 137-048-0110(1), with whom a Contracting Agency enters into a Contract.

(12) "DBE Disqualification" means a disqualification, suspension or debarment pursuant to ORS 200.065, 200.075 or 279A.110.

(13) "Descriptive Literature" means Written information submitted with the Offer that addresses the Goods and Services included in the Offer.

(14) "Electronic Advertisement" means a Contracting Agency's Solicitation Document, Request for Quotes, request for information or other document inviting participation in the Contracting Agency's Procurements made available over the Internet via:

  • (a) The World Wide Web or some other Internet protocol; or
  • (b) A Contracting Agency's Electronic Procurement System.

(15) "Electronic Offer" means a response to a Contracting Agency's Solicitation Document or Request for Quotes submitted to a Contracting Agency via:

  • (a) The World Wide Web or some other Internet protocol; or
  • (b) A Contracting Agency's Electronic Procurement System.

(16) "Electronic Procurement System" means an information system that Persons may access through the Internet using the World Wide Web or some other Internet protocol or that Persons may otherwise remotely access using a computer, that enables Persons to send Electronic Offers and a Contracting Agency to post Electronic Advertisements, receive Electronic Offers, and conduct other activities related to a Procurement.

(17) "Invitation to Bid" or "ITB" means the Solicitation Document issued to invite Offers from prospective Contractors pursuant to either ORS 279B.055 or 279C.335.

(18) "Model Rules" means the Attorney General's model rules of procedure for Public Contracting as required under ORS 279A.065.

(19) "Offer" means a Written offer to provide Goods or Services in response to a Solicitation Document.

(20) "Offeror" means a Person who submits an Offer.

(21) "Opening" means the date, time and place specified in the Solicitation Document for the public opening of Offers.

(22) "Person" means any of the following with legal capacity to enter into a Contract: individual, corporation, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, limited liability company, association, joint venture, governmental agency, public corporation or any other legal or commercial entity.

(23) "Personal Services" as used in division 47 and as used in division 46 when applicable to division 47 means the services performed under a Personal Services Contract. "Personal Services" as used in division 48 and division 49, and as used in this division 46 when applicable to division 48 or division 49, or both, has the meaning set forth in ORS 279C.100.

(24) "Personal Services Contract" means:

  • (a) For a Local Contracting Agency, a Contract or member of a class of Contracts, other than a Contract for the services of an Architect, Engineer, Land Surveyor or Provider of Related Services (as defined in ORS 279C.100), that the Local Contracting Agency's Local Contract Review Board has designated as a personal services contract pursuant to ORS 279A.055; or
  • (b) For a State Contracting Agency, a Contract, or member of a class of Contracts, other than a Contract for the services of an Architect, Engineer, Land Surveyor or Provider of Related Services (as defined in ORS 279C.100), whose primary purpose is to acquire specialized skills, knowledge and resources in the application of technical or scientific expertise, or the exercise of professional, artistic or management discretion or judgment, including, without limitation, a Contract for the services of an accountant, physician or dentist, educator, consultant, broadcaster or artist (including a photographer, filmmaker, painter, weaver or sculptor).

(25) "Product Sample" means the exact Goods or a representative portion of the Goods offered in an Offer, or the Goods requested in the Solicitation Document as a sample.

(26) "Proposal" means a Written response to a Request for Proposals.

(27) "Recycled Materials" means recycled paper (as defined in ORS 279A.010(1)(gg)), recycled PETE products (as defined in ORS 279A.010(1)(hh), and other recycled plastic resin products and recycled products (as defined in ORS 279A.010(1)(ii).

(28) "Request for Qualifications" or "RFQ" means a Written document issued by a Contracting Agency to which Contractors respond in Writing by describing their experience with and qualifications for the Services, Personal Services or Architectural, Engineering or Land Surveying Services, or Related Services, described in the document.

(29) "Request for Quotes" means a Written or oral request for prices, rates or other conditions under which a potential Contractor would provide Goods or perform Services, Personal Services or Public Improvements described in the request.

(30) "Responsible" means meeting the standards set forth in OAR 137-047-0640 or 137-049-0390(2), and not debarred or disqualified by the Contracting Agency under OAR 137-047-0575 or 137-049-0370.

(31) "Responsible Offeror" means, as the context requires, a Responsible Bidder, Responsible Proposer or a Person who has submitted an Offer and meets the standards set forth in OAR 137-047-0640 or 137-049-0390(2), and who has not been debarred or disqualified by the Contracting Agency under OAR 137-047-0575 or 137-049-0370.

(32) "Responsive" means having the characteristic of substantial compliance in all material respects with applicable solicitation requirements.

(33) "Responsive Offer" means, as the context requires, a Responsive Bid, Responsive Proposal or other Offer that substantially complies in all material respects with applicable solicitation requirements.

(34) "Signature" means any Written mark, word or symbol that is made or adopted by a Person with the intent to be bound and that is attached to or logically associated with a Written document to which the Person intends to be bound.

(35) "Signed" means, as the context requires, that a Written document contains a Signature or that the act of making a Signature has occurred.

(36) "Solicitation Document" means an Invitation to Bid, Request for Proposals, Request for Quotes, or other similar document issued to invite Offers from prospective Contractors pursuant to ORS Chapter 279B or 279C. The following are not Solicitation Documents unless they invite Offers from prospective Contractors: a Request for Qualifications, a prequalification of bidders, a request for information, or a request for product prequalification. A project-specific selection document under a Price Agreement that has resulted from a previous Solicitation Document is not itself a Solicitation Document.

(37) "Writing" means letters, characters and symbols inscribed on paper by hand, print, type or other method of impression, intended to represent or convey particular ideas or meanings. "Writing," when required or permitted by law, or required or permitted in a Solicitation Document, also means letters, characters and symbols made in electronic form and intended to represent or convey particular ideas or meanings.

(38) "Written" means existing in Writing.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279A.065
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 19-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08; DOJ 15-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10

137-046-0120

Policy

Contracting Agencies subject to the Code shall conduct Public Contracting to further the policies set forth in ORS 279A.015, elsewhere in the Code, and in these Model Rules.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279A.015 & ORS 279A.065
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05

137-046-0130

Application of the Code and Model Rules; Exceptions

(1) Except as set forth in this section, a Contracting Agency shall exercise all procurement authority related to Public Contracting in accordance with the Code and the Model Rules.

(2) A Contracting Agency that has specifically opted out of the Model Rules and adopted its own rules of procedure for Public Contracting pursuant to 279A.065 in the exercise of its own contracting authority is not subject to these Model Rules, except for those portions of the Model Rules that the Contracting Agency has prescribed for its own use for Public Contracting.

(3) Contracts or classes of Contracts for Personal Services of a Local Contracting Agency designated as such by the Local Contracting Agency's Local Contract Review Board pursuant to ORS 279A.055, are not subject to these Model Rules, unless the Local Contracting Agency adopts OAR 137-047-0250 through 137-047-0290 as the procedures the Local Contracting Agency will use to screen and select persons to perform Contracts for Personal Services other than Architectural, Engineering and Surveying Services and Related Services.

(4) These Model Rules do not apply to the Contracts or the classes of Contracts described in ORS 279A.025(2).

(5) These Model Rules do not apply to the contracting activities of the public bodies listed in ORS 279A.025(3).

(6) Contracting Agencies otherwise subject to the Code and these Model Rules may enter into Contracts for Goods or Services with non-profit agencies providing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities pursuant to ORS 279.835 through 279.855 without following the source selection procedures set forth in either 279A.200 through 279A.225, or 279B.050 through 279B.085. However, Contracting Agencies must enter into such Contracts in accordance with administrative rules promulgated by the Department.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279A.050, 279A.055, 279A.065 & 279A.180
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 19-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08

Minorities, Women and Emerging Small Businesses

137-046-0200

Notice to Advocate for Minorities, Women and Emerging Small Businesses

Pursuant to ORS 200.035, State Contracting Agencies shall provide timely notice of all Procurements and Contract Awards to the Advocate for Minority, Women and Emerging Small Business if the estimated Contract Price exceeds $5,000.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 200.035
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06

137-046-0210

Subcontracting to and Contracting with Emerging Small Businesses; DBE Disqualification

(1) For purposes of ORS 279A.105, a subcontractor certified under 200.055 as an emerging small business is located in or draws its workforce from economically distressed areas if:

(a) Its principal place of business is located in an area designated as economically distressed by the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department pursuant to administrative rules adopted by the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department; or

(b) The Contractor certifies in a Signed Writing to the Contracting Agency that a substantial number of the subcontractor's employees or subcontractors that will manufacture or provide the Goods or perform the Services or Personal Services under the Contract reside in an area designated as economically distressed by the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department pursuant to administrative rules adopted by the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department. For the purposes of making the foregoing determination, the Contracting Agency shall determine in each particular instance what proportion of a Contractor's subcontractor's employees or subcontractors constitute a substantial number.

(2) Contracting Agencies shall include in each Solicitation Document a requirement that Offerors certify in their Offers in a form prescribed by the Contracting Agency, that the Offeror has not and will not discriminate against a subcontractor in the awarding of a subcontract because the subcontractor is a minority, women or emerging small business enterprise certified under ORS 200.055 or against a business enterprise that is owned or controlled by or that employs a disabled veteran as defined in ORS 408.225.

(3) DBE Disqualification.

(a) A Contracting Agency may disqualify a Person from consideration of Award of the Contracting Agency's Contracts under ORS 200.065(5), or suspend a Person's right to bid on or participate in any Contract pursuant to 200.075(1) after providing the Person with notice and a reasonable opportunity to be heard in accordance with subsections (b) and (c) of this Section.

(b) The Contracting Agency shall provide Written notice to the Person of a proposed DBE Disqualification. The Contracting Agency shall deliver the Written notice by personal service or by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested. This notice shall:

(A) State that the Contracting Agency intends to disqualify or suspend the Person;

(B) Set forth the reasons for the DBE Disqualification;

(C) Include a statement of the Person's right to a hearing if requested in Writing within the time stated in the notice and that if the Contracting Agency does not receive the Person's Written request for a hearing within the time stated, the Person shall have waived the right to a hearing;

(D) Include a statement of the authority and jurisdiction under which the hearing will be held;

(E) Include a reference to the particular sections of the statutes and rules involved;

(F) State the proposed DBE Disqualification period; and

(G) State that the Person may be represented by legal counsel.

(c) Hearing. The Contracting Agency shall schedule a hearing upon the Contracting Agency's receipt of the Person's timely hearing request. Within a reasonable time prior to the hearing, the Contracting Agency shall notify the Person of the time and place of the hearing and provide information on the procedures, right of representation and other rights related to the conduct of the hearing.

(d) Notice of DBE Disqualification. The Contracting Agency shall provide Written notice of the DBE Disqualification to the Person. The Contracting Agency shall deliver the Written notice by personal service or by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested. The notice shall contain:

(A) The effective date and period of DBE Disqualification;

(B) The grounds for DBE Disqualification; and

(C) A statement of the Person's appeal rights and applicable appeal deadlines.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 200.065, 200.075, 279A.065, 279A.105 & 279A.110
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 15-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10

Contract Preferences

137-046-0300

Preference for Oregon Goods and Services

(1) Award When Offers Identical. When a Contracting Agency receives Offers identical in price, fitness, availability and quality, and chooses to Award a Contract, the Contracting Agency shall Award the Contract based on the following order of precedence:

(a) The Contracting Agency shall Award the Contract to the Offeror among those submitting identical Offers who is offering Goods or Services, or both, or Personal Services, that have been manufactured or produced in Oregon.

(b) If two or more Offerors submit identical Offers, and they all offer Goods or Services, or both, or Personal Services, that have been manufactured or produced in Oregon, the Contracting Agency shall Award the Contract by drawing lots among the identical Offers. The Contracting Agency shall provide to the Offerors who submitted the identical Offers notice of the date, time and location of the drawing of lots and an opportunity for these Offerors to be present when the lots are drawn.

(c) If the Contracting Agency receives identical Offers, and none of the identical Offers offer Goods or Services, or both, or Personal Services, that have been manufactured or produced in Oregon, then the Contracting Agency shall award the Contract by drawing lots among the identical Offers. The Contracting Agency shall provide to the Offerors who submitted the identical Offers notice of the date, time and location of the drawing of lots and an opportunity for these Offerors to be present when the lots are drawn.

(2) Determining if Offers are Identical. A Contracting Agency shall consider Offers identical in price, fitness, availability and quality as follows:

(a) Bids received in response to an Invitation to Bid are identical in price, fitness, availability and quality if the Bids are Responsive, and offer the Goods or Services, or both, or Personal Services, described in the Invitation to Bid at the same price.

(b) Proposals received in response to a Request for Proposals are identical in price, fitness, availability and quality if they are Responsive and achieve equal scores when scored in accordance with the evaluation criteria set forth in the Request for Proposals.

(c) Offers received in response to a Special Procurement conducted pursuant to ORS 279B.085 are identical in price, fitness, availability and quality if, after completing the contracting procedure approved by the Contract Review Authority, the Contracting Agency determines, in Writing, that two or more Proposals are equally advantageous to the Contracting Agency.

(d) Offers received in response to an intermediate Procurement conducted pursuant to ORS 279B.070 are identical if the Offers equally best serve the interests of the Contracting Agency in accordance with 279B.070(4).

(3) Determining if Goods or Services or Personal Services are Manufactured or Produced in Oregon. For the purposes of complying with Section 1 of this rule, Contracting Agencies shall determine whether a Contract is predominantly for Goods, Services or Personal Services and then use the predominant purpose to determine if the Goods, Services or Personal Services are manufactured or produced in Oregon. Contracting Agencies may request, either in a Solicitation Document, following Closing, or at any other time the Contracting Agency determines is appropriate, any information the Contracting Agency may need to determine if the Goods, Services or Personal Services are manufactured or produced in Oregon. A Contracting Agency may use any reasonable criteria to determine if Goods, Services or Personal Services are manufactured or produced in Oregon, provided that the criteria reasonably relate to that determination, and provided that the Contracting Agency applies those criteria equally to each Offeror.

(4) Procedure for Drawing Lots. When this rule calls for the drawing of lots, the Contracting Agency shall draw lots by a procedure that affords each Offeror subject to the drawing a substantially equal probability of selection and that does not allow the person making the selection the opportunity to manipulate the drawing of lots to increase the probability of selecting one Offeror over another.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279A.065 & 279A.120
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06

137-046-0310

Reciprocal Preferences

When evaluating Bids pursuant to OAR 137-047-0255, 137-047-0257 or 137-049-0390 and applying the reciprocal preference provided under ORS 279A.120(2)(b) a Contracting Agency may rely on the list prepared and maintained by the Department pursuant to ORS 279A.120(4) to determine (i) whether the Nonresident Bidder's state gives preference to in-state bidders and (ii) the amount of such preference.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279A.065 & 279A.120
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06

137-046-0320

Preference for Recycled Materials

(1) In comparing Goods from two or more Offerors, if at least one Offeror offers Goods manufactured from Recycled Materials, and at least one Offeror does not, a Contracting Agency shall select the Offeror offering Goods manufactured from Recycled Materials if each of the conditions specified in ORS 279A.125(2) exists. When making the determination under 279A.125(2)(d), the Contracting Agency shall consider the costs of the Goods following any adjustments the Contracting Agency makes to the price of the Goods after evaluation pursuant to OAR 137-046-0310.

(2) A Contracting Agency shall determine if Goods are manufactured from Recycled Materials in accordance with standards established by the Contracting Agency.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279A.065 & 279A.125
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06

Cooperative Procurement

137-046-0400

Authority for Cooperative Procurements

(1) Contracting Agencies may participate in, sponsor, conduct or administer Joint Cooperative Procurements, Permissive Cooperative Procurements and Interstate Cooperative Procurements in accordance with ORS 279A.200 through 279A.225.

(2) Each Purchasing Contracting Agency shall determine in Writing whether the solicitation and award process for an Original Contract arising out of a Cooperative Procurement is substantially equivalent to those identified in ORS 279B.055, 279B.060 or 279B.085, consistent with 279A.200(2).

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279A.065 & 279A.205
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06

137-046-0410

Responsibilities of Administering Contracting Agencies and Purchasing Contracting Agencies

(1) If a Contracting Agency is an Administering Contracting Agency of a Cooperative Procurement, the Contracting Agency may establish the conditions under which Persons may participate in the Cooperative Procurement administered by the Administering Contracting Agency. Such conditions may include, without limitation, whether each Person who participates in the Cooperative Procurement must pay administrative fees to the Administering Contracting Agency, whether each Person must enter into a Written agreement with the Administering Contracting Agency, and any other matters related to the administration of the Cooperative Procurement and the resulting Original Contract. A Contracting Agency that acts as an Administering Contracting Agency may, but is not required to, include provisions in the Solicitation Document for a Cooperative Procurement and advertise the Solicitation Document in a manner to assist Purchasing Contracting Agencies' compliance with the Code or these Model Rules.

(2) If a Contracting Agency acting as a Purchasing Contracting Agency enters into a Contract based on a Cooperative Procurement, the Contracting Agency shall comply with the Code and these Model Rules, including without limitation those sections of the Code and these Model Rules that govern:

(a) The extent to which the Purchasing Contracting Agency may participate in the Cooperative Procurement;

(b) The advertisement of the Solicitation Document related to the Cooperative Procurement; and

(c) Public notice of the Purchasing Contracting Agency's intent to establish Contracts based on a Cooperative Procurement.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279A.065 & 279A.205
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06

137-046-0420

Joint Cooperative Procurements

A Contracting Agency that chooses to participate in, sponsor, conduct or administer a Joint Cooperative Procurement may do so only in accordance with ORS 279A.210.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279A.065 & 279A.210
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05

137-046-0430

Permissive Cooperative Procurements

A Contracting Agency that chooses to participate in, sponsor, conduct or administer a Permissive Cooperative Procurement may do so only in accordance with ORS 279A.215.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279A.065 & 279A.215
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05

137-046-0440

Advertisements of Intent to Establish Contracts through a Permissive Cooperative Procurement

(1) For purposes of determining whether a Purchasing Contracting Agency must give notice of intent to establish a Contract through a Permissive Cooperative Procurement as required by ORS 279A.215(2)(a), the estimated amount of the procurement will exceed $250,000 if:

(a) The Purchasing Contracting Agency's Contract arising out of the Permissive Cooperative Procurement expressly provides that the Purchasing Contracting Agency will make payments over the term of the Contract that will, in aggregate, exceed $250,000, whether or not the total amount or value of the payments is expressly stated;

(b) The Purchasing Contracting Agency's Contract arising out of the Permissive Cooperative Procurement expressly provides for payment, whether in a fixed amount or up to a stated maximum amount, that exceeds $250,000; or

(c) At the time the Purchasing Contracting Agency enters into the Contract, the Purchasing Contracting Agency reasonably contemplates, based on historical or other data available to the Purchasing Contracting Agency, that the total payments it will make for Goods or Services, or both, or Personal Services, under the Contract will, in aggregate, exceed $250,000 over the anticipated duration of the Contract.

(2) An Administering Contracting Agency that intends to establish a Contract arising out of the Permissive Cooperative Procurement it administers may satisfy the notice requirements set forth in ORS 279A.215(2)(a) by including the information required by 279A.215(2)(b) in the Solicitation Document related to the Permissive Cooperative Procurement, and including instructions in the Solicitation Document to potential Offerors describing how they may submit comments in response to the Administering Contracting Agency's intent to establish a Contract through the Permissive Cooperative Procurement. The content and timing of such notice shall comply in all respects with 279A.215(2), 279A.215(3) and these Model Rules.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279A.065 & 279A.215
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06

137-046-0450

Interstate Cooperative Procurements

A Contracting Agency that chooses to participate in, sponsor, conduct or administer an Interstate Cooperative Procurement may do so only in accordance with ORS 279A.220.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279A.065 & 279A.220
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05

137-046-0460

Advertisements of Interstate Cooperative Procurements

(1) The Solicitation Document for an Interstate Cooperative Procurement is advertised in Oregon for purposes of ORS 279A.220(2)(a) if it is advertised in Oregon in compliance with 279B.055(4) or 279B.060(4) by:

(a) The Administering Contracting Agency;

(b) The Purchasing Contracting Agency;

(c) The Cooperative Procurement Group, or a member of the Cooperative Procurement Group, of which the Purchasing Contracting Agency is a member; or

(d) Another Purchasing Contracting Agency that is subject to the Code, so long as such advertisement would, if given by the Purchasing Contracting Agency, comply with ORS 279B.055(4) or 279B.060(4) with respect to the Purchasing Contracting Agency.

(2) A Purchasing Contracting Agency or the Cooperative Procurement Group of which the Purchasing Contracting Agency is a member satisfies the advertisement requirement under ORS 279A.220(2)(b) if the notice is advertised in the same manner as provided in 279B.055(4)(b) and (c).

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279A.065 & 279A.220
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06

137-046-0470

Protests and Disputes

(1) An Offeror or potential Offeror wishing to protest the procurement process, the contents of a solicitation document related to a Cooperative Procurement or the award or proposed award of an Original Contract shall make the protest in accordance with ORS 279B.400 through 279B.425 unless the Administering Contracting Agency is not subject to the Code. If the Administering Contracting Agency is not subject to the Code, then the Offeror or potential Offeror shall make the protest in accordance with the processes and procedures established by the Administering Contracting Agency.

(2) Any other protests related to a Cooperative Procurement, or disputes related to a Contract arising out of a Cooperative Procurement, shall be made and resolved as set forth in ORS 279A.225.

(3) The failure of a Purchasing Contracting Agency to exercise any rights or remedies it has under a Contract entered into through a Cooperative Procurement shall not affect the rights or remedies of any other Contracting Agency that participates in the Cooperative Procurement, including the Administering Contracting Agency, and shall not prevent any other Purchasing Contracting Agency from exercising any rights or seeking any remedies that may be available to it under its own Contract arising out of the Cooperative Procurement.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279A.065 & 279A.225
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06

137-046-0480

Contract Amendments

A Purchasing Contracting Agency may amend a Contract entered into pursuant to a Cooperative Procurement as set forth in OAR 137-047-0800.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279A.065
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06

Repealed Rules

137-046-0500

Repealed Rules

As required by Or Laws 2003, Chapter 794, Section 334, OAR 137-030-0000, 137-030-0005, 137-030-0006, 137-030-0008, 137-030-0010, 137-030-0011, 137-030-0012, 137-030-0013, 137-030-0014, 137-030-0015, 137-030-0020, 137-030-0030, 137-030-0035, 137-030-0040,137-030-0050, 137-030-0055, 137-030-0060, 137-030-0065, 137-030-0070, 137-030-0075, 137-030-0080,137-030-0085, 137-030-0090, 137-030-0095, 137-030-0100, 137-030-0102, 137-030-0104, 137-030-0105, 137-030-0110, 137-030-0115, 137-030-0120, 137-030-0125, 137-030-0130, 137-030-0135, 137-030-0140, 137-030-0145, 137-030-0155, 137-035-0000, 137-035-0010, 137-035-0020, 137-035-0030, 137-035-0040,137-035-0050, 137-035-0060, 137-035-0065, 137-035-0070, 137-035-0080, 137-040-0000, 137-040-0005,137-040-0010, 137-040-0015, 137-040-0017, 137-040-0020, 137-040-0021, 137-040-0025, 137-040-0030,137-040-0031, 137-040-0035, 137-040-0045, 137-040-0500, 137-040-0510, 137-040-0520, 137-040-0530, 137-040-0540, 137-040-0550, 137-040-0560, 137-040-0565, 137-040-0570, 137-040-0590 are repealed effective March 1, 2005. The repealed rules will continue to apply to the solicitation of Public Contracts first advertised, but if not advertised then entered into, before March 1, 2005.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065 & OL 2003, Ch. 795, 334
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279A.065 & OL 2003, Ch. 795, 334
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05

DIVISION 47 – GENERAL PROVISIONS

137-047-0000

Application

These division 47 rules implement ORS Chapter 279B, Public Procurements and apply to the Procurement of Goods and Services. State Contracting Agencies shall also procure Personal Services, except for Architectural, Engineering, Land Surveying and Related Services, in the same manner other Services are procured under these division 47 rules. Local Contracting Agencies, pursuant to 279B.050(4), may also adopt these division 47 rules to govern the Procurement of Personal Services Contracts or elect to award Personal Services Contracts under procedures set forth in 279B.055 through 279B.085.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279B.015
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 19-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08

137-047-0100

Definitions

(1) "Advantageous" means in the Contracting Agency's best interests, as assessed according to the judgment of the Contracting Agency.

(2) "Affected Person" or "Affected Offeror" means a Person whose ability to participate in a Procurement is adversely affected by a Contracting Agency decision. See ORS 279B.410.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279A.065
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 19-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08

Source Selection

137-047-0250

Source Selection

Methods of Source Selection; Feasibility Determination; Cost Analysis

(1) Except as permitted by ORS 279B.065 through 279B.085 and 279A.200 through 279A.225, a Contracting Agency shall Award a Contract for Goods or Services, or both based on Offers received in response to either competitive sealed Bids pursuant to 279B.055 or competitive sealed Proposals pursuant to 279B.060.

(2) Written Cost Analysis for Contracts for Services. Before conducting the Procurement of a Contract for Services that is subject to sections 2 to 4 of Oregon Laws 2009, chapter 880, the College must, in the absence of a determination under section 34 of that enactment that performing the services with the College’s own personnel and resources is not feasible, conduct a Written cost analysis.

(3) Feasibility Determination for Contracts for Services. A Contracting Agency may proceed with the procurement of a Contract for Services without conducting a cost analysis under Oregon Laws 2009, chapter 880, section 3, if the Contracting Agency makes Written findings that one or more of the special circumstances described in Oregon Laws 2009, chapter 880, section 4, make the Contracting Agency's use of its own personnel and resources to provide the Services not feasible.

(4) Special Circumstances. The special circumstances identified in Oregon Laws 2009, section 4 that require a Contracting Agency to procure the Services by Contract include any circumstances, conditions or occurrences that would make the Services, if performed by the Contracting Agency's employees, incapable of being managed, utilized or dealt with successfully in terms of the quality, timeliness of completion, success in obtaining desired results, or other reasonable needs of the Contracting Agency.

(5) Written Cost Analysis under Section 3 of Oregon Laws 2009, chapter 880.

(a) Basic Comparison. The Written cost analysis must compare an estimate of the Contracting Agency's cost of performing the Services with an estimate of the cost a potential Contractor would incur in performing the Services. However, The Contracting Agency may proceed with the Procurement for Services only if it determines that the Contracting Agency would incur more cost in performing the Services with the Contracting Agency's own personnel than it would incur in procuring the Services from a Contractor. In making this determination, the cost the Contracting Agency would incur in procuring the Services from a Contractor includes the fair market value of any interest in equipment, materials or other assets the Contracting Agency will provide to the Contractor for the performance of the Services.

(b) Costs of Using Contracting Agency's Own Personnel and Resources. When estimating the Contracting Agency's cost of performing the Services, the Contracting Agency shall consider cost factors that include:

(A) The salary or wage and benefit costs for the employees of the Contracting Agency who would be directly involved in performing the Services, to the extent those costs reflect the proportion of the activity of those employees in the direct provision of the Services. These costs include those salary or wage and benefit costs of the employees who inspect, supervise or monitor the performance of the Services, to the extent those costs reflect the proportion of the activity of those employees in the direct inspection, supervision, or monitoring of the performance of the subject Services.

(B) The material costs necessary to the performance of the Services, including the costs for space, energy, transportation, storage, equipment and supplies used or consumed in the provision of the Services.

(C) The costs incurred in planning for, training for, starting up, implementing, transporting and delivering the Services.

(D) Any costs related to stopping and dismantling a project or operation because the Contracting Agency intends to procure a limited quantity of Services or to procure the Services within a defined or limited period of time.

(E) The miscellaneous costs related to performing the Services. These costs exclude the Contracting Agency's indirect overhead costs for existing salaries or wages and benefits for administrators, and exclude costs for rent, equipment, utilities and materials, except to the extent the cost items identified in this sentence are attributed solely to performing the Services and would not be incurred unless the Contracting Agency performed the Services.

(F) Oregon Laws 2009, chapter 880, section 3(1)(a) provides that an estimate of the Contracting Agency's costs of performing the Services includes the costs described in subsections (5)(b)(A) through (E) of this rule. Therefore, those costs do not constitute an exclusive list of cost information. A Contracting Agency may consider other reliable information that bears on the cost to the Contracting Agency of performing the Services. For example, if the Contracting Agency has accounted for its actual costs of performing the Services under consideration, or reasonably comparable Services, in a relatively recent Services project, the Contracting Agency may consider those actual costs in making its estimate.

(c) Costs a Potential Contractor Would Incur. When estimating the costs a potential Contractor would incur in performing the Services, the Contracting Agency shall consider cost factors that include:

(A) The average or actual salary or wage and benefit costs for Contractors and Contractor employees:

(i) Who work in the business or industry most closely involved in performing the Services; and

(ii) Who would be necessary and directly involved in performing the Services or who would inspect, supervise or monitor the performance of the Services.

(B) The material costs necessary to the performance of the Services, including the costs for space, energy, transportation, storage, raw and finished materials, equipment and supplies used or consumed in the provision of the Services.

(C) The miscellaneous costs related to performing the Services. These miscellaneous costs include reasonably foreseeable fluctuations in the costs listed in subsections (5)(c) (A) and (B) of this rule over the expected duration of the Procurement.

(D) Oregon Laws 2009, chapter 880, section 3(1)(b) provides that an estimate of the costs a potential Contractor would incur in performing the Services includes the costs described in subsections (5)(c)(A) through (C) of this rule. Therefore, those costs do not constitute an exclusive list of cost information. A Contracting Agency may consider other reliable information that bears on the costs a potential Contractor would incur. For example, if the Contracting Agency, in the reasonably near past, received Bids or Proposals for the performance of the Services under consideration, or reasonably comparable Services, the Contracting Agency may consider the pricing offered in those Bids or Proposals in making its estimate. Similarly, the Contracting Agency may consider what it actually paid out under a Contract for the same or similar Services. For the purposes of these examples, the reasonably near past is limited to Contracts, Bids or Proposals entered into or received within the five years preceding the date of the cost estimate. The Contracting Agency must take into account, when considering the pricing offered in previous Bids, Proposals or Contracts, adjustments to the pricing in light of measures of market price adjustments like the consumer price indexes that apply to the Services.

(6) Decision Based on Cost Comparison. After comparing the difference between the costs estimated for the Contracting Agency to perform the Services under section (5)(b) and the estimated costs a potential Contractor would incur in performing the Services under section (5)(c), the Contracting Agency may proceed with the Procurement only if the Contracting Agency would incur more cost in performing the Services with the agency's own personnel and resources than it would incur in procuring the Services from a Contractor.

(7) Exception Based on Salaries or Wages and Benefits. If the sole reason that the costs estimated for the Contracting Agency to perform the Services under section (5)(b) exceed the estimated costs a potential Contractor would incur in performing the Services under section (5)(c) is because the average or actual salary or wage and benefit costs for Contractors and their employees estimated under subsection (5)(c)(A) are lower than the salary or wage and benefit costs for employees of the Contracting Agency under subsection (5)(b)(A), then the Contracting Agency may not proceed with the Procurement.

(8) Exception Based on Lack of Contracting Agency Personnel and Resources; Reporting. In cases in which the Contracting Agency determines that it would incur less cost in providing the Services with its own personnel and resources, the Contracting Agency nevertheless may proceed with the Procurement if, at the time the Contracting Agency intends to conduct the Procurement, the Contracting Agency determines that it lacks personnel and resources to perform the Services within the time the Contracting Agency requires them. When a Contracting Agency conducts a Procurement under this section, the Contracting Agency must:

(a) Make and keep a Written determination that it lacks personnel and resources to perform the Services within the time the Contracting Agency requires them and of the basis for the Contracting Agency's decision to proceed with the Procurement.

(b) If the Contracting Agency is a Local Contracting Agency, provide to its Local Contract Review Board, each calendar quarter, copies of each Written cost analysis and Written determination.

(c) If the Contracting Agency is a State Contracting Agency, provide to the Emergency Board, each calendar quarter, copies of each Written cost analysis and Written determination.

(d) If the Contracting Agency is a State Contracting Agency, prepare a request to the Governor for an appropriation and authority necessary for the State Contracting Agency to hire personnel and obtain resources necessary to perform the Services that are the subjects of the Written cost analyses and Written determinations within the time needed by the State Contracting Agency. The request to the Governor must include copies of the records submitted to the Emergency Board under subsection (8)(c) of this rule.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065, OL 2009, c 880, §§ 3, 4
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279B.050, OL 2009, c 880, § 2-4
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 15-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10

137-047-0255

Competitive Sealed Bidding

(1) Generally. A Contracting Agency may procure Goods or Services by competitive sealed bidding as set forth in ORS 279B.055. An Invitation to Bid is used to initiate a competitive sealed bidding solicitation and shall contain the information required by 279B.055(2) and by section 2 of this rule. The Contracting Agency shall provide public notice of the competitive sealed bidding solicitation as set forth in OAR 137-047-0300.

(2) Invitation to Bid. In addition to the provisions required by ORS 279B.055(2), the Invitation to Bid shall include the following:

(a) General Information.

(A) Notice of any pre-Offer conference as follows:

(i) The time, date and location of any pre-Offer conference;

(ii) Whether attendance at the conference will be mandatory or voluntary; and

(iii) A provision that provides that statements made by the Contracting Agency's representatives at the conference are not binding upon the Contracting Agency unless confirmed by Written Addendum.

(B) The form and instructions for submission of Bids and any other special information, e.g., whether Bids may be submitted by electronic means (See OAR 137-047-0330 for required provisions of electronic Bids);

(C) The time, date and place of Opening;

(D) The office where the Solicitation Document may be reviewed;

(E) A statement that each Bidder must identify whether the Bidder is a "resident Bidder," as defined in ORS 279A.120(1);

(F) Bidder's certification of nondiscrimination in obtaining required subcontractors in accordance with ORS 279A.110(4). (See OAR 137-046-0210(2)); and

(G) How the Contracting Agency will notify Bidders of Addenda and how the Contracting Agency will make Addenda available (See OAR 137-047-0430).

(b) Contracting Agency Need to Purchase. The character of the Goods or Services the Contracting Agency is purchasing including, if applicable, a description of the acquisition, Specifications, delivery or performance schedule, inspection and acceptance requirements. As required by Oregon Laws 2009, chapter 880, section 5, the Contracting Agency's description of its need to purchase must:

(A) Identify the scope of the work to be performed under the resulting Contract, if the Contracting Agency awards one;

(B) Outline the anticipated duties of the Contractor under any resulting Contract;

(C) Establish the expectations for the Contractor's performance of any resulting Contract; and

(D) Unless the Contracting Agency for Good Cause specifies otherwise, the scope of work must require the Contractor to meet the highest standards prevalent in the industry or business most closely involved in providing the Goods or Services that the Contracting Agency is purchasing.

(c) Bidding and Evaluation Process.

(A) The anticipated solicitation schedule, deadlines, protest process, and evaluation process;

(B) The Contracting Agency shall set forth objective evaluation criteria in the Solicitation Document in accordance with the requirements of ORS 279B.055(6)(a). Evaluation criteria need not be precise predictors of actual future costs, but to the extent possible, the evaluation factors shall be reasonable estimates of actual future costs based on information the Contracting Agency has available concerning future use; and

(C) If the Contracting Agency intends to Award Contracts to more than one Bidder pursuant to OAR 137-047-0600(4)(c), the Contracting Agency shall identify in the Solicitation Document the manner in which it will determine the number of Contracts it will Award.

(d) Applicable preferences pursuant to ORS 279B.055(6)(b).

(e) For Contracting Agencies subject to ORS 305.385, Contractor's certification of compliance with the Oregon tax laws in accordance with ORS 305.385.

(f) All contractual terms and conditions in the form of Contract provisions the Contracting Agency determines are applicable to the Procurement. As required by Oregon Laws 2009, chapter 880, section 5, the Contract terms and conditions must specify the consequences of the Contractor's failure to perform the scope of work or to meet the performance standards established by the resulting Contract. Those consequences may include, but are not limited to:

(A) The Contracting Agency's reduction or withholding of payment under the Contract;

(B) The Contracting Agency's right to require the Contractor to perform, at the Contractor's expense, any additional work necessary to perform the statement of work or to meet the performance standards established by the resulting Contract; and

(C) The Contracting Agency's rights, which the Contracting Agency may assert individually or in combination, to declare a default of the resulting Contract, to terminate the resulting Contract, and to seek damages and other relief available under the resulting Contract or applicable law.

(3) Good Cause. For the purposes of this rule, “Good Cause” means a reasonable explanation for not requiring Contractor to meet the highest standards, and may include an explanation of circumstances that support a finding that the requirement would unreasonably limit competition or is not in the best interest of the Contracting Agency. The Contracting Agency shall document in the Procurement file the basis for the determination of Good Cause for specification otherwise. A Contracting Agency will have Good Cause to specify otherwise under the following circumstances:

(a) The use or purpose to which the Goods or Services will be put does not justify a requirement that the Contractor meet the highest prevalent standards in performing the Contract;

(b) Imposing express technical, standard, dimensional or mathematical specifications will better ensure that the Goods or Services will be compatible with or will operate efficiently or effectively with components, equipment, parts, Services or information technology including hardware, Services or software with which the Goods or Services will be used, integrated, or coordinated;

(c) The circumstances of the industry or business that provides the Goods or Services are sufficiently volatile in terms of innovation or evolution of products, performance techniques, scientific developments, that a reliable highest prevalent standard does not exist or has not been developed;

(d) Any other circumstances in which Contracting Agency's interest in achieving economy, efficiency, compatibility or availability in the Procurement of the Goods or Services reasonably outweighs the Contracting Agency's practical need for the highest prevalent standard in the applicable or closest industry or business that supplies the Goods or Services to be delivered under the resulting Contract.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065, OL 2009, ch. 880, sec. 5
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279B.055
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 15-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10

137-047-0257

Multistep Sealed Bidding

(1) Generally. A Contracting Agency may procure Goods or Services by using multistep sealed bidding pursuant to ORS 279B.055(12).

(2) Phased Process. Multistep sealed bidding is a phased Procurement process that seeks necessary information or unpriced technical Bids in the first phase and regular competitive sealed bidding, inviting Bidders who submitted technically eligible Bids in the first phase to submit competitive sealed price Bids on the technical Bids in the second phase. The Contract shall be Awarded to the lowest Responsible Bidder.

(3) Public Notice. Whenever a Contracting Agency uses multistep sealed bidding, the Contract Agency shall give public notice for the first phase in accordance with OAR 137-047-0300. Public notice is not required for the second phase. However, a Contracting Agency shall give notice of the second phase to all Bidders and inform Bidders of the right to protest Addenda issued after initial Closing pursuant to 137-047-0430 and inform Bidders excluded from the second phase of the right, if any, to protest exclusion pursuant to 137-047-0720.

(4) Procedures Generally. In addition to the procedures set forth in OAR 137-047-0300 through 137-047-0490, a Contracting Agency shall employ the following procedures set forth in this rule for multistep sealed bidding:

(a) Solicitation Protest. Prior to the Closing of phase one, a Contracting Agency shall provide an opportunity to protest the solicitation under ORS 279B.405 and OAR 137-047-0730.

(b) Addenda Protest. A Contracting Agency may provide an opportunity to protest any Addenda issued after Closing of phase one pursuant to OAR 137-047-0430(3)(b).

(c) Exclusion Protest. A Contracting Agency may, but is not required to provide an opportunity for a Bidder to protest exclusion from phase two of multistep sealed bidding as set forth in OAR 137-047-0720.

(d) Administrative Remedy. Bidders may submit a protest to any Addenda or to any action by the Contracting Agency that has the effect of excluding the Bidder from the second phase of multistep sealed bidding to the extent such protests are provided for in the Solicitation Document or required by this section. Failure to so protest shall be considered the Bidder's failure to pursue an administrative remedy made available to the Bidder by the Contracting Agency.

(e) Award Protest. A Contracting Agency shall provide an opportunity to protest its intent to Award a Contract pursuant to ORS 279B.410 and OAR 137-047-0740. An Affected Bidder may protest, for any of the bases set forth in 137-047-0720(2), its exclusion from the second phase of a multistep sealed bidding or an Addendum issued following initial Closing, if the Contracting Agency did not previously provide Bidders the opportunity to protest such exclusion or Addendum.

(5) Procedure for Phase One of Multistep Sealed Bidding.

(a) Form. A Contracting Agency shall initiate multistep sealed bidding by the issuance of an Invitation to Bid in the form and manner required for competitive sealed Bids except as hereinafter provided. In addition to the requirements set forth OAR 137-047-0255(1), the multistep Invitation to Bid shall state:

(A) That unpriced technical Bids are requested;

(B) Whether price Bids are to be submitted at the same time as unpriced technical Bids; if they are, that such price Bids shall be submitted in a separate sealed envelope;

(C) That the solicitation is a multistep sealed Bid Procurement, and priced Bids will be considered only in the second phase and only from those Bidders whose unpriced technical Bids are found eligible in the first phase;

(D) The criteria to be used in the evaluation of unpriced technical Bids;

(E) That the Contracting Agency, to the extent that it finds necessary, may conduct oral or written discussions for the purposes of clarification of the unpriced technical Bids;

(F) That the Goods or Services being procured shall be furnished generally in accordance with the Bidder's technical Bid as found to be finally eligible and shall meet the requirements of the Invitation to Bid; and,

(G) Whether Bidders excluded from subsequent phases have a right to protest the exclusion before the notice of intent to Award. Such information can be given or changed by Addenda.

(b) Addenda to the Invitation to Bid. After receipt of unpriced technical Bids, Addenda to the Invitation to Bid shall be distributed only to Bidders who submitted unpriced technical Bids.

(c) Receipt and Handling of Unpriced Technical Bids. Unpriced technical Bids need not be opened publicly.

(d) Evaluation of Unpriced Technical Bids. Unpriced technical Bids submitted by Bidders shall be evaluated solely in accordance with the criteria set forth in the Invitation to Bid. Unpriced technical Bids shall be categorized as:

(A) Eligible;

(B) Potentially eligible; that is, reasonably susceptible of being made eligible; or

(C) Ineligible. The Contracting Agency shall record in writing the basis for determining a Bid ineligible and make it part of the Procurement file. The Contracting Agency may initiate phase two of the procedure if, in the Contracting Agency's opinion, there are sufficient eligible unpriced technical Bids to assure effective price competition in the second phase without technical discussions. If the Contracting Agency finds that such is not the case, the Contracting Agency may issue an Addendum to the Invitation to Bid or engage in technical discussions as set forth in subsection (4)(e) of this rule.

(e) Discussion of Unpriced Technical Bids. The Contracting Agency may seek clarification of a technical Bid by any eligible, or potentially eligible Bidder. During the course of such discussions, the Contracting Agency shall not disclose any information derived from one unpriced technical Bid to any other Bidder. Once discussions are begun, any Bidder who has not been notified that its Bid has been finally found ineligible may submit supplemental information amending its technical Bid at any time until the Closing of the second phase. Such submission may be made at the request of the Contracting Agency or upon the Bidder's own initiative.

(f) Notice of Ineligible Unpriced Technical Bid. When the Contracting Agency determines a Bidder's unpriced technical Bid to be ineligible, such Bidder shall not be afforded an additional opportunity to supplement its technical Bids.

(g) Mistakes During Multistep Sealed Bidding. Mistakes may be corrected or Bids may be withdrawn during phase one:

(A) Before unpriced technical Bids are considered;

(B) After any discussions have commenced under OAR 137-047-0257(4)(e); or

(C) When responding to any Addenda of the Invitation to Bid and,

(D) In accord with OAR 137-047-0470.

(6) Revisions to Solicitation Specifications. After Closing of phase one, the Contracting Agency may issue Addenda that modify the Specifications for the Goods or Services being procured or that modify other terms and conditions of the Invitation to Bid. The Contracting Agency shall provide such Addenda to all Bidders who initially submitted unpriced technical Bids. The contracting Agency may then require Bidders to submit revised unpriced technical Bids.

(7) Procedure for Phase Two of Multistep Sealed Bidding.

(a) Initiation. Upon the completion of phase one, the Contracting Agency shall invite each eligible Bidder to submit a price Bid.

(b) Conduct. A Contracting Agency shall conduct phase two as any other competitive sealed Bid Procurement except:

(A) As specifically set forth in this rule;

(B) No public notice need be given of this invitation to submit price Bids because such notice was previously given.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279B.055
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 19-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08

137-047-0260

Competitive Sealed Proposals

(1) Generally. A Contracting Agency may procure Goods or Services by competitive sealed Proposals as set forth in ORS 279B.060. A Request for Proposal is used to initiate a competitive sealed Proposal solicitation and shall contain the information required by 279B.060(2) and by section (2) of this rule. The Contracting Agency shall provide public notice of the competitive sealed Proposal as set forth in OAR 137-047-0300.

(2) Request for Proposal. In addition to the provisions required by ORS 279B.060(2), the Request for Proposal shall include the following:

(a) General Information.

(A) Notice of any pre-Offer conference as follows:

(i) The time, date and location of any pre-Offer conference; and

(ii) Whether attendance at the conference will be mandatory or voluntary; and

(iii) A provision that provides that statements made by the Contracting Agency's representatives at the conference are not binding upon the Contracting Agency unless confirmed by Written Addendum.

(B) The form and instructions for submission of Proposals and any other special information, e.g., whether Proposals may be submitted by electronic means (See OAR 137-047-0330 for required provisions of electronic Proposals);

(C) The time, date and place of Opening;

(D) The office where the Solicitation Document may be reviewed;

(E) Proposer's certification of nondiscrimination in obtaining required subcontractors in accordance with ORS 279A.110(4). (See OAR 137-046-0210(2)); and

(F) How the Contracting Agency will notify Proposers of Addenda and how the Contracting Agency will make Addenda available. (See OAR 137-047-0430).

(b) Contracting Agency Need to Purchase. The character of the Goods or Services the Contracting Agency is purchasing including, if applicable, a description of the acquisition, Specifications, delivery or performance schedule, inspection and acceptance requirements. As required by Oregon Laws 2009, chapter 880, section 6, the Contracting Agency’s description of its need to purchase must:

(A) Identify the scope of the work to be performed under the resulting Contract, if the Contracting Agency awards one;

(B) Outline the anticipated duties of the Contractor under any resulting Contract;

(C) Establish the expectations for the Contractor's performance of any resulting Contract; and

(D) Unless the Contractor under any resulting Contract will provide architectural, engineering and land surveying services or related services that are subject to ORS 279C.100 to 279C.125, or the Contracting Agency for Good Cause specifies otherwise, the scope of work must require the Contractor to meet the highest standards prevalent in the industry or business most closely involved in providing the Goods or Services that the Contracting Agency is purchasing.

(c) Proposal and Evaluation Process.

(A) The anticipated solicitation schedule, deadlines, protest process, and evaluation process;

(B) The Contracting Agency shall set forth selection criteria in the Solicitation Document in accordance with the requirements of ORS 279B.060(2)(h)(E). Evaluation criteria need not be precise predictors of actual future costs and performance, but to the extent possible, the factors shall be reasonable estimates of actual future costs based on information available to the Contracting Agency;

(C) If the Contracting Agency's solicitation process calls for the Contracting Agency to establish a Competitive Range, the Contracting Agency shall state the size of the Competitive Range in the Solicitation Document. However, the Contracting Agency may increase or decrease the number of Proposers in the Competitive Range in accordance with OAR 137-047-0262(1)(a)(B).

(D) If the Contracting Agency intends to Award Contracts to more than one Proposer pursuant to OAR 137-047-0600(4)(d), the Contracting Agency must identify in the Solicitation Document the manner in which it will determine the number of Contracts it will Award.

(d) Applicable Preferences described in ORS 279A.125(2) and 282.210.

(e) For Contracting Agencies subject to ORS 305.385, Contractor's certification of compliance with the Oregon tax laws in accordance with ORS 305.385.

(f) All contractual terms and conditions the Contracting Agency determines are applicable to the Procurement. As required by Oregon Laws 2009, chapter 880, section 6, the Contract terms and conditions must specify the consequences of the Contractor’s failure to perform the scope of work or to meet the performance standards established by the resulting Contract. Those consequences may include, but are not limited to:

(A) The Contracting Agency's reduction or withholding of payment under the Contract;

(B) The Contracting Agency's right to require the Contractor to perform, at the Contractor's expense, any additional work necessary to perform the scope of work or to meet the performance standards established by the resulting Contract; and

(C) The Contracting Agency's rights, which the Contracting Agency may assert individually or in combination, to declare a default of the resulting Contract, to terminate the resulting Contract, and to seek damages and other relief available under the resulting Contract or applicable law.

(3) The Contracting Agency may include the applicable contractual terms and conditions in the form of Contract provisions, or legal concepts to be included in the resulting Contract. Further, the Contracting Agency may specify that it will include or use Proposer's terms and conditions that have been pre-negotiated under OAR 137-047-0550(3), but the Contracting Agency may only include or use a Proposer's pre-negotiated terms and conditions in the resulting Contract to the extent those terms and conditions do not materially conflict with the applicable contractual terms and conditions. The Contracting Agency shall not agree to any Proposer's terms and conditions that were expressly rejected in a solicitation protest under OAR 137-047-0420.

(4) For multiple Award Contracts, the Contracting Agency may enter into Contracts with different terms and conditions with each Contractor to the extent those terms and conditions do not materially conflict with the applicable contractual terms and conditions. The Contracting Agency shall not agree to any Proposer's terms and conditions that were expressly rejected in a solicitation protest under OAR 137-047-0420.

(5) Good Cause. For the purposes of this rule, “Good Cause” means a reasonable explanation for not requiring Contractor to meet the highest standards, and may include an explanation of circumstances that support a finding that the requirement would unreasonably limit competition or is not in the best interest of the Contracting Agency. The Contracting Agency shall document in the Procurement file the basis for the determination of Good Cause for specification otherwise. A Contracting Agency will have Good Cause to specify otherwise under the following circumstances:

(a) The use or purpose to which the Goods or Services will be put does not justify a requirement that the Contractor meet the highest prevalent standards in performing the Contract;

(b) Imposing express technical, standard, dimensional or mathematical specifications will better ensure that the Goods or Services will be compatible with, or will operate efficiently or effectively with, associated information technology, hardware, software, components, equipment, parts, or on-going Services with which the Goods or Services will be used, integrated, or coordinated;

(c) The circumstances of the industry or business that provides the Goods or Services are sufficiently volatile in terms of innovation or evolution of products, performance techniques, or scientific developments, that a reliable highest prevalent standard does not exist or has not been developed;

(d) Any other circumstances in which the Contracting Agency's interest in achieving economy, efficiency, compatibility or availability in the Procurement of the Goods or Services reasonably outweighs the Contracting Agency's practical need for the highest standard prevalent in the applicable or closest industry or business that supplies the Goods or Services to be delivered under the resulting Contract.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065, OL 2009, ch. 880, sec. 6
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279B.060
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 15-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10

137-047-0261

Procedures for Competitive Range, Multi-tiered and Multistep Proposals

(1) Generally. A Contracting Agency may procure Goods or Services employing any combination of the methods of Contractor selection as set forth in ORS 279B.060(6)(b). In addition to the procedures set forth in OAR 137-047-0300 through 137-047-0490 for methods of Contractor selection, a Contracting Agency may provide for a multi-tiered or multi-step selection process that permits award to the highest ranked Proposer at any tier or step, calls for the establishment of a Competitive Range, or permits either serial or competitive simultaneous discussions or negotiations with one or more Proposers. A Contracting Agency may employ one or more or any combination of the procedures set forth in this rule for Competitive Range, multi-tiered and multistep Proposals.

(2) Solicitation Protest. Prior to the initial Closing, a Contracting Agency shall provide an opportunity to protest the solicitation under ORS 279B.405 and OAR 137-047-0730.

(3) Addenda Protest. A Contracting Agency may provide an opportunity to protest, pursuant OAR 137-047-0430, any Addenda issued pursuant to ORS 279B.060(6)(d).

(4) Exclusion Protest. A Contracting Agency may provide before the notice of an intent to Award an opportunity for a Proposer to protest exclusion from the Competitive Range or from subsequent phases of multi-tiered or multistep sealed Proposals as set forth in OAR 137-047-0720.

(5) Administrative Remedy. Proposers may submit a protest to any Addenda or to any action by the Contracting Agency that has the effect of excluding the Proposer from subsequent phases of a multiple-tiered or multistep Request for Proposals to the extent such protests are provided for in the Solicitation Document. Failure to so protest shall be considered the Proposer's failure to pursue an administrative remedy made available to the Proposer by the Contracting Agency.

(6) Award Protest. A Contracting Agency shall provide an opportunity to protest its intent to Award a Contract pursuant to ORS 279B.410 and OAR 137-047-0740. An Affected Proposer may protest, for any of the bases set forth in 137-047-0720(2), its exclusion from the Competitive Range or any phase of a multi-tiered or multistep sealed Proposal, or an Addendum issued following initial Closing, if the Contracting Agency did not previously provide Proposers the opportunity to protest such exclusion or Addendum.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279B.060
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 15-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10

137-047-0262

Competitive Range; Discussions and Negotiations for Multi-tiered or Multistep Proposals

(1) Competitive Range. When a Contracting Agency's solicitation process conducted pursuant to ORS 279B.060(6)(b) calls for the Contracting Agency to establish a Competitive Range at any stage in the Procurement process, it shall do so as follows:

(a) Determining Competitive Range.

(A) The Contracting Agency shall establish a Competitive Range after evaluating all Responsive Proposals in accordance with the evaluation criteria set forth in the Request for Proposals. After evaluation of all Proposals in accordance with the criteria set forth in the Request for Proposals, the Contracting Agency shall determine and rank the Proposers in the Competitive Range. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Contracting Agency may establish a Competitive Range of all Proposers to enter into discussions with Proposers for the purpose of correcting deficiencies in Proposals under subsection 2 of this rule.

(B) The Contracting Agency may increase or decrease the number of Proposers in the Competitive Range if the Contracting Agency's evaluation of Proposals establishes a natural break in the scores of Proposers indicating a number of Proposers greater or less than the initial Competitive Range are closely competitive, or have a reasonable chance of being determined the most Advantageous Proposer.

(b) Protesting Competitive Range. The Contracting Agency shall provide Written notice to all Proposers identifying Proposers in the Competitive Range. A Contracting Agency may provide an opportunity for Proposers excluded from the Competitive Range to protest the Contracting Agency's evaluation and determination of the Competitive Range in accordance with OAR 137-047-0720.

(c) Intent to Award; Discuss or Negotiate. After determination of the Competitive Range and after any protest period provided in accordance with section (1)(b) expires, or after the Contracting Agency has provided a final response to any protest, whichever date is later, the Contracting Agency may either:

(A) Provide Written notice to all Proposers in the Competitive Range of its intent to Award the Contract to the highest-ranked Proposer in the Competitive Range.

(i) An unsuccessful Proposer may protest the Contracting Agency's intent to Award in accordance with OAR 137-047-0740 and ORS 279B.410.

(ii) After the protest period provided in accordance with OAR 137-047-0740 expires, or after the Contracting Agency has provided a final response to any protest, whichever date is later, the Contracting Agency shall commence negotiations in accordance with section (3) of this rule with the highest-ranked Proposer in the Competitive Range; or

(B) Engage in discussions with Proposers in the Competitive Range and accept revised Proposals from them as set forth in section (2) of this rule and following such discussions and receipt and evaluation of revised Proposals, conduct negotiations as set forth in section (3) of this rule with the Proposers in the Competitive Range.

(2) Discussions; Revised Proposals. If the Contracting Agency chooses to enter into discussions with and receive best and final Offers (See OAR 137-047-0262(4)) from all Proposers submitting Responsive Proposals or all Proposers in the Competitive Range (collectively "eligible Proposers"), the Contracting Agency shall proceed as follows:

(a) Initiating Discussions. The Contracting Agency shall initiate oral or written discussions with all "eligible Proposers" regarding their Proposals with respect to the provisions of the Request for Proposals that the Contracting Agency identified in the Request for Proposal as the subject of discussions. The Contracting Agency may conduct discussions for the following purposes:

(A) Informing eligible Proposers of deficiencies in their initial Proposals;

(B) Notifying eligible Proposers of parts of their Proposals for which the Contracting Agency would like additional information; or

(C) Otherwise allowing eligible Proposers to develop revised Proposals that will allow the Contracting Agency to obtain the best Proposal based on the requirements and evaluation criteria set forth in the Request for Proposals.

(b) Conducting Discussions. The Contracting Agency may conduct discussions with each eligible Proposer necessary to fulfill the purposes of this section (2), but need not conduct the same amount of discussions with each eligible Proposer. The Contracting Agency may terminate discussions with any eligible Proposer at any time. However, the Contracting Agency shall offer all eligible Proposers the same opportunity to discuss their Proposals with the Contracting Agency before the Contracting Agency notifies eligible Proposers of the date and time pursuant to section (4) that best and final Proposals will be due.

(A) In conducting discussions, the Contracting Agency:

(i) Shall treat all eligible Proposers fairly and shall not favor any eligible Proposer over another;

(ii) Shall disclose other eligible Proposers’ Proposals or discussions only in accordance with ORS 279B.060(6)(a)(B) or (C);

(iii) May adjust the evaluation of a Proposal as a result of a discussion under this section. The conditions, terms, or price of the Proposal may be altered or otherwise changed during the course of the discussions provided the changes are within the scope of the Request for Proposal.

(B) At any time during the time allowed for discussions, the Contracting Agency may:

(i) Continue discussions with a particular eligible Proposer;

(ii) Terminate discussions with a particular eligible Proposer and continue discussions with other eligible Proposers; or

(iii) Conclude discussions with all remaining eligible Proposers and provide notice pursuant to section (4) of this rule to the eligible Proposers requesting best and final Offers.

(3) Negotiations.

(a) Initiating Negotiations. The Contracting Agency may commence serial negotiations with the highest-ranked eligible Proposer or commence simultaneous negotiations with all eligible Proposers as follows:

(A) After initial determination of which Proposals are Responsive; or

(B) After initial determination of the Competitive Range in accordance with section (1) of this rule; or

(C) After conclusion of discussions with all eligible Proposers and evaluation of revised Proposals (See section (2) of this rule).

(b) Conducting Negotiations.

(A) Scope. The Contracting Agency may negotiate:

(i) The statement of work;

(ii) The Contract Price as it is affected by negotiating the statement of work; and

(iii) Any other terms and conditions reasonably related to those expressly authorized for negotiation in the Request for Proposals or Addenda thereto. Accordingly, Proposers shall not submit, and Contracting Agency shall not accept, for negotiation any alternative terms and conditions that are not reasonably related to those expressly authorized for negotiation in the Request for Proposals or Addenda thereto.

(B) Terminating Negotiations. At any time during discussions or negotiations that the Contracting Agency conducts in accordance with sections (2) or (3) of this rule, the Contracting Agency may terminate discussions or negotiations with the highest-ranked Proposer, or the eligible Proposer with whom it is currently discussing or negotiating, if the Contracting Agency reasonably believes that:

(i) The eligible Proposer is not discussing or negotiating in good faith; or

(ii) Further discussions or negotiations with the eligible Proposer will not result in the parties agreeing to the terms and conditions of a final Contract in a timely manner.

(c) Continuing Serial Negotiations. If the Contracting Agency is conducting serial negotiations and the Contracting Agency terminates negotiations with an eligible Proposer in accordance with section (3)(b)(B) of this rule, the Contracting Agency may then commence negotiations with the next highest scoring eligible Proposer, and continue the process described in section (3) of this rule until the Contracting Agency has either:

(A) Determined to Award the Contract to the eligible Proposer with whom it is currently discussing or negotiating; or

(B) Completed one round of discussions or negotiations with all eligible Proposers, unless the Contracting Agency provided for more than one round of discussions or negotiations in the Request for Proposals, in which case the Contracting Agency has completed all rounds of discussions or negotiations.

(d) Competitive Simultaneous Negotiations. If the Contracting Agency chooses to conduct competitive negotiations, the Contracting Agency may negotiate simultaneously with competing eligible Proposers. The Contracting Agency:

(A) Shall treat all eligible Proposers fairly and shall not favor any eligible Proposer over another;

(B) May disclose other eligible Proposer's Proposals or the substance of negotiations with other eligible Proposers only if the Contracting Agency notifies all of the eligible Proposers with whom the Contracting Agency will engage in negotiations of the Contracting Agency's intent to disclose before engaging in negotiations with any eligible Proposer.

(e) Any oral modification of a Proposal resulting from negotiations under this section (3) shall be reduced to Writing.

(4) Best and Final Offers. If Contracting Agency requires best and final Offers, a Contracting Agency shall establish a common date and time by which eligible Proposers must submit best and final Offers. Best and final Offers shall be submitted only once; provided, however, the Contracting Agency may make a written determination that it is in the Contracting Agency's best interest to conduct additional discussions, negotiations or change the Contracting Agency's requirements and require another submission of best and final Offers. Otherwise, no discussion of or changes in the best and final Offers shall be allowed prior to Award. All eligible Proposers shall also be informed if they do not submit notice of withdrawal or another best and final Offer, their immediately previous Offer will be construed as their best the final Offer. The Contracting Agency shall evaluate Offers as modified by the best and final Offer. The Contracting Agency shall conduct evaluations conducted as described in OAR 137-047-0600. The Contracting Agency shall not modify evaluation factors or their relative importance after the date and time that best and final Offers are due.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279B.060
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 19-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08; DOJ 15-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10

137-047-0263

Multistep Sealed Proposals

(1) Generally. A Contracting Agency may procure Goods or Services by using multistep competitive sealed Proposals pursuant to ORS 279B.060(6)(b)(G).

(2) Phased Process. Multistep sealed Proposals is a phased Procurement process that seeks necessary information or unpriced technical Proposals in the first phase and invites Proposers who submitted technically qualified Proposals in the first phase to submit competitive sealed price Proposals on the technical Proposers in the second phase. The Contract shall be Awarded to the Responsible Proposer submitting the most Advantageous Proposal in accordance with the terms of the Solicitation Document applicable to the second phase.

(3) Public Notice. Whenever a Contracting Agency uses multistep sealed Proposals, the Contracting Agency shall give public notice for the first phase in accordance with OAR 137-047-0300. Public notice is not required for the second phase. However, a Contracting Agency shall give notice of the subsequent phases to all Proposers and inform any Proposers excluded from the second phase of the right, if any, to protest exclusion pursuant to 137-047-0720.

(4) Procedure for Phase One of Multistep Sealed Proposals.

(a) Form. Multistep sealed Proposals shall be initiated by the issuance of a Request for Proposal in the form and manner required for competitive sealed Proposals except as provided in this rule. In addition to the requirements required for competitive sealed Proposals, the multistep Request for Proposal shall state:

(A) That unpriced technical Proposals are requested;

(B) That the solicitation is a multistep sealed Proposal Procurement, and that priced Proposals will be considered only in the second phase from those Proposers whose unpriced technical Proposals are found qualified in the first phase;

(C) The criteria to be used in the evaluation of unpriced technical Proposals;

(D) That the Contracting Agency, to the extent that it finds necessary, may conduct oral or written discussions of the unpriced technical Proposals;

(E) That the Goods or Services being procured shall be furnished generally in accordance with the Proposer's technical Proposal as found to be finally qualified and shall meet the requirements of the Request for Proposal; and

(F) Whether Proposers excluded from the second phase have a right to protest the exclusion. Such information can be given or changed through Addenda.

(b) Addenda to the Request for Proposal. After receipt of unpriced technical Proposals, Addenda to the Request for Proposal shall be distributed only to Proposers who submitted unpriced technical Proposals.

(c) Receipt and Handling of Unpriced Technical Proposals. Unpriced technical Proposals need not be opened publicly.

(d) Evaluation of Unpriced Technical Proposals. Unpriced technical Proposals shall be evaluated solely in accordance with the criteria set forth in the Request for Proposal. Unpriced technical Proposals shall be categorized as:

(A) Qualified;

(B) Potentially qualified; that is, reasonably susceptible of being made qualified; or

(C) Unqualified. The Contracting Agency shall record in writing the basis for determining a Proposal unqualified and make it part of the Procurement file. The Contracting Agency may initiate phase two of the procedure if, in the Contracting Agency's opinion, there are sufficient qualified or potentially qualified unpriced technical Proposals to assure effective price competition in the second phase without technical discussions. If the Contracting Agency finds that such is not the case, the Contracting Agency shall issue an Addendum to the Request for Proposal or engage in technical discussions as set forth in section (4)(e).

(e) Discussion of Unpriced Technical Proposals. The Contracting Agency may seek clarification of a technical Proposal of any Proposer who submits a qualified, or potentially qualified technical Proposal. During the course of such discussions, the Contracting Agency shall not disclose any information derived from one unpriced technical Proposal to any other Proposer. Once discussions are begun, any Proposer who has not been notified that its Proposal has been finally found unqualified may submit supplemental information amending its technical Proposal at any time until the Closing of the second phase established by the Contracting Agency. Such submission may be made at the request of the Contracting Agency or upon the Proposer's own initiative.

(f) Notice of Unqualified Unpriced Technical Proposal. When the Contracting Agency determines a Proposer's unpriced technical Proposal to be unqualified, such Proposer shall not be afforded an additional opportunity to supplement its technical Proposals.

(g) Mistakes During Multistep Sealed Proposals. Mistakes may be corrected or Proposals may be withdrawn during phase one:

(A) Before unpriced technical Proposals are considered;

(B) After any discussions have commenced under section (4)(e) of this rule; or

(C) When responding to any Addenda to the Request for Proposal;

(D) In accordance with OAR 137-047-0470.

(5) Methods of Contractor Selection for Phase One. In conducting phase one, a Contracting Agency may employ any combination of the methods of Contractor selection that call for the establishment of a Competitive Range or include discussions, negotiations, or best and final Offers as set forth in OAR 137-047-0261 and 137-047-0262. If the Contracting Agency uses such methods of Contractor selection, it shall follow the procedures set forth in OAR 137-047-0261 and 137-047-0262.

(6) Procedure for Phase Two.

(a) Initiation. Upon the completion of phase one, the Contracting Agency shall invite each qualified Proposer to submit price Proposals.

(b) Conduct. A Contracting Agency shall conduct phase two as any other competitive sealed Proposal Procurement except:

(A) As specifically set forth in this rule; and

(B) No public notice need be given of the request to submit price Proposals because such notice was previously given.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065, 279B.070
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279B.070
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 19-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08; DOJ 15-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10

137-047-0265

Small Procurements

(1) Generally. For Procurements of Goods or Services less than or equal to $5,000 a Contracting Agency may Award a Contract as a small Procurement pursuant to ORS 279B.065.

(2) Amendments. A Contracting Agency may amend a Contract Awarded as a small Procurement in accordance with OAR 137-047-0800, but the cumulative amendments shall not increase the total Contract Price to greater than $6,000.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065 & 279B.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279B.065
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06

137-047-0270

Intermediate Procurements

(1) Generally. For Procurements of Goods or Services greater than $5000 and less than or equal to $150,000, a Contracting Agency may Award a Contract as an intermediate Procurement pursuant to ORS 279B.070.

(2) Negotiations. A Contracting Agency may negotiate with a prospective Contractor who offers to provide Goods or Services in response to an intermediate Procurement to clarify its quote or Offer or to effect modifications that will make the quote or Offer more Advantageous to the Contracting Agency.

(3) Amendments. A Contracting Agency may amend a Contract Awarded as an intermediate Procurement in accordance with OAR 137-047-0800, but the cumulative amendments shall not increase the total Contract Price to a sum that is greater than twenty-five percent (25%) of the original Contract Price.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065 & 279B.070
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279B.070
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 15-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10

137-047-0275

Sole-source Procurements

(1) Generally. A Contracting Agency may Award a Contract without competition as a sole-Source Procurement pursuant to the requirements of ORS 279B.075.

(2) Public Notice. If, but for the Contracting Agency's determination that it may enter into a Contract as a sole-source, a Contracting Agency would be required to select a Contractor using source selection methods set forth in either ORS 279B.055 or 279B.060, a Contracting Agency shall give public notice of the Contract Review Authority's determination that the Goods or Services or class of Goods or Services are available from only one source. The Contracting Agency shall publish such notice in a manner similar to public notice of competitive sealed Bids under 279B.055(4) and OAR 137-047-0300. The public notice shall describe the Goods or Services to be acquired by a sole-source Procurement, identify the prospective Contractor and include the date, time and place that protests are due. The Contracting Agency shall give Affected Persons at least seven (7) days from the date of the notice of the determination that the Goods or Services are available from only one source to protest the sole source determination.

(3) Protest. An Affected Person may protest the Contract Review Authority's determination that the Goods or Services or class of Goods or Services are available from only one source in accordance with OAR 137-047-0710.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065 & 279B.075
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279B.075
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 19-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08

137-047-0280

Emergency Procurements

A Contracting Agency may Award a Contract as an Emergency Procurement pursuant to the requirements of ORS 279B.080. When an Emergency Procurement is authorized, the Procurement shall be made with competition that is reasonable and appropriate under the circumstances. However, for emergency Procurement of construction services, see 279B.080(2).

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279B.080
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 19-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08; DOJ 15-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-1

137-047-0285

Special Procurements

(1) Generally. A Contracting Agency may Award a Contract as a Special Procurement pursuant to the requirements of ORS 279B.085.

(2) Public Notice. A Contracting Agency shall give public notice of the Contract Review Authority's approval of a Special Procurement in the same manner as public notice of competitive sealed Bids under ORS 279B.055(4) and OAR 137-047-0300. The public notice shall describe the Goods or Services or class of Goods or Services to be acquired through the Special Procurement. The Contracting Agency shall give Affected Persons at least seven (7) days from the date of the notice of approval of the Special Procurement to protest the Special Procurement.

(3) Protest. An Affected Person may protest the request for approval of a Special Procurement in accordance with ORS 279B.400 and OAR 137-047-0700.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279B.085
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 19-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08

137-047-0290

Cooperative Procurements

A Contracting Agency may participate in, sponsor, conduct, or administer Cooperative Procurements as set forth in ORS 279A.200 through 279A.225 and OAR 137-046-0400 through 137-046-0480.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279A.205
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05

Procurement Process

137-047-0300

Public Notice of Solicitation Documents

(1) Notice of Solicitation Documents; Fee. A Contracting Agency shall provide public notice of every Solicitation Document in accordance with section (2) of this rule. The Contracting Agency may give additional notice using any method it determines appropriate to foster and promote competition, including:

(a) Mailing notice of the availability of the Solicitation Document to Persons that have expressed an interest in the Contracting Agency's Procurements;

(b) Placing notice on the Contracting Agency's Electronic Procurement System; or

(c) Placing notice on the Contracting Agency's Internet World Wide Web site.

(2) Advertising. A Contracting Agency shall advertise every notice of a Solicitation Document as follows:

(a) The Contracting Agency shall publish the advertisement for Offers in accordance with the requirements of ORS 279B.055(4) and 279B.060(4); or

(b) A Contracting Agency may publish the advertisement for Offers on the Contracting Agency's Electronic Procurement System instead of publishing notice in a newspaper of general circulation as required by ORS 279B.055(4)(b) if, by rule or order, the Contracting Agency's Contract Review Authority has authorized the Contracting Agency to publish notice of Solicitation Documents on the Contracting Agency's Electronic Procurement System.

(3) Content of Advertisement. All advertisements for Offers shall set forth:

(a) Where, when, how, and for how long the Solicitation Document may be obtained;

(b) A general description of the Goods or Services to be acquired;

(c) The interval between the first date of notice of the Solicitation Document given in accordance with section 2(a) or (b) above and Closing, which shall not be less than fourteen (14) Days for an Invitation to Bid and thirty (30) Days for a Request for Proposals, unless the Contracting Agency determines that a shorter interval is in the public's interest, and that a shorter interval will not substantially affect competition. However, in no event shall the interval between the first date of notice of the Solicitation Document given in accordance with section 2(a) or (b) above and Closing be less then seven (7) Days as set forth in ORS 279B.055(4)(f). The Contracting Agency shall document the specific reasons for the shorter public notice period in the Procurement file;

(d) The date that Persons must file applications for prequalification if prequalification is a requirement and the class of Goods or Services is one for which Persons must be prequalified;

(e) The office where Contract terms, conditions and Specifications may be reviewed;

(f) The name, title and address of the individual authorized by the Contracting Agency to receive Offers;

(g) The scheduled Opening; and

(h) Any other information the Contracting Agency deems appropriate.

(4) Posting Advertisement for Offers. The Contracting Agency shall post a copy of each advertisement for Offers at the principal business office of the Contracting Agency. An Offeror may obtain a copy of the advertisement for Offers upon request.

(5) Fees. The Contracting Agency may charge a fee or require a deposit for the Solicitation Document.

(6) Notice of Addenda. The Contracting Agency shall provide potential Offerors notice of any Addenda to a Solicitation Document in accordance with OAR 137-047-0430.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065, 279B.055 & 279B.060
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279B.055 & 279B.060
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 15-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10

137-047-0310

Bids or Proposals are Offers

(1) Offer and Acceptance. The Bid or Proposal is the Bidder's or Proposer's Offer to enter into a Contract.

(a) In competitive bidding and competitive Proposals, the Offer is always a "Firm Offer," i.e. the Offer shall be held open by the Offeror for the Contracting Agency's acceptance for the period specified in OAR 137-047-0480. The Contracting Agency may elect to accept the Offer at any time during the specified period, and the Contracting Agency's Award of the Contract constitutes acceptance of the Offer and binds the Offeror to the Contract.

(b) Notwithstanding the fact that a competitive Proposal is a "Firm Offer" for the period specified in OAR 137-047-0480, the Contracting Agency may elect to discuss or negotiate certain contractual provisions, as identified in these rules or in the Solicitation Document, with the Proposer. Where negotiation is permitted by the rules or the Solicitation Document, Proposers are obligated to negotiate in good faith and only on those terms or conditions that the rules or the Solicitation Document have reserved for negotiation.

(2) Contingent Offers. Except to the extent the Proposer is authorized to propose certain terms and conditions pursuant to OAR 137-047-0262, a Proposer shall not make its Offer contingent upon the Contracting Agency's acceptance of any terms or conditions (including Specifications) other than those contained in the Solicitation Document.

(3) Offeror's Acknowledgment. By Signing and returning the Offer, the Offeror acknowledges it has read and understands the terms and conditions contained in the Solicitation Document and that it accepts and agrees to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Solicitation Document. If the Request for Proposals permits Proposers to propose alternative terms or conditions under OAR 137-047-0262, the Offeror's Offer includes any nonnegotiable terms and conditions, any proposed terms and conditions offered for negotiation upon and to the extent accepted by the Contracting Agency in Writing, and Offeror’s agreement to perform the scope of work and meet the performance standards set forth in the final negotiated scope of work.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279A.065, 279B.055 & 279B.60
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 19-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08; DOJ 15-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10

137-047-0320

Facsimile Bids and Proposals

(1) Contracting Agency Authorization. A Contracting Agency may authorize Offerors to submit facsimile Offers. If the Contracting Agency determines that Bid or Proposal security is or will be required, the Contracting Agency should not authorize facsimile Offers unless the Contracting Agency has another method for receipt of such security. Prior to authorizing the submission of facsimile Offers, the Contracting Agency shall determine that the Contracting Agency's equipment and personnel are capable of receiving the size and volume of anticipated Offers within a short period of time. In addition, the Contracting Agency shall establish administrative procedures and controls:

(a) To receive, identify, record, and safeguard facsimile Offers;

(b) To ensure timely delivery of Offers to the location of Opening; and

(c) To preserve the Offers as sealed.

(2) Provisions To Be Included in Solicitation Document. In addition to all other requirements, if the Contracting Agency authorizes a facsimile Offer, the Contracting Agency will include in the Solicitation Document the following:

(a) A provision substantially in the form of the following: "A 'facsimile Offer,' as used in this Solicitation Document, means an Offer, modification of an Offer, or withdrawal of an Offer that is transmitted to and received by the Contracting Agency via a facsimile machine";

(b) A provision substantially in the form of the following: "Offerors may submit facsimile Offers in response to this Solicitation Document. The entire response must arrive at the place and by the time specified in this Solicitation Document";

(c) A provision that requires Offerors to Sign their facsimile Offers;

(d) A provision substantially in the form of the following: "The Contracting Agency reserves the right to Award the Contract solely on the basis of a facsimile Offer. However, upon the Contracting Agency's request the apparent successful Offeror shall promptly submit its complete original Signed Offer";

(e) The data and compatibility characteristics of the Contracting Agency's receiving facsimile machine as follows:

(A) Telephone number; and

(B) Compatibility characteristics, e.g. make and model number, receiving speed, communications protocol; and

(f) A provision that the Contracting Agency is not responsible for any failure attributable to the transmission or receipt of the facsimile Offer including, but not limited to the following:

(A) Receipt of garbled or incomplete documents;

(B) Availability or condition of the receiving facsimile machine;

(C) Incompatibility between the sending and receiving facsimile machine;

(D) Delay in transmission or receipt of documents;

(E) Failure of the Offeror to properly identify the Offer documents;

(F) Illegibility of Offer documents; and

(G) Security and confidentiality of data.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279A.065
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05

137-047-0330

Electronic Procurement

(1) Electronic Procurement Authorized.

(a) A Contracting Agency may conduct all phases of a Procurement, including without limitation the posting of Electronic Advertisements and the receipt of Electronic Offers, by electronic methods if and to the extent the Contracting Agency specifies in a Solicitation Document, a Request for Quotes, or any other Written instructions on how to participate in the Procurement.

(b) The Contracting Agency shall open an Electronic Offer in accordance with electronic security measures in effect at the Contracting Agency at the time of its receipt of the Electronic Offer. Unless the Contracting Agency provides procedures for the secure receipt of Electronic Offers, the Person submitting the Electronic Offer assumes the risk of premature disclosure due to submission in unsealed form.

(c) The Contracting Agency's use of electronic Signatures shall be consistent with applicable statutes and rules. A Contracting Agency may limit the use of electronic methods of conducting a Procurement as Advantageous to the Contracting Agency.

(d) If the Contracting Agency determines that Bid or Proposal security is or will be required, the Contracting Agency should not authorize Electronic Offers unless the Contracting Agency has another method for receipt of such security.

(2) Rules Governing Electronic Procurements. The Contracting Agency shall conduct all portions of an electronic Procurement in accordance with these division 47 rules, unless otherwise set forth in this rule.

(3) Preliminary Matters. As a condition of participation in an electronic Procurement the Contracting Agency may require potential Contractors to register with the Contracting Agency before the date and time on which the Contracting Agency will first accept Offers, to agree to the terms, conditions, or other requirements of a Solicitation Document, or to agree to terms and conditions governing the Procurement, such as procedures that the Contracting Agency may use to attribute, authenticate or verify the accuracy of an Electronic Offer, or the actions that constitute an electronic Signature.

(4) Offer Process. A Contracting Agency may specify that Persons must submit an Electronic Offer by a particular date and time, or that Persons may submit multiple Electronic Offers during a period of time established in the Electronic Advertisement. When the Contracting Agency specifies that Persons may submit multiple Electronic Offers during a specified period of time, the Contracting Agency must designate a time and date on which Persons may begin to submit Electronic Offers, and a time and date after which Persons may no longer submit Electronic Offers. The date and time after which Persons may no longer submit Electronic Offers need not be specified by a particular date and time, but may be specified by a description of the conditions that, when they occur, will establish the date and time after which Persons may no longer submit Electronic Offers. When the Contracting Agency will accept Electronic Offers for a period of time, then at the designated date and time that the Contracting Agency will first receive Electronic Offers, the Contracting Agency must begin to accept real time Electronic Offers on the Contracting Agency's Electronic Procurement System, and shall continue to accept Electronic Offers in accordance with section (5)(b) of this rule until the date and time specified by the Contracting Agency, after which the Contracting Agency will no longer accept Electronic Offers.

(5) Receipt of Electronic Offers.

(a) When a Contracting Agency conducts an electronic Procurement that provides that all Electronic Offers must be submitted by a particular date and time, the Contracting Agency shall receive the Electronic Offers in accordance with these division 47 rules.

(b) When the Contracting Agency specifies that Persons may submit multiple Electronic Offers during a period of time, the Contracting Agency shall accept Electronic Offers, and Persons may submit Electronic Offers, in accordance with the following:

(A) Following receipt of the first Electronic Offer after the day and time the Contracting Agency first receives Electronic Offers the Contracting Agency shall post on the Contracting Agency's Electronic Procurement System, and updated on a real time basis, the lowest Electronic Offer price or the highest ranking Electronic Offer. At any time before the date and time after which the Contracting Agency will no longer receive Electronic Offers, a Person may revise its Electronic Offer, except that a Person may not lower its price unless that price is below the then lowest Electronic Offer.

(B) A Person may not increase the price set forth in an Electronic Offer after the day and time that the Contracting Agency first accepts Electronic Offers.

(C) A Person may withdraw an Electronic Offer only in compliance with these division 47 rules. If a Person withdraws an Electronic Offer, it may not later submit an Electronic Offer at a price higher than that set forth in the withdrawn Electronic Offer.

(6) Failure of the E-Procurement System. In the event of a failure of the Contracting Agency's Electronic Procurement System that interferes with the ability of Persons to submit Electronic Offers, protest or to otherwise participate in the Procurement, the Contracting Agency may cancel the Procurement in accordance with OAR 137-047-0660, or may extend the date and time for receipt of Electronic Offers by providing notice of the extension immediately after the Electronic Procurement System becomes available.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065 & 279B.055
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279A.065
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 19-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08

Bid and Proposal Preparation

137-047-0400

Offer Preparation

(1) Instructions. An Offeror shall submit and Sign its Offer in accordance with the instructions set forth in the Solicitation Document. An Offeror shall initial and submit any correction or erasure to its Offer prior to Opening in accordance with the requirements for submitting an Offer set forth in the Solicitation Document.

(2) Forms. An Offeror shall submit its Offer on the form(s) provided in the Solicitation Document, unless an Offeror is otherwise instructed in the Solicitation Document.

(3) Documents. An Offeror shall provide the Contracting Agency with all documents and Descriptive Literature required by the Solicitation Document.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279A.065
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 19-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08

137-047-0410

Offer Submission

(1) Product Samples and Descriptive Literature. A Contracting Agency may require Product Samples or Descriptive Literature if the Contracting Agency determines either is necessary or desirable to evaluate the quality, features or characteristics of an Offer. The Contracting Agency will dispose of Product Samples, or make them available for the Offeror to retrieve in accordance with the Solicitation Document.

(2) Identification of Offers:

(a) To ensure proper identification and handling, Offers shall be submitted in a sealed envelope appropriately marked or in the envelope provided by the Contracting Agency, whichever is applicable. If the Contracting Agency permits Electronic Offers or facsimile Offers in the Solicitation Document, the Offeror may submit and identify Electronic Offers or facsimile Offers in accordance with these division 47 rules and the instructions set forth in the Solicitation Document. The Contracting Agency shall not consider facsimile or electronic Offers unless authorized by the Solicitation Document.

(b) The Contracting Agency is not responsible for Offers submitted in any manner, format or to any delivery point other than as required in the Solicitation Document.

(3) Receipt of Offers. The Offeror is responsible for ensuring the Contracting Agency receives its Offer at the required delivery point prior to the Closing, regardless of the method used to submit or transmit the Offer.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279A.065
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 19-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08

137-047-0420

Pre-Offer Conferences

(1) Purpose. A Contracting Agency may hold pre-Offer conferences with prospective Offerors prior to Closing, to explain the Procurement requirements, obtain information, or to conduct site inspections.

(2) Required Attendance. The Contracting Agency may require attendance at the pre-Offer conference as a condition for making an Offer.

(3) Scheduled Time. If a Contracting Agency holds a pre-Offer conference, it shall be held within a reasonable time after the Solicitation Document has been issued, but sufficiently before the Closing to allow Offerors to consider information provided at that conference.

(4) Statements Not Binding. Statements made by a Contracting Agency's representative at the pre-Offer conference do not change the Solicitation Document unless the Contracting Agency confirms such statements with a Written Addendum to the Solicitation Document.

(5) Agency Announcement. The Contracting Agency must set forth notice of any pre-Offer conference in the Solicitation Document in accordance with OAR 137-047-0255(2) or 137-047-0260(2).

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279A.065
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05

137-047-0430

Addenda to Solicitation Document

(1) Issuance; Receipt. The Contracting Agency may change a Solicitation Document only by Written Addenda. An Offeror shall provide Written acknowledgment of receipt of all issued Addenda with its Offer, unless the Contracting Agency otherwise specifies in the Addenda.

(2) Notice and Distribution. The Contracting Agency shall notify prospective Offerors of Addenda in a manner intended to foster competition and to make prospective Offerors aware of the Addenda. The Solicitation Document shall specify how the Contracting Agency will provide notice of Addenda and how the Contracting Agency will make the Addenda available before Closing, and at each subsequent step or tier of evaluation if the Contracting Agency will engage in a multistep competitive sealed Bid process in accordance with OAR 137-047-0257, or a multi-tiered or multistep competitive sealed Proposal process in accordance with 137-047-0261 through 137-047-0263. The following is an example of how a Contracting Agency may specify how it will provide notice of Addenda: "Contracting Agency will not mail notice of Addenda, but will publish notice of any Addenda on Contracting Agency's web site. Addenda may be downloaded off the Contracting Agency's web site. Offerors should frequently check the Contracting Agency's web site until Closing, i.e., at least once weekly until the week of Closing and at least once daily the week of the Closing."

(3) Timelines; Extensions.

(a) The Contracting Agency shall issue Addenda within a reasonable time to allow prospective Offerors to consider the Addenda in preparing their Offers. The Contracting Agency may extend the Closing if the Contracting Agency determines prospective Offerors need additional time to review and respond to Addenda. Except to the extent justified by a countervailing public interest, the Contracting Agency shall not issue Addenda less than 72 hours before the Closing unless the Addendum also extends the Closing.

(b) Notwithstanding subsection 3(a) of this rule, an Addendum that modifies the evaluation criteria, selection process or procedure for any tier of competition under a multistep sealed Bid or a multi-tiered or multistep sealed Proposal issued in accordance with ORS 279B.060(6)(d) and OAR 137-047-0261 through 137-047-0263 must be issued no fewer than five (5) Days before the beginning of that tier or step of competition, unless the Contracting Agency determines that a shorter period is sufficient to allow Offerors to prepare for that tier or step of competition. The Contracting Agency shall document the factors it considered in making that determination, which may include, without limitation, the scope of the changes to the Solicitation Document, the location of the remaining eligible Proposers, or whether shortening the period between issuing an Addendum and the beginning of the next tier or step of competition favors or disfavors any particular Proposer or Proposers.

(4) Request for Change or Protest. Unless a different deadline is set forth in the Addendum, an Offeror may submit a Written request for change or protest to the Addendum, as provided in OAR 137-047-0730, by the close of the Contracting Agency's next business day after issuance of the Addendum, or up to the last day allowed to submit a request for change or protest under 137-047-0730, whichever date is later. If the date established in the previous sentence falls after the deadline for receiving protests to the Solicitation Document in accordance with 137-047-0730, then the Contracting Agency may consider an Offeror's request for change or protest to the Addendum only, and the Contracting Agency shall not consider a request for change or protest to matters not added or modified by the Addendum. Notwithstanding any provision of this section (4) of this rule, a Contracting Agency is not required to provide a protest period for Addenda issued after initial Closing during a multi-tier or multistep Procurement process conducted pursuant to ORS 279B.055 or 279B.060.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065 & 279B.060
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279B.060
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 19-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08

137-047-0440

Pre-Closing Modification or Withdrawal of Offers

(1) Modifications. An Offeror may modify its Offer in Writing prior to the Closing. An Offeror shall prepare and submit any modification to its Offer to the Contracting Agency in accordance with OAR 137-047-0400 and 137-047-0410, unless otherwise specified in the Solicitation Document. Any modification must include the Offeror's statement that the modification amends and supersedes the prior Offer. The Offeror shall mark the submitted modification as follows:

(a) Bid (or Proposal) Modification; and

(b) Solicitation Document Number (or other identification as specified in the Solicitation Document).

(2) Withdrawals.

(a) An Offeror may withdraw its Offer by Written notice submitted on the Offeror's letterhead, Signed by an authorized representative of the Offeror, delivered to the individual and location specified in the Solicitation Document (or the place of Closing if no location is specified), and received by the Contracting Agency prior to the Closing. The Offeror or authorized representative of the Offeror may also withdraw its Offer in person prior to the Closing, upon presentation of appropriate identification and evidence of authority satisfactory to the Contracting Agency.

(b) The Contracting Agency may release an unopened Offer withdrawn under subsection (2)(a) of this rule to the Offeror or its authorized representative, after voiding any date and time stamp mark.

(c) The Offeror shall mark the Written request to withdraw an Offer as follows:

(A) Bid (or Proposal) Withdrawal; and

(B) Solicitation Document Number (or Other Identification as specified in the Solicitation Document).

(3) Documentation. The Contracting Agency shall include all documents relating to the modification or withdrawal of Offers in the appropriate Procurement file.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065 & ORS 279B.055
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279B.055
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05

137-047-0450

Receipt, Opening, and Recording of Offers; Confidentiality of Offers.

(1) Receipt. A Contracting Agency shall electronically or mechanically time-stamp or hand-mark each Offer and any modification upon receipt. The Contracting Agency shall not open the Offer or modification upon receipt, but shall maintain it as confidential and secure until Opening. If the Contracting Agency inadvertently opens an Offer or a modification prior to the Opening, the Contracting Agency shall return the Offer or modification to its secure and confidential state until Opening. The Contracting Agency shall document the resealing for the Procurement file (e.g. "Contracting Agency inadvertently opened the Offer due to improper identification of the Offer.").

(2) Opening and Recording. A Contracting Agency shall publicly open Offers including any modifications made to the Offer pursuant to OAR 137-047-0440(1). In the case of Invitations to Bid, to the extent practicable, the Contracting Agency shall read aloud the name of each Bidder, and such other information as the Contracting Agency considers appropriate. However, the Contracting Agency may withhold from disclosure information in accordance with ORS 279B.055(5)(c) and 279B.060(5). In the case of Requests for Proposals or voluminous Bids, if the Solicitation Document so provides, the Contracting Agency will not read Offers aloud.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065 & ORS 279B.055
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279B.055
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05

137-047-0460

Late Offers, Late Withdrawals and Late Modifications

Any Offer received after Closing is late. An Offeror's request for withdrawal or modification of an Offer received after Closing is late. An Agency shall not consider late Offers, withdrawals or modifications except as permitted in OAR 137-047-0470 or 137-047-0262.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065 & ORS 279B.055
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279B.055
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05

137-047-0470

Mistakes

(1) Generally. To protect the integrity of the competitive Procurement process and to assure fair treatment of Offerors, a Contracting Agency should carefully consider whether to permit waiver, correction or withdrawal of Offers for certain mistakes.

(2) Contracting Agency Treatment of Mistakes. A Contracting Agency shall not allow an Offeror to correct or withdraw an Offer for an error in judgment. If the Contracting Agency discovers certain mistakes in an Offer after Opening, but before Award of the Contract, the Contracting Agency may take the following action:

(a) A Contracting Agency may waive, or permit an Offeror to correct, a minor informality. A minor informality is a matter of form rather than substance that is evident on the face of the Offer, or an insignificant mistake that can be waived or corrected without prejudice to other Offerors. Examples of minor informalities include an Offeror's failure to:

(A) Return the correct number of Signed Offers or the correct number of other documents required by the Solicitation Document;

(B) Sign the Offer in the designated block, provided a Signature appears elsewhere in the Offer, evidencing an intent to be bound; and

(C) Acknowledge receipt of an Addendum to the Solicitation Document, provided that it is clear on the face of the Offer that the Offeror received the Addendum and intended to be bound by its terms; or the Addendum involved did not affect price, quality or delivery.

(b) A Contracting Agency may correct a clerical error if the error is evident on the face of the Offer or other documents submitted with the Offer, and the Offeror confirms the Contracting Agency's correction in Writing. A clerical error is an Offeror's error in transcribing its Offer. Examples include typographical mistakes, errors in extending unit prices, transposition errors, arithmetical errors, instances in which the intended correct unit or amount is evident by simple arithmetic calculations (for example, a missing unit price may be established by dividing the total price for the units by the quantity of units for that item, or a missing or incorrect total price for an item may be established by multiplying the unit price by the quantity when those figures are available in the Offer). Unit prices shall prevail over extended prices in the event of a discrepancy between extended prices and unit prices.

(c) A Contracting Agency may permit an Offeror to withdraw an Offer based on one or more clerical errors in the Offer only if the Offeror shows with objective proof and by clear and convincing evidence:

(A) The nature of the error;

(B) That the error is not a minor informality under this subsection or an error in judgment;

(C) That the error cannot be corrected or waived under subsection (b) of this section;

(D) That the Offeror acted in good faith in submitting an Offer that contained the claimed error and in claiming that the alleged error in the Offer exists;

(E) That the Offeror acted without gross negligence in submitting an Offer that contained a claimed error;

(F) That the Offeror will suffer substantial detriment if the Contracting Agency does not grant the Offeror permission to withdraw the Offer;

(G) That the Contracting Agency's or the public's status has not changed so significantly that relief from the forfeiture will work a substantial hardship on the Contracting Agency or the public it represents; and

(H) That the Offeror promptly gave notice of the claimed error to the Contracting Agency.

(d) The criteria in subsection (2)(c) of this rule shall determine whether a Contracting Agency will permit an Offeror to withdraw its Offer after Closing. These criteria also shall apply to the question of whether a Contracting Agency will permit an Offeror to withdraw its Offer without forfeiture of its Bid bond (or other Bid or Proposal security), or without liability to the Contracting Agency based on the difference between the amount of the Offeror's Offer and the amount of the Contract actually awarded by the Contracting Agency, whether by Award to the next lowest Responsive and Responsible Bidder or the most Advantageous Responsive and Responsible Proposer, or by resort to a new solicitation.

(3) Rejection for Mistakes. The Contracting Agency shall reject any Offer in which a mistake is evident on the face of the Offer and the intended correct Offer is not evident or cannot be substantiated from documents submitted with the Offer.

(4) Identification of Mistakes after Award. The procedures and criteria set forth above are Offeror's only opportunity to correct mistakes or withdraw Offers because of a mistake. Following Award, an Offeror is bound by its Offer, and may withdraw its Offer or rescind a Contract entered into pursuant to this division 47 only to the extent permitted by applicable law.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065 & 279B.055
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279B.055
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 15-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10

137-047-0480

Time for Agency Acceptance

An Offeror's Offer is a Firm Offer, irrevocable, valid and binding on the Offeror for not less than thirty (30) Days following Closing unless otherwise specified in the Solicitation Document.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279A.065
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05

137-047-0490

Extension of Time for Acceptance of Offer

A Contracting Agency may request, orally or in Writing, that Offerors extend, in Writing, the time during which the Contracting Agency may consider their Offer(s). If an Offeror agrees to such extension, the Offer shall continue as a Firm Offer, irrevocable, valid and binding on the Offeror for the agreed-upon extension period.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279A.065
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05

Qualifications and Duties

137-047-0500

Responsibility of Bidders and Proposers

Before Awarding a Contract the Contracting Agency shall determine that the Bidder submitting the lowest Bid or Proposer submitting the most Advantageous Proposal is Responsible. The Contracting Agency shall use the standards set forth in ORS 279B.110 and OAR 137-047-0640(1)(c)(F) to determine if a Bidder or Proposer is Responsible. In the event a Contracting Agency determines a Bidder or Proposer is not Responsible it shall prepare a Written determination of non-Responsibility as required by ORS 279B.110 and shall reject the Offer.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279B.110
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05

137-047-0525

Qualified Products Lists

A Contracting Agency may develop and maintain a qualified products list pursuant to ORS 279B.115.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279B.115
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05

137-047-0550

Prequalification of Prospective Offerors; Pre-negotiation of Contract Terms and Conditions

(1) A Contracting Agency may prequalify prospective Offerors pursuant to ORS 279B.120 and 279B.125.

(2) Notwithstanding the prohibition against revocation of prequalification in ORS 279B.120(3), a Contracting Agency may determine that a prequalified Offeror is not Responsible prior to Contract Award.

(3) A Contracting Agency may pre-negotiate some or all Contract terms and conditions including prospective Proposer Contract forms such as license agreements, maintenance and support agreements or similar documents for use in future Procurements. Such pre-negotiation of Contract terms and conditions (including prospective Proposer forms) may be part of the prequalification process of a Proposer in section (1) or the pre-negotiation may be a separate process and not part of a prequalification process. Unless required as part of the prequalification process, the failure of the Contracting Agency and the prospective Proposer to reach agreement on pre-negotiated Contract terms and conditions does not prohibit the prospective Proposer from responding to Procurements. A Contracting Agency may agree to different pre-negotiated Contract terms and conditions with different prospective Proposers. When a Contracting Agency has pre-negotiated different terms and conditions with Proposers or when permitted, Proposers offer different terms and conditions, a Contracting Agency may consider the terms and conditions in the Proposal evaluation process.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279A.015, 279B.120
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 15-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10

137-047-0575

Debarment of Prospective Offerors

(1) Generally. A Contracting Agency may Debar prospective Offerors for the reasons set forth in ORS 279A.110 or after providing notice and the opportunity for hearing as set forth in ORS 279B.130.

(2) Responsibility. Notwithstanding the limitation on the term for Debarment in ORS 279B.130(1)(b), a Contracting Agency may determine that a previously Debarred Offeror is not Responsible prior to Contract Award.

(3) Imputed Knowledge. A Contracting Agency may attribute improper conduct of a Person or its affiliate or affiliates having a contract with a prospective Offeror to the prospective Offeror for purposes of Debarment where the impropriety occurred in connection with the Person's duty for or on behalf of, or with the knowledge, approval, or acquiescence of, the prospective Offeror.

(4) Limited Participation. A Contracting Agency may allow a Debarred Person to participate in solicitations and Contracts on a limited basis during the Debarment period upon Written determination that participation is Advantageous to a Contracting Agency. The determination shall specify the factors on which it is based and define the extent of the limits imposed.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279B.130
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 19-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08

Offer Evaluation and Award

137-047-0600

Offer Evaluation and Award

(1) Contracting Agency Evaluation. The Contracting Agency shall evaluate Offers only as set forth in the Solicitation Document, pursuant to ORS 279B.055(6)(a) and 279B.060(6)(b), and in accordance with applicable law. The Contracting Agency shall not evaluate Offers using any other requirement or criterion.

(a) Evaluation of Bids.

(A) Nonresident Bidders. In determining the lowest Responsive Bid, the Contracting Agency shall apply the reciprocal preference set forth in ORS 279A.120(2)(b) and OAR 137-046-0310 for Nonresident Bidders.

(B) Public Printing. The Contracting Agency shall for the purpose of evaluating Bids apply the public printing preference set forth in ORS 282.210.

(C) Award When Bids are Identical. If the Contracting Agency determines that one or more Bids are identical under OAR 137-046-0300, the Contracting Agency shall Award a Contract in accordance with the procedures set forth in OAR 137-046-0300.

(b) Evaluation of Proposals.

(A) Award When Proposals are Identical. If the Contracting Agency determines that one or more Proposals are identical under OAR 137-046-0300, the Contracting Agency shall Award a Contract in accordance with the procedures set forth in OAR 137-046-0300.

(B) Public Printing. The Contracting Agency shall for the purpose of evaluating Proposals apply the public printing preference set forth in ORS 282.210.

(c) Recycled Materials. When procuring Goods, the Contracting Agency shall give preference for recycled materials as set forth in ORS 279A.125 and OAR 137-046-0320.

(2) Clarification of Bids or Proposals. After Opening, a Contracting Agency may conduct discussions with apparent Responsive Offerors for the purpose of clarification to assure full understanding of the Bids or Proposals. All Bids or Proposals, in the Contracting Agency's sole discretion, needing clarification must be accorded such an opportunity. The Contracting Agency shall document clarification of any Bidder's Bid in the Procurement file.

(3) Negotiations.

(a) Bids. A Contracting Agency shall not negotiate with any Bidder. After Award of the Contract the Contracting Agency and Contractor may only modify the Contract in accordance with OAR 137-047-0800.

(b) Requests for Proposals. A Contracting Agency may conduct discussions or negotiate with Proposers only in accordance with ORS 279B.060(6)(b) and OAR 137-047-0262. After Award of the Contract, the Contracting Agency and Contractor may only modify the Contract in accordance with OAR 137-047-0800.

(4) Award.

(a) General. If Awarded, the Contracting Agency shall Award the Contract to the Responsible Bidder submitting the lowest, Responsive Bid or the Responsible Proposer submitting the most Advantageous, Responsive Proposal. The Contracting Agency may Award by item, groups of items or the entire Offer provided such Award is consistent with the Solicitation Document and in the public interest.

(b) Multiple Items. An Invitation to Bid or Request for Proposals may call for pricing of multiple items of similar or related type with Award based on individual line item, group total of certain items, a "market basket" of items representative of the Contracting Agency's expected purchases, or grand total of all items.

(c) Multiple Awards -- Bids.

(A) Notwithstanding subsection (4)(a) of this rule, a Contracting Agency may Award multiple Contracts under an Invitation to Bid in accordance with the criteria set forth in the Invitation to Bid. Multiple Awards shall not be made if a single Award will meet the Contracting Agency's needs, including but not limited to adequate availability, delivery, service, or product compatibility. A multiple Award may be made if Award to two or more Bidders of similar Goods or Services is necessary for adequate availability, delivery, service or product compatibility and skills. Multiple Awards may not be made for the purpose of dividing the Procurement into multiple solicitations, or to allow for user preference unrelated to utility or economy. A notice to prospective Bidders that multiple Contracts may be Awarded for any Invitation to Bid shall not preclude the Contracting Agency from Awarding a single Contract for such Invitation to Bid.

(B) If an Invitation to Bid permits the Award of multiple Contracts, the Contracting Agency shall specify in the Invitation to Bid the criteria it will use to choose from the multiple Contracts when purchasing Goods or Services.

(d) Multiple Awards -- Proposals.

(A) Notwithstanding subsection 4(a) of this rule, a Contracting Agency may Award multiple Contracts under a Request for Proposals in accordance with the criteria set forth in the Request for Proposals. Multiple Awards shall not be made if a single Award will meet the Contracting Agency's needs, including but not limited to adequate availability, delivery, service or product compatibility. A multiple Award may be made if Award to two or more Proposers of similar Goods or Services is necessary for adequate availability, delivery, service or product compatibility. Multiple Awards may not be made for the purpose of dividing the Procurement into multiple solicitations, or to allow for user preference unrelated to obtaining the most Advantageous Contract. A notice to prospective Proposers that multiple Contracts may be Awarded for any Request for Proposals shall not preclude the Contracting Agency from Awarding a single Contract for such Request for Proposals.

(B) If a Request for Proposals permits the Award of multiple Contracts, the Contracting Agency shall specify in the Request for Proposals the criteria it will use to choose from the multiple Contracts when purchasing Goods or Services, which may include consideration and evaluation of the Contract terms and conditions agreed to by the Contractors.

(e) Partial Awards. If after evaluation of Offers, the Contracting Agency determines that an acceptable Offer has been received for only parts of the requirements of the Solicitation Document:

(A) The Contracting Agency may Award a Contract for the parts of the Solicitation Document for which acceptable Offers have been received; or

(B) The Contracting Agency may reject all Offers and may issue a new Solicitation Document on the same or revised terms, conditions and Specifications.

(f) All or none Offers. A Contracting Agency may Award all or none Offers if the evaluation shows an all or none Award to be the lowest cost for Bids or the most Advantageous for Proposals of those submitted.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065 & 279B.060
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279B.055 & 279B.060
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 15-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10

137-047-0610

Notice of Intent to Award

(1) Notice of Intent to Award. The Contracting Agency shall provide Written notice of its intent to Award to all Bidders and Proposers pursuant to ORS 279B.135 at least seven (7) Days before the Award of a Contract, unless the Contracting Agency determines that circumstances justify prompt execution of the Contract, in which case the Contracting Agency may provide a shorter notice period. The Contracting Agency shall document the specific reasons for the shorter notice period in the Procurement file.

(2) Finality. The Contracting Agency's Award shall not be final until the later of the following:

(a) The expiration of the protest period provided pursuant to OAR 137-047-0740; or

(b) The Contracting Agency provides Written responses to all timely-filed protests denying the protests and affirming the Award.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065 & 279B.135
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279B.135
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 19-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08

137-047-0620

Documentation of Award

(1) Basis of Award. After Award, the Contracting Agency shall make a record showing the basis for determining the successful Offeror part of the Contracting Agency's Procurement file.

(2) Contents of Award Record. The Contracting Agency's record shall include:

(a) For Bids:

(A) Bids;

(B) Completed Bid tabulation sheet; and

(C) Written justification for any rejection of lower Bids.

(b) For Proposals:

(A) Proposals;

(B) The completed evaluation of the Proposals;

(C) Written justification for any rejection of higher scoring Proposals; and

(D) If the Contracting Agency engaged in any of the methods of Contractor selection described in ORS 279B.060(6)(b) and OAR 137-047-0261 through 137-047-0263, Written documentation of the content of any discussions, negotiations, best and final Offers, or any other procedures the Contracting Agency used to select a Proposer to which the Contracting Agency Awarded a Contract.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279A.065
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05

137-047-0630

Availability of Award Decisions

(1) Contract Documents. To the extent required by the Solicitation Document, the Contracting Agency shall deliver to the successful Offeror a Contract, Signed purchase order, Price Agreement, or other Contract documents as applicable.

(2) Availability of Award Decisions. A Person may obtain tabulations of Awarded Bids or evaluation summaries of Proposals for a minimal charge, in person or by submitting to the Contracting Agency a Written request accompanied by payment. The requesting Person shall provide the Solicitation Document number and enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope. In addition, the Contracting Agency may make available tabulations of Bids and Proposals through the Electronic Procurement System of the Contracting Agency or the Contracting Agency's website.

(3) Availability of Procurement Files. After notice of intent to Award, the Contracting Agency shall make Procurement files available in accordance with applicable law.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279B.055 & ORS 279B.060
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05

137-047-0640

Rejection of an Offer

(1) Rejection of an Offer.

(a) A Contracting Agency may reject any Offer as set forth in ORS 279B.100.

(b) The Contracting Agency shall reject an Offer upon the Contracting Agency's finding that the Offer:

(A) Is contingent upon the Contracting Agency's acceptance of terms and conditions (including Specifications) that differ from the Solicitation Document;

(B) Takes exception to terms and conditions (including Specifications) set forth in the Solicitation Document;

(C) Attempts to prevent public disclosure of matters in contravention of the terms and conditions of the Solicitation Document or in contravention of applicable law;

(D) Offers Goods or Services that fail to meet the Specifications of the Solicitation Document;

(E) Is late;

(F) Is not in substantial compliance with the Solicitation Document; or

(G) Is not in substantial compliance with all prescribed public Procurement procedures.

(c) The Contracting Agency shall reject an Offer upon the Contracting Agency's finding that the Offeror:

(A) Has not been prequalified under ORS 279B.120 and the Contracting Agency required mandatory prequalification;

(B) Has been Debarred as set forth in ORS 279B.130 or has been disqualified pursuant to OAR 137-046-0210(4) (DBE Disqualification);

(C) Has not met the requirements of ORS 279A.105, if required by the Solicitation Document;

(D) Has not submitted properly executed Bid or Proposal security as required by the Solicitation Document;

(E) Has failed to provide the certification of non-discrimination required under ORS 279A.110(4); or

(F) Is non-Responsible. Offerors are required to demonstrate their ability to perform satisfactorily under a Contract. Before Awarding a Contract, the Contracting Agency must have information that indicates that the Offeror meets the applicable standards of Responsibility. To be a Responsible Offeror, the Contracting Agency must determine pursuant to ORS 279B.110 that the Offeror:

(i) Has available the appropriate financial, material, equipment, facility and personnel resources and expertise, or ability to obtain the resources and expertise, necessary to meet all contractual responsibilities;

(ii) Has completed previous contracts of a similar nature with a satisfactory record of performance. A satisfactory record of performance means that to the extent the costs associated with and time available to perform a previous contract were within the Offeror’s control, the Offeror stayed within the time and budget allotted for the Procurement and otherwise performed the contract in a satisfactory manner. A Contracting Agency should carefully scrutinize an Offeror's record of contract performance if the Offeror is or recently has been materially deficient in contract performance. In reviewing the Offeror's performance, the Contracting Agency should determine whether the Offeror's deficient performance was expressly excused under the terms of the contract, or whether the Offeror took appropriate corrective action. The Contracting Agency may review the Offeror's performance on both private and public contracts in determining the Offeror's record of contract performance. The Contracting Agency shall make its basis for determining an Offeror non-Responsible under this subparagraph part of the Procurement file pursuant to ORS 279B.110(2)(b);

(iii) Has a satisfactory record of integrity. An Offeror may lack integrity if a Contracting Agency determines the Offeror demonstrates a lack of business ethics such as violation of state environmental laws or false certifications made to a Contracting Agency. A Contracting Agency may find an Offeror non-Responsible based on the lack of integrity of any Person having influence or control over the Offeror (such as a key employee of the Offeror that has the authority to significantly influence the Offeror's performance of the Contract or a parent company, predecessor or successor Person). The standards for Debarment under ORS 279B.130 may be used to determine an Offeror's integrity. A Contracting Agency may find an Offeror non-responsible based on previous convictions of offenses related to obtaining or attempting to obtain a contract or subcontract or in connection with the Offeror’s performance of a contract or subcontract. The Contracting Agency shall make its basis for determining that an Offeror is non-Responsible under this subparagraph part of the Procurement file pursuant to 279B.110(2)(c);

(iv) Is legally qualified to contract with the Contracting Agency; and

(v) Has supplied all necessary information in connection with the inquiry concerning Responsibility. If the Offeror fails to promptly supply information requested by the Contracting Agency concerning Responsibility, the Contracting Agency shall base the determination of Responsibility upon any available information, or may find the Offeror non-Responsible.

(2) Form of Business Entity. For purposes of this rule, the Contracting Agency may investigate any Person submitting an Offer. The investigation may include that Person's officers, directors, owners, affiliates, or any other Person acquiring ownership of the Person to determine application of this rule or to apply the Debarment provisions of ORS 279B.130.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279B.100 & 279B.110
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 15-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10

137-047-0650

Rejection of All Offers

(1) Rejection. A Contracting Agency may reject all Offers as set forth in ORS 279B.100. The Contracting Agency shall notify all Offerors of the rejection of all Offers, along with the reasons for rejection of all Offers.

(2) Criteria. The Contracting Agency may reject all Offers based upon the following criteria:

(a) The content of or an error in the Solicitation Document, or the Procurement process unnecessarily restricted competition for the Contract;

(b) The price, quality or performance presented by the Offerors are too costly or of insufficient quality to justify acceptance of any Offer;

(c) Misconduct, error, or ambiguous or misleading provisions in the Solicitation Document threaten the fairness and integrity of the competitive process;

(d) Causes other than legitimate market forces threaten the integrity of the competitive process. These causes may include, without limitation, those that tend to limit competition, such as restrictions on competition, collusion, corruption, unlawful anti-competitive conduct, and inadvertent or intentional errors in the Solicitation Document;

(e) The Contracting Agency cancels the Procurement or solicitation in accordance with OAR 137-047-0660; or

(f) Any other circumstance indicating that Awarding the Contract would not be in the public interest.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279B.100
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05

137-047-0660

Cancellation of Procurement or Solicitation

(1) Cancellation in the Public Interest. A Contracting Agency may cancel a Procurement or solicitation as set forth in ORS 279B.100.

(2) Notice of Cancellation Before Opening. If the Contracting Agency cancels a Procurement or solicitation prior to Opening, the Contracting Agency shall provide Written notice of cancellation in the same manner that the Contracting Agency initially provided notice of the solicitation. Such notice of cancellation shall:

(a) Identify the Solicitation Document;

(b) Briefly explain the reason for cancellation; and

(c) If appropriate, explain that an opportunity will be given to compete on any resolicitation.

(3) Notice of Cancellation After Opening. If the Contracting Agency cancels a Procurement or solicitation after Opening, the Contracting Agency shall provide Written notice of cancellation to all Offerors who submitted Offers.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279B.100
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05

137-047-0670

Disposition of Offers if Procurement or Solicitation Canceled

(1) Prior to Opening. If the Contracting Agency cancels a Procurement or solicitation prior to Opening, the Contracting Agency shall return all Offers it received to Offerors unopened, provided the Offeror submitted its Offer in a hard copy format with a clearly visible return address. If there is no return address on the envelope, the Contracting Agency shall open the Offer to determine the source and then return it to the Offeror. For Electronic Offers, the Contracting Agency shall delete the Offers from the Contracting Agency's Electronic Procurement System or information technology system.

(2) After Opening. If the Contracting Agency cancels a Procurement or solicitation after Opening, the Contracting Agency:

(a) May return Proposals in accordance with ORS 279B.060(5)(c); and

(b) Shall keep Bids in the Procurement file.

(3) Rejection of All Offers. If the Contracting Agency rejects all Offers, the Contracting Agency shall keep all Proposals and Bids in the Procurement file.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279B.100
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05

Legal Remedies

137-047-0700

Protests and Judicial Review of Special Procurements

(1) Purpose. An Affected Person may protest the approval of a Special Procurement. Pursuant to ORS 279B.400(1), before seeking judicial review of the approval of a Special Procurement, an Affected Person must file a Written protest with the Contract Review Authority for the Contracting Agency and exhaust all administrative remedies.

(2) Delivery. Notwithstanding the requirements for filing a writ of review under ORS chapter 34 pursuant to ORS 279B.400(4)(a), an Affected Person must deliver a Written protest to the Contract Review Authority for the Contracting Agency within seven (7) Days after the first date of public notice of the approval of a Special Procurement by the Contract Review Authority for the Contracting Agency, unless a different protest period is provided in the public notice of the approval of a Special Procurement.

(3) Content of Protest. The Written protest must include:

(a) A detailed statement of the legal and factual grounds for the protest;

(b) A description of the resulting harm to the Affected Person; and

(c) The relief requested.

(4) Contract Review Authority Response. The Contract Review Authority shall not consider an Affected Person's protest of the approval of a Special Procurement submitted after the timeline established for submitting such protest under this rule or such different time period as may be provided in the public notice of the approval of a Special Procurement. The Contract Review Authority shall issue a Written disposition of the protest in a timely manner. If the Contract Review Authority upholds the protest, in whole or in part, it may in its sole discretion implement the sustained protest in the approval of the Special Procurement, or revoke the approval of the Special Procurement.

(5) Judicial Review. An Affected Person may seek judicial review of the Contract Review Authority's decision relating to a protest of the approval of a Special Procurement in accordance with ORS 279B.400.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065 & 279B.400
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279B.400
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06

137-047-0710

Protests and Judicial Review of Sole-Source Procurements

(1) Purpose. For sole-source Procurements requiring public notice under OAR 137-047-0275, an Affected Person may protest the determination of the Contract Review Authority or designee that the Goods or Services or class of Goods or Services are available from only one source. Pursuant to ORS 279B.420(3)(f), before seeking judicial review, an Affected Person must file a Written protest with the Contract Review Authority or designee and exhaust all administrative remedies.

(2) Delivery. Unless otherwise specified in the public notice of the sole-source Procurement, an Affected Person must deliver a Written protest to the Contract Review Authority or designee within seven (7) Days after the first date of public notice of the sole-source Procurement, unless a different protest period is provided in the public notice of a sole-source Procurement.

(3) Content of Protest. The Written protest must include:

(a) A detailed statement of the legal and factual grounds for the protest;

(b) A description of the resulting harm to the Affected Person; and

(c) The relief requested.

(4) Contract Review Authority Response. The Contract Review Authority or designee shall not consider an Affected Person's sole-source Procurement protest submitted after the timeline established for submitting such protest under this rule, or such different time period as may be provided in the public notice of the sole-source Procurement. The Contract Review Authority or designee shall issue a Written disposition of the protest in a timely manner. If the Contract Review Authority or designee upholds the protest, in whole or in part, the Contracting Agency shall not enter into a sole-source Contract.

(5) Judicial Review. Judicial review of the Contract Review Authority's or designee's disposition of a sole-source Procurement protest shall be in accordance with ORS 279B.420.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279B.075
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05

137-047-0720

Protests and Judicial Review of Multi-Tiered and Multistep Solicitations

(1) Purpose. An Affected Offeror may protest exclusion from the Competitive Range or from subsequent tiers or steps of a solicitation in accordance with the applicable Solicitation Document. When such a protest is permitted by the Solicitation Document, then pursuant to ORS 279B.420(3)(f), before seeking judicial review, an Affected Offeror must file a Written protest with the Contracting Agency and exhaust all administrative remedies.

(2) Basis for Protest. An Affected Offeror may protest its exclusion from a tier or step of competition only if the Offeror is Responsible and submitted a Responsive Offer and but for the Contracting Agency's mistake in evaluating the Offeror's or other Offerors' Offers, the protesting Offeror would have been eligible to participate in the next tier or step of competition. (For example, the protesting Offeror must claim it is eligible for inclusion in the Competitive Range if all ineligible higher-scoring Offerors are removed from consideration, and that those ineligible Offerors are ineligible for inclusion in the Competitive Range because: their Proposals were not Responsive, or the Contracting Agency committed a substantial violation of a provision in the Solicitation Document or of an applicable Procurement statute or administrative rule, and the protesting Offeror was unfairly evaluated and would have, but for such substantial violation, been included in the Competitive Range.)

(3) Delivery. Unless otherwise specified in the Solicitation Document, an Affected Offeror must deliver a Written protest to the Contracting Agency within seven (7) Days after issuance of the notice of the Competitive Range or notice of subsequent tiers or steps.

(4) Content of Protest. The Affected Offeror's protest shall be in Writing and must specify the grounds upon which the protest is based.

(5) Contracting Agency Response. The Contracting Agency shall not consider an Affected Offeror's multi-tiered or multistep solicitation protest submitted after the timeline established for submitting such protest under this rule, or such different time period as may be provided in the Solicitation Document. The Contracting Agency shall issue a Written disposition of the protest in a timely manner. If the Contracting Agency upholds the protest, in whole or in part, the Contracting Agency may in its sole discretion either issue an Addendum under OAR 137-047-0430 reflecting its disposition or cancel the Procurement or solicitation under 137-047-0660.

(6) Judicial Review. Judicial review of the Contracting Agency's decision relating to a multi-tiered or multistep solicitation protest shall be in accordance with ORS 279B.420.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279B.060
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05

137-047-0730

Protests and Judicial Review of Solicitations

(1) Purpose. A prospective Offeror may protest the Procurement process or the Solicitation Document for a Contract solicited under ORS 279B.055, 279B.060 and 279B.085 as set forth in 279B.405(2). Pursuant to 279B.405(3), before seeking judicial review, a prospective Offeror must file a Written protest with the Contracting Agency and exhaust all administrative remedies.

(2) Delivery. Unless otherwise specified in the Solicitation Document, a prospective Offeror must deliver a Written protest to the Contracting Agency not less than ten (10) Days prior to Closing.

(3) Content of Protest. In addition to the information required by ORS 279B.405(4), a prospective Offeror's Written protest shall include a statement of the desired changes to the Procurement process or the Solicitation Document that the prospective Offeror believes will remedy the conditions upon which the prospective Offeror based its protest.

(4) Contracting Agency Response. The Contracting Agency shall not consider a Prospective Offeror's solicitation protest submitted after the timeline established for submitting such protest under this rule, or such different time period as may be provided in the Solicitation Document. The Contracting Agency shall consider the protest if it is timely filed and meets the conditions set forth in ORS 279B.405(4). The Contracting Agency shall issue a Written disposition of the protest in accordance with the timeline set forth in 279B.405(6). If the Contracting Agency upholds the protest, in whole or in part, the Contracting Agency may in its sole discretion either issue an Addendum reflecting its disposition under OAR 137-047-0430 or cancel the Procurement or solicitation under 137-047-0660.

(5) Extension of Closing. If the Contracting Agency receives a protest from a prospective Offeror in accordance with this rule, the Contracting Agency may extend Closing if the Contracting Agency determines an extension is necessary to consider and respond to the protest.

(6) Clarification. Prior to the deadline for submitting a protest, a prospective Offeror may request that the Contracting Agency clarify any provision of the Solicitation Document. The Contracting Agency's clarification to an Offeror, whether orally or in Writing, does not change the Solicitation Document and is not binding on the Contracting Agency unless the Contracting Agency amends the Solicitation Document by Addendum.

(7) Judicial Review. Judicial review of the Contracting Agency's decision relating to a solicitation protest shall be in accordance with ORS 279B.405.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065 & 279B.405
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279B.405
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 19-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08

137-047-0740

Protests and Judicial Review of Contract Award

(1) Purpose. An Offeror may protest the Award of a Contract, or the intent to Award of a Contract, whichever occurs first, if the conditions set forth in ORS 279B.410(1) are satisfied. An Offeror must file a Written protest with the Contracting Agency and exhaust all administrative remedies before seeking judicial review of the Contracting Agency's Contract Award decision.

(2) Delivery. Unless otherwise specified in the Solicitation Document, an Offeror must deliver a Written protest to the Contracting Agency within seven (7) Days after the Award of a Contract, or issuance of the notice of intent to Award the Contract, whichever occurs first.

(3) Content of Protest. An Offeror's Written protest shall specify the grounds for the protest to be considered by the Contracting Agency pursuant to ORS 279B.410(2).

(4) Contracting Agency Response. The Contracting Agency shall not consider an Offeror's Contract Award protest submitted after the timeline established for submitting such protest under this rule, or such different time period as may be provided in the Solicitation Document. The Contracting Agency shall issue a Written disposition of the protest in a timely manner as set forth in ORS 279B.410(4). If the Contracting Agency upholds the protest, in whole or in part, the Contracting Agency may in its sole discretion either Award the Contract to the successful protestor or cancel the Procurement or solicitation.

(5) Judicial Review. Judicial review of the Contracting Agency's decision relating to a Contract Award protest shall be in accordance with ORS 279B.415.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065 & 279B.410
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279B.410 & 279B.415
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06

137-047-0745

Protests and Judicial Review of Qualified Products List Decisions

(1) Purpose. A prospective Offeror may protest the Contracting Agency's decision to exclude the prospective Offeror's goods from the Contracting Agency's qualified products list under ORS 279B.115. A prospective Offeror must file a Written protest and exhaust all administrative remedies before seeking judicial review of the Contracting Agency's qualified products list decision.

(2) Delivery. Unless otherwise stated in the Contracting Agency's notice to prospective Offerors of the opportunity to submit goods for inclusion on the qualified products list, a prospective Offeror must deliver a Written protest to the Contracting Agency within seven (7) Days after issuance of the Contracting Agency's decision to exclude the prospective Offeror's goods from the qualified products list.

(3) Content of Protest. The prospective Offeror's protest shall be in Writing and must specify the grounds upon which the protest is based.

(4) Contracting Agency Response. The Contracting Agency shall not consider a prospective Offeror's qualified products list protest submitted after the timeline established for submitting such protest under this rule, or such different time period as may be provided in the Contracting Agency's notice to prospective Offerors of the opportunity to submit goods for inclusion on the qualified products list. The Contracting Agency shall issue a Written disposition of the protest in a timely manner. If the Contracting Agency upholds the protest, it shall include the successful protestor's goods on the qualified products list.

(5) Judicial Review. Judicial review of the Contracting Agency's decision relating to a qualified products list protest shall be in accordance with ORS 279B.420.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279B.115
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06

137-047-0750

Judicial Review of Other Violations

Any violation of ORS Chapter 279A or 279B by a Contracting Agency for which no judicial remedy is otherwise provided in the Public Contracting Code is subject to judicial review as set forth in 279B.420.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279B.420
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05

137-047-0760

Review of Prequalification and Debarment Decisions

Review of the Contracting Agency's prequalification and Debarment decisions shall be as set forth in ORS 279B.425.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279B.425
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05

137-047-0800

Amendments to Contracts and Price Agreements

(1) Generally. A Contracting Agency may amend a Contract without additional competition in any of the following circumstances:

(a) The amendment is within the scope of the Procurement as described in the Solicitation Documents, if any, or if no Solicitation Documents, as described in the sole source notice or the approval of the Special Procurement or the Contract, in that order. An amendment is not within the scope of the Procurement if the Agency determines that if it had described the changes to be made by the amendment in the Procurement Documents, it would likely have increased competition or affected award of the Contract.

(b) These Model Rules otherwise permit the Contracting Agency to Award a Contract without competition for the goods or services to be procured under the Amendment.

(c) The amendment is necessary to comply with a change in law that affects performance of the Contract.

(d) The amendment results from renegotiation of the terms and conditions, including the Contract Price, of a Contract and the amendment is Advantageous to the Contracting Agency, subject to all of the following conditions:

(A) The Goods or Services to be provided under the amended Contract are the same as the Goods or Services to be provided under the unamended Contract.

(B) The Contracting Agency determines that, with all things considered, the amended Contract is at least as favorable to the Contracting Agency as the unamended Contract.

(C) The amended Contract does not have a total term greater than allowed in the Solicitation Document, Contract or approval of a Special Procurement after combining the initial and extended terms. For example, a one-year Contract, renewable each year for up to four additional years, may be renegotiated as a two to five-year Contract, but not beyond a total of five years. Also, if multiple Contracts with a single Contractor are restated as a single Contract, the term of the single Contract may not have a total term greater than the longest term of any of the prior Contracts.

(2) Small or Intermediate Contract. A Contracting Agency may amend a Contract Awarded as small or intermediate Procurement pursuant to section (1) of this rule, provided that the total increase in Contract price does not exceed the amount set forth in OAR 137-047-0265 for small Procurements or 137-047-0270 for intermediate Procurements.

(3) Price Agreements. A Contracting Agency may amend a Price Agreement as follows:

(a) As permitted by the Price Agreement;

(b) If the circumstances set forth in ORS 279B.140(2) exist; or

(c) As permitted by applicable law.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279A.065
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 15-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10

137-047-0810

Termination of Price Agreements

A Contracting Agency may terminate a Price Agreement as follows:

(1) As permitted by the Price Agreement;

(2) If the circumstances set forth in ORS 279B.140(2) exist; or

(3) As permitted by applicable law.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279A.065 & 279B.140
Hist.: DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06

DIVISION 48 – CONSULTANT SELECTION: ARCHITECTUAL, ENGINEERING, LAND SURVERYING, AND RELATED SERVICES CONTRACTS

137-048-0100

Application

(1) The Attorney General is required to prepare and maintain model rules of procedure that govern Public Contracting under the Public Contracting Code and that are appropriate for use by all Contracting Agencies. These division 48 rules apply to the screening and selection of Architects, Engineers and Land Surveyors, and providers of Related Services, under Contracts and set forth the following procedures:

(a) Procedures through which Contracting Agencies select Consultants to perform Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services, or Related Services; and

(b) Two-tiered procedures for selection of Architects, Engineers, Land Surveyors and providers of Related Services for certain Public Improvements owned and maintained by a Local Government.

(2) These division 48 rules apply to any Contracting Agency with independent contracting authority that is seeking the services of a Consultant to perform Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services, or Related Services, if the Contracting Agency has not adopted its own rules of procedure for the screening and selection of Consultants to perform Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services or Related Services, as provided in ORS 279A.065(a).

(3) The dollar threshold amounts that are applicable to the Direct Appointment Procedure, OAR 137-048-0200, the Informal Selection Procedure, 137-048-0210, and the Formal Selection Procedure, 137-048-0220, are independent from and have no effect on the dollar threshold amounts that trigger the legal sufficiency review requirement for State Contracting Agencies under OAR 291.047.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279A.065
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 19-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08

137-048-0110

Definitions

In addition to the definitions set forth in ORS 279A.010, 279C.100, and OAR 137-046-0110, the following definitions apply to these division 48 rules:

(1) "Consultant" means an Architect, Engineer, Land Surveyor or provider of Related Services. A Consultant includes a business entity that employees Architects, Engineers, Land Surveyors or providers of Related Services, or any combination of the foregoing.

(2) "Estimated Fee" means Contracting Agency's reasonably projected fee to be paid for a Consultant's services under the anticipated Contract, excluding all anticipated reimbursable or other non-professional fee expenses. The Estimated Fee is used solely to determine the applicable Contract solicitation method and is distinct from the total amount payable under the Contract. The Estimated Fee shall not be used as a basis to resolve other Public Contracting issues, including without limitation, direct purchasing authority or Public Contract review and approval under ORS 291.047.

(3) "Project" means all components of a Contracting Agency's planned undertaking that gives rise to the need for a Consultant's Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services, or Related Services, under a Contract.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279A.065
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06

137-048-0120

List of Interested Consultants; Performance Record

(1) Consultants who are engaged in the lawful practice of their profession and who are interested in providing Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services or Related Services, may annually submit a statement describing their qualifications and related performance information to Contracting Agencies' office addresses. Contracting Agencies will use this information to create a list of prospective Consultants and will update this list at least once every two years.

(2) Contracting Agencies may compile and maintain a record of each Consultant's performance under Contracts with the particular Contracting Agency, including information obtained from Consultants during an exit interview. Upon request and in accordance with the Oregon Public Records Law (ORS 192.410 through 192.505) Contracting Agencies may make available copies of the records.

(3) State Contracting Agencies shall keep a record of all Contracts with Consultants and shall make these records available to the public, consistent with the requirements of the Oregon Public Records Law (ORS 192.410 through 192.505). State Contracting Agencies shall include the following information in the record:

(a) Locations throughout the state where the Contracts are performed;

(b) Consultants' principal office address and all office addresses in the State of Oregon;

(c) Consultants' direct expenses on each Contract, whether or not those direct expenses are reimbursed. "Direct expenses" include all amounts that are directly attributable to Consultants' services performed under each Contract, including personnel travel expenses, and that would not have been incurred but for the services being performed. The record shall include all personnel travel expenses as a separate and identifiable expense on the Contract; and

(d) The total number of Contracts awarded to each Consultant over the immediately preceding 10-year period from the date of the record.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279A.065 & 279C.110
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06

137-048-0130

Applicable Selection Procedures; Pricing Information; Disclosure of Proposals; Conflicts of Interest

(1) When selecting the most qualified Consultants to perform Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services, State Contracting Agencies and Local Contracting Agencies that are contracting with Consultants under the conditions listed in ORS 279C.110(2) shall follow the applicable selection procedure under either OAR 137-048-0200 (Direct Appointment Procedure), 137-048-0210 (Informal Selection Procedure) or 137-048-0220 (Formal Selection Procedure). Contracting Agencies subject to this section (1) shall not solicit or use pricing policies and pricing proposals, or other pricing information, to determine a Consultant's compensation, until after the Contracting Agency has selected the most qualified Consultant in accordance with the applicable selection procedure.

(2) Contracting Agencies selecting Consultants to perform Related Services and Local Contracting Agencies selecting Consultants to perform Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services for Contracts when the conditions under ORS 279C.110(2) do not exist, shall follow one of the following selection procedures:

(a) When selecting a Consultant on the basis of qualifications alone, Contracting Agencies shall follow the applicable selection procedure under either OAR 137-048-0200 (Direct Appointment Procedure), 137-048-0210 (Informal Selection Procedure) or 137-048-0220 (Formal Selection Procedure);

(b) When selecting a Consultant on the basis of price competition alone, Contracting Agencies shall follow either the provisions under OAR chapter 137, division 47 for obtaining and evaluating Bids, or 137-048-0200 (Direct Appointment Procedure) if the requirements of 137-048-0200(1) apply; and

(c) When selecting a Consultant on the basis of price and qualifications, Contracting Agencies shall follow either the provisions under OAR chapter 137, division 47 for obtaining and evaluating Proposals, or 137-048-0200 (Direct Appointment Procedure) if the requirements of 137-048-0200(1) apply. Contracting Agencies subject to this section (2) may request and consider a Proposer's pricing policies and pricing proposals, or other pricing information, submitted with a Proposal.

(3) Contracting Agencies may use electronic methods to screen and select a Consultant in accordance with the procedures described in sections (1) and (2) of this rule. If a Contracting Agency uses electronic methods to screen and select a Consultant, Contracting Agency shall first promulgate rules for conducting the screening and selection procedure by electronic means, substantially in conformance with OAR 137-047-0330 (Electronic Procurement).

(4) In applying these rules, State Contracting Agencies shall support the state's goal of promoting a sustainable economy in the rural areas of the state.

(5) Consistent with the requirements of ORS 279C.107 and the remaining requirements of ORS 279C.100, 279C.105 and 279C.110 through 279C.125, the following provisions apply to proposals received by a Contracting Agency for Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services or Related Services:

(a) The term "competitive proposal", for purposes of ORS 279C.107 includes proposals under OAR 137-048-0200 (Direct Appointment Procedure), 137-048-0210 (Informal Selection Procedure), 137-048-0220 (Formal Selection Procedure) or 137-048-0130(2)(c) (selection based on price and qualifications).

(b) For purposes of proposals received by a Contracting Agency under OAR 137-048-0200 (Direct Appointment Procedure), a formal notice of intent to award is not required. As a result, OAR 137-048-0200 proposals are not required to be open for public inspection until after the Contracting Agency has made the decision to begin contract negotiations with the selected consultant.

(c) In the limited circumstances permitted by ORS 279C.110, 279C.115 and 279C.120, where the Contracting Agency is conducting discussions or negotiations with proposers who submit proposals that the Contracting Agency has determined to be closely competitive or to have a reasonable chance of being selected for award, the Contracting Agency may open proposals so as to avoid disclosure of proposal contents to competing Proposers, consistent with the requirements of ORS 279C.107. Otherwise, Contracting Agencies should open proposals in such a way as to avoid disclosure of the contents until after the Contracting Agency issues a notice of intent to award a contract.

(d) Disclosure of proposals and proposal information is otherwise governed by ORS 279C.107.

(6) As required by Oregon Laws 2009, chapter 880, section 11, pertaining to requirements to ensure the objectivity and independence of providers of certain Personal Services which are procured under ORS chapter 279C, Contracting Agencies may not:

(a) Procure the Personal Services identified in Oregon Laws 2009, chapter 880, section 11 from a Contractor or an affiliate of a Contractor who is a party to the Public Contract that is subject to administration, management, monitoring, inspection, evaluation or oversight by means of the Personal Services; or

(b) Procure the Personal Services identified in Oregon Laws 2009, chapter 880, section 11 through the Public Contract that is subject to administration, management, monitoring, inspection, evaluation or oversight by means of the Personal Services.

(7) The requirements of Oregon Laws 2009, chapter 880, section 11 and section (6) of this rule apply in the following circumstances, except as provided in section (8) of this rule:

(a) The Procurement of Personal Services which a Contracting Agency requires for the purpose of administering, managing, monitoring, inspecting, evaluating compliance with or otherwise overseeing a Public Contract or performance under a Public Contract that is subject to ORS chapter 279C. A Public Contract that is “subject to ORS chapter 279C” includes a Public Contract for Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services, a Public Contract for Related Services or a Public Contract for construction services under ORS chapter 279C.

(b) The Procurements of Personal Services subject to the restrictions of Oregon Laws 2009, chapter 880, section 11 include, but are not limited to, the following:

(A) Procurements for Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services, which involve overseeing or monitoring the performance of a construction Contractor under a Public Contract for construction services subject to ORS chapter 279C;

(B) Procurements for commissioning services, which involve monitoring, inspecting, evaluating or otherwise overseeing the performance of a Contractor providing Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services or the performance of a construction Contractor under a Public Contract for construction services subject to ORS chapter 79C;

(C) Procurements for project management services, which involve administration, management, monitoring, inspecting, evaluating compliance with or otherwise overseeing the performance of a Contractor providing Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services, construction services subject to ORS chapter 279C, commissioning services or other Related Services for a Project;

(D) Procurements for special inspections and testing services, which involve inspecting, testing or otherwise overseeing the performance of a construction Contractor under a Public Contract for construction services subject to ORS chapter 279C; and

(E) Procurements for other Related Services or Personal Services, which involve administering, managing, monitoring, inspecting, evaluating compliance with or otherwise overseeing the Public Contracts described in Section (7)(a) of this rule.

(8) The restrictions of Oregon Laws 2009, chapter 880, section 11 do not apply in the following circumstances, except as further specified below:

(a) To a Contracting Agency's Procurement of both design services and construction services through a single "Design-Build" Procurement, as that term is defined in OAR 137-049-0610. Such a Design-Build Procurement includes a Procurement under an Energy Savings Performance Contract, as defined in ORS 279A.010. Provided, however, the restrictions of Oregon Laws 2009, chapter 880, section 11 do apply to a Contracting Agency's Procurement of Personal Services for the purpose of administering, managing, monitoring, inspecting, evaluating compliance with or otherwise overseeing a Design-Build Contract or performance under such a Contract resulting from a Design-Build Procurement.

(b) To a Contracting Agency's Procurement of both pre-construction services and construction services through a single “Construction Manager/General Contractor” Procurement, as defined in OAR 137-049-0610. Provided, however, the restrictions of Oregon Laws 2009, chapter 880, section 11 do apply to a Contracting Agency's Procurement of Personal Services for the purpose of administering, managing, monitoring, inspecting, evaluating compliance with or otherwise overseeing a Construction Manager/General Contractor Contract or performance under such a Contract resulting from a Construction Manager/General Contractor Procurement.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279A.065, 279C.100-279C.125, OL 2009, ch. 880, sec. 11
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 19-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08; DOJ 15-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10

Selection Procedures

137-048-0200

Direct Appointment Procedure

(1) Contracting Agencies may enter into a Contract directly with a Consultant without following the selection procedures set forth elsewhere in these rules if:

(a) Emergency. Contracting Agency finds that an Emergency exists; or

(b) Small Estimated Fee. The Estimated Fee to be paid under the Contract does not exceed $50,000; or

(c) State Contracting Agencies -- Continuation of Project With Intermediate Estimated Fee. For State Contracting Agencies where a Project is being continued, as more particularly described below, and where the Estimated Fee will not exceed $150,000, the Architectural, Engineering Photogrammetric Mapping, Transportation Planning or Land Surveying Services or Related Services to be performed under the Contract must meet the following requirements:

(A) The services consist of or are related to Architectural, Engineering, Photogrammetric Mapping, Transportation Planning or and Land Surveying Services or Related Services that have been substantially described, planned or otherwise previously studied in an earlier Contract with the same Consultant and are rendered for the same Project as the Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services or Related Services rendered under the earlier Contract;

(B) The Estimated Fee to be made under the Contract does not exceed $150,000 and

(C) The State Contracting Agency used either the formal selection procedure under OAR 137-048-0220 (Formal Selection Procedure) or the formal selection procedure applicable to selection of the Consultant at the time of original selection, to select the Consultant for the earlier Contract; or

(d) State Contracting Agencies -- Continuation of Project With Extensive Estimated Fee. For State Contracting Agencies where a Project is being continued, as more particularly described below, and where the Estimated Fee is expected to exceed $150,000, the Architectural, Engineering, Photogrammetric Mapping, Transportation Planning or Land Surveying Services or Related Services to be performed under the Contract must meet the following requirements:

(A) The services consist of or are related to Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services or Related Services that have been substantially described, planned or otherwise previously studied in an earlier Contract with the same Consultant and are rendered for the same Project as the Architectural, Engineering, Photogrammetric Mapping, Transportation Planning, or Land Surveying Services or Related Services rendered under the earlier Contract;

(B) The State Contracting Agency used either the formal selection procedure under OAR 137-048-0220 (Formal Selection Procedure) or the formal selection procedure applicable to selection of the Consultant at the time of original selection, to select the Consultant for the earlier Contract; and

(C) The State Contracting Agency makes written findings that entering into a Contract with the Consultant, whether in the form of an amendment to an existing Contract or a separate Contract for the additional scope of services, will:

(i) Promote efficient use of public funds and resources and result in substantial cost savings to Contracting Agency;

(ii) Protect the integrity of the Public Contracting process and the competitive nature of the Procurement by not encouraging favoritism or substantially diminishing competition in the award of the Contract.

(e) Local Contracting Agencies. For Local Contracting Agencies, the Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services or Related Services to be performed under the Contract:

(A) Consist of or are related to Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services or Related Services that have been substantially described, planned or otherwise previously studied in an earlier Contract with the same Consultant and are rendered for the same Project as the Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services or Related Services rendered under the earlier Contract; and

(B) Local Contracting Agency used a formal selection procedure described in rules applicable to Local Contracting Agency under either ORS 279.049 or 279A.065, whichever was in effect at the time Local Contracting Agency selected Consultant for the earlier Contract; or

(C) Consultant will be assisting Contracting Agency by providing analysis, testing services, testimony or similar services for a Project that is, or is reasonably anticipated to be, the subject of a claim, lawsuit or other form of action, whether legal, equitable, administrative or otherwise.

(2) Contracting Agencies may select Consultants for Contracts under this rule from the following sources:

(a) Contracting Agency's list of Consultants that is created under OAR 137-048-0120 (List of Interested Consultants; Performance Record);

(b) Another Contracting Agency's list of Consultants that the Contracting Agency has created under OAR 137-048-0120 (List of Interested Consultants; Performance Record), with written consent of that Contracting Agency; or

(c) All Consultants offering the required Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services or Related Services that Contracting Agency reasonably can identify under the circumstances.

(3) Contracting Agency shall direct negotiations with Consultants selected under this rule toward obtaining written agreement on:

(a) Consultant's performance obligations and performance schedule;

(b) Payment methodology and a maximum amount payable to the Consultant for the Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services or Related Services required under the Contract that is fair and reasonable to the Contracting Agency as determined solely by the Contracting Agency, taking into account the value, scope, complexity and nature of the Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services or Related Services; and

(c) Any other provisions Contracting Agency believes to be in Contracting Agency's best interest to negotiate.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279C110 & 279C.115
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 19-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08; DOJ 15-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10

137-048-0210

Informal Selection Procedure

(1) The College may use the informal selection procedure described in this rule to obtain a Contract if the Estimated Fee is expected not to exceed $150,000.

(2) Contracting Agencies using the informal selection procedure shall:

(a) Create a Request for Proposals that includes at a minimum the following:

(A) A description of the Project for which a Consultant's Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services or Related Services are needed and a description of the Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services or Related Services that will be required under the resulting Contract;

(B) Anticipated Contract performance schedule;

(C) Conditions or limitations, if any, that may constrain or prohibit the selected Consultant's ability to provide additional services related to the Project, including construction services;

(D) Date and time Proposals are due and other directions for submitting Proposals;

(E) Criteria upon which the most qualified Consultant will be selected. Selection criteria may include, but are not limited to, the following:

(i) Amount and type of resources and number of experienced staff Consultant has available to perform the Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services or Related Services described in the Request for Proposals within the applicable time limits, including the current and projected workloads of such staff and the proportion of time such staff would have available for the Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services or Related Services;

(ii) Proposed management techniques for the Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services or Related Services described in the Request for Proposals;

(iii) A Consultant's capability, experience and past performance history and record in providing similar Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services or Related Services, including but not limited to quality of work, ability to meet schedules, cost control methods and contract administration practices;

(iv) A Consultant's approach to Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services or Related Services described in the Request for Proposals and design philosophy, if applicable;

(v) A Consultant's geographic proximity to and familiarity with the physical location of the Project;

(vi) Volume of work, if any, previously awarded to a Consultant, with the objective of effecting equitable distribution of Contracts among qualified Consultants, provided such distribution does not violate the principle of selecting the most qualified Consultant for the type of professional services required;

(vii) A Consultant's ownership status and employment practices regarding women, minorities and emerging small businesses or historically underutilized businesses;

(viii) Pricing policies and pricing proposals, or other pricing information, if the Contracting Agency is a Local Contracting Agency selecting a Consultant when the conditions under ORS 279C.110(2) do not exist.

(F) A Statement that Proposers responding to the RFP do so solely at their expense, and Contracting Agency is not responsible for any Proposer expenses associated with the RFP; and

(G) A statement directing Proposers to the protest procedures set forth in these Division 48 rules.

(b) Provide a Request for Proposals to a minimum of three (3) prospective Consultants drawn from:

(A) Contracting Agency's list of Consultants that is created and maintained under OAR 137-048-0120 (List of Interested Consultants; Performance Record);

(B) Another Contracting Agency's list of Consultants that is created and maintained under OAR 137-048-0120 (List of Interested Consultants; Performance Record); or

(C) All Consultants that Contracting Agency reasonably can locate that offer the desired Architectural, Engineering, Photogrammetric Mapping, Transportation Planning or Land Surveying Services or Related Services, or any combination of the foregoing.

(c) Review and rank all Proposals received according to the criteria set forth in the Request for Proposals, and select the three highest ranked Proposers.

(3) If Contracting Agency does not cancel the RFP after it reviews and ranks each Proposer, Contracting Agency will begin negotiating a Contract with the highest ranked Proposer. Contracting Agency shall direct negotiations toward obtaining written agreement on:

(a) Consultant's performance obligations and performance schedule;

(b) Payment methodology and a maximum amount payable to the Consultant for the Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services or Related Services required under the Contract that is fair and reasonable to the Contracting Agency as determined solely by the Contracting Agency, taking into account the value, scope, complexity and nature of the Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services or Related Services; and

(c) Any other provisions Contracting Agency believes to be in Contracting Agency's best interest to negotiate.

(4) Contracting Agency shall, either orally or in writing, formally terminate negotiations with the highest ranked Proposer, if Contracting Agency and Proposer are unable for any reason to reach agreement on a Contract within a reasonable amount of time. Contracting Agency may thereafter negotiate with the second ranked Proposer, and if necessary, with the third ranked Proposer, in accordance with section (3) of this rule, until negotiations result in a Contract. If negotiations with any of the top three Proposers do not result in a Contract within a reasonable amount of time, Contracting Agency may end the particular informal solicitation and thereafter may proceed with a new informal solicitation under this rule or proceed with a formal solicitation under OAR 137-048-0220 (Formal Selection Procedure).

(5) The College shall terminate the informal selection procedure and proceed with the formal selection procedure under OAR 137-048-0220 if the scope of the anticipated Contract is revised during negotiations so that the Estimated Fee will exceed $150,000.

Conclusion of Compliance with Law

As this amendment to the Attorney General’s Public Contract Rules, 2012 is not a Special Procurement or exemption from the competitive procurement requirements of law, the College has determined that findings of fact are not required. The requirements of this rule ensure that competition will be carefully addressed and protected, if the College finds it is in the public’s best interest to competitively procure Architectural, Engineering, Photogrammetric Mapping, Transportation Planning, or Land Surveying Services or Related Services Contracts. This rule satisfies the requirements of Oregon Revised Statute ORS 279A.055 wherein the College may enter into Personal Services contracts, subsequent to the Local Contract Review Board’s designation of certain service contracts or classes of service contracts as personal services contracts, and ORS 279C.105 wherein a Local Contract Review Board shall adopt procedures for the screening and selection of persons to perform those services under ORS 279C.110 or 279C.120. Consequently, findings otherwise required by law are unnecessary here.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279C.110
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 19-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08; DOJ 15-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10

137-048-0220

Formal Selection Procedure

(1) Subject to OAR 137-048-0130 (Applicable Selection Procedures; Pricing Information; Disclosure of Proposals), Contracting Agencies shall use the formal selection procedure described in this rule to select Consultants if the Consultants cannot be selected under either 137-048-0200 (Direct Appointment Procedure) or under 137-048-0210 (Informal Selection Procedure). The formal selection procedure described in this rule may otherwise be used at Contracting Agencies' discretion.

(2) Contracting Agencies using the formal selection procedure shall obtain Contracts through public advertisement of Requests for Proposals, or Requests for Qualifications followed by Requests for Proposals.

(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, Contracting Agency shall advertise each RFP and RFQ at least once in at least one newspaper of general circulation in the area where the Project is located and in as many other issues and publications as may be necessary or desirable to achieve adequate competition. Other issues and publications may include, but are not limited to, local newspapers, trade journals, and publications targeted to reach the minority, women and emerging small business enterprise audiences.

(A) Contracting Agency shall publish the advertisement within a reasonable time before the deadline for the Proposal submission or response to the RFQ or RFP, but in any event no fewer than fourteen (14) calendar days before the closing date set forth in the RFQ or RFP.

(B) Contracting Agency shall include a brief description of the following items in the advertisement:

(i) The Project;

(ii) A description of the Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services or Related Services Contracting Agency seeks;

(iii) How and where Consultants may obtain a copy of the RFQ or RFP; and

(iv) The deadline for submitting a Proposal or response to the RFQ or RFP.

(b) In the alternative to advertising in a newspaper as described in subsection (2)(a) of this rule, Contracting Agency shall publish each RFP and RFQ by one or more of the electronic methods identified in OAR 137-046-0110(13). Contracting Agency shall comply with subsections (2)(a)(A) and (2)(a)(B) of this rule when publishing advertisements by electronic methods.

(c) Contracting Agency may send notice of the RFP or RFQ directly to all Consultants on the Contracting Agency's list of Consultants that is created and maintained under OAR 137-048-0120 (List of Interested Consultants; Performance Record).

(3) Request for Qualifications Procedure. Contracting Agencies may use the RFQ procedure to evaluate potential Consultants and establish a short list of qualified Consultants to whom Contracting Agency may issue an RFP for some or all of the Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services or Related Services described in the RFQ.

(a) Contracting Agency shall include the following, at a minimum, in each RFQ:

(A) A brief description of the Project for which Contracting Agency is seeking Consultants;

(B) A description of the Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services or Related Services Contracting Agency seeks for the Project;

(C) Conditions or limitations, if any, that may constrain or prohibit the selected Consultant's ability to provide additional services related to the Project, including but not limited to construction services;

(D) The deadline for submitting a response to the RFQ;

(E) A description of required Consultant qualifications for the Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services or Related Services Agency seeks;

(F) The RFQ evaluation criteria, including weights, points or other classifications applicable to each criterion;

(G) A statement whether or not Contracting Agency will hold a pre-qualification meeting for all interested Consultants to discuss the Project and the Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services or Related Services described in the RFQ and if a pre-qualification meeting will be held, the location of the meeting and whether or not attendance is mandatory; and

(H) A Statement that Consultants responding to the RFQ do so solely at their expense, and Contracting Agency is not responsible for any Consultant expenses associated with the RFQ.

(b) Contracting Agency may include a request for any or all of the following in each RFQ:

(A) A statement describing Consultants' general qualifications and related performance information;

(B) A description of Consultants' specific qualifications to perform the Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services or Related Services described in the RFQ including Consultants' available resources and recent, current and projected workloads;

(C) A list of similar Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services or Related Services and references concerning past performance, and a copy of all records, if any, of Consultants' performance under Contracts with any other Contracting Agency;

(D) The number of Consultants' experienced staff available to perform the Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services or Related Services described in the RFQ, including such personnel's specific qualifications and experience and an estimate of the proportion of time that such personnel would spend on those services;

(E) Consultants' approaches to Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services or Related Services described in the RFQ and design philosophy, if applicable;

(F) Consultants' geographic proximity to and familiarity with the physical location of the Project;

(G) Consultants' Ownership status and employment practices regarding women, minorities and emerging small businesses or historically underutilized businesses;

(H) Consultants' pricing policies and pricing proposals, or other pricing information, if the Contracting Agency is a Local Contracting Agency and the conditions under ORS 279C.110(2) do not exist;

(I) Consultants' ability to assist a State Contracting Agency in complying with art acquisition requirements, pursuant to ORS 276.073 through 276.090;

(J) Consultants' ability to assist a State Contracting Agency in complying with State of Oregon energy efficient design requirements, pursuant to ORS 276.900 through 276.915;

(K) Consultants' ability to assist a Contracting Agency in complying with the solar energy technology requirements of ORS 279C.527; and

(L) Any other information Contracting Agency deems reasonable necessary to evaluate Consultants' qualifications.

(c) RFQ Evaluation Committee. Contracting Agency shall establish an RFQ evaluation committee of at least two (2) individuals to review, score and rank the responding Consultants according to the evaluation criteria. Contracting Agency may appoint to the evaluation committee Contracting Agency employees or employees of other public agencies with experience in architecture, engineering, or land surveying, Related Services, construction or Public Contracting. If Contracting Agency procedure permits, the Contracting Agency may include on the evaluation committee private practitioners of architecture, engineering, land surveying or related professions. The Contracting Agency shall designate one member of the evaluation committee as the evaluation committee chairperson.

(d) Contracting Agency may use any reasonable screening or evaluation method to establish a short list of qualified Consultants, including but not limited to, the following:

(A) Requiring Consultants responding to an RFQ to achieve a threshold score before qualifying for placement on the short list;

(B) Placing a pre-determined number of the highest scoring Consultants on a short list;

(C) Placing on a short list only those Consultants with certain essential qualifications or experience, whose practice is limited to a particular subject area, or who practice in a particular geographic locale or region, provided that such factors are material, would not unduly restrict competition, and were announced as dispositive in the RFP.

(e) After the evaluation committee reviews, scores and ranks the responding Consultants, Contracting Agency shall establish a short list of at least three qualified Consultants, provided however, that if four or fewer Consultants responded to the RFQ, then:

(A) Contracting Agency may establish a short list of fewer than three qualified Consultants; or

(B) Contracting Agency may cancel the RFQ and issue an RFP.

(f) No Consultant will be eligible for placement on Contracting Agency's short list established under subsection (3)(d) of this rule if Consultant or any of Consultant's principals, partners or associates are members of Contracting Agency's RFQ evaluation committee.

(g) Except when the RFQ is cancelled, Contracting Agency shall provide a copy of the subsequent RFP to each Consultant on the short list.

(4) Formal Selection of Consultants Through Request for Proposals. Contracting Agencies shall use the procedure described in section (4) of this rule when issuing an RFP for a Contract described in section (1) of this rule.

(a) RFP Required Contents. Contracting Agencies using the formal selection procedure shall include at least the following in each Request for Proposals, whether or not the RFP is preceded by an RFQ:

(A) General background information, including a description of the Project and the specific Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services or Related Services sought for the Project, the estimated Project cost, the estimated time period during which the Project is to be completed, and the estimated time period in which the specific Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services or Related Services sought will be performed.

(B) The RFP evaluation process and the criteria which will be used to select the most qualified Proposer, including the weights, points or other classifications applicable to each criterion. If Contracting Agency does not indicate the applicable number of points, weights or other classifications, then each criterion is of equal value. Evaluation criteria may include, but are not limited to, the following:

(i) Proposers' availability and capability to perform the Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services or Related Services described in the RFP;

(ii) Experience of Proposers' key staff persons in providing similar Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services, or Related Services on comparable Projects;

(iii) The amount and type of resources, and number of experienced staff persons Proposers have available to perform the Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services or Related Services described in the RFP;

(iv) The recent, current and projected workloads of the staff and resources referenced in section (4)(a)(B)(iii), above;

(v) The proportion of time Proposers estimate that the staff referenced in section (4)(a)(B)(iii), above, would spend on the Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services or Related Services described in the RFP;

(vi) Proposers' demonstrated ability to complete successfully similar Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services or Related Services on time and within budget, including whether or not there is a record of satisfactory performance under OAR 137-048-0120 (List of Interested Consultants; Performance Record);

(vii) References and recommendations from past clients;

(viii) Proposers' performance history in meeting deadlines, submitting accurate estimates, producing high quality work, and meeting financial obligations;

(ix) Status and quality of any required license or certification;

(x) Proposers' knowledge and understanding of the Project and Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services or Related Services described in the RFP as shown in Proposers' approaches to staffing and scheduling needs for the Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services or Related Services and proposed solutions to any perceived design and constructability issues;

(xi) Results from interviews, if conducted;

(xii) Design philosophy, if applicable, and approach to the Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services or Related Services described in the RFP;

(xiii) Pricing policies and pricing proposals, or other pricing information, if the Contracting Agency is a Local Contracting Agency selecting a Consultant when the conditions under ORS 279C.110(2) do not exist; and

(xiv) Any other criteria that the Contracting Agency seems relevant to the Project and Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services or Related Services described in the RFP, including, where the nature and budget of the Project so warrant, a design competition between competing Proposers.

(C) Conditions or limitations, if any, that may constrain or prohibit the selected Consultant's ability to provide additional services related to the Project, including but not limited to construction services;

(D) Whether interviews are possible and if so, the weight, points or other classifications applicable to the potential interview;

(E) The date and time Proposals are due, and the delivery location for Proposals;

(F) Reservation of the right to seek clarifications of each Proposal;

(G) Reservation of the right to negotiate a final Contract that is in the best interest of the Contracting Agency;

(H) Reservation of the right to reject any or all Proposals and reservation of the right to cancel the RFP at anytime if doing either would be in the public interest as determined by the Contracting Agency;

(I) A Statement that Proposers responding to the RFP do so solely at their expense, and Contracting Agency is not responsible for any Proposer expenses associated with the RFP;

(J) A statement directing Proposers to the protest procedures set forth in these Division 48 rules;

(K) Special Contract requirements, including but not limited to disadvantaged business enterprise ("DBE"), minority business enterprise ("MBE"), women business enterprise ("WBE") and emerging small business enterprise ("ESB") participation goals or good faith efforts with respect to DBE, MBE, WBE and ESB participation, and federal requirements when federal funds are involved;

(L) A statement whether or not Contracting Agency will hold a pre-Proposal meeting for all interested Consultants to discuss the Project and the Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services or Related Services described in the RFP and if a pre-Proposal meeting will be held, the location of the meeting and whether or not attendance is mandatory;

(M) A request for any information Contracting Agency deems reasonably necessary to permit Contracting Agency to evaluate, rank and select the most qualified Proposer to perform the Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services or Related Services described in the RFP; and

(N) A sample form of the Contract.

(b) RFP Evaluation Committee. Contracting Agency shall establish a committee of at least three individuals to review, score and rank Proposals according to the evaluation criteria set forth in the RFP. If the RFP has followed an RFQ, the Contracting Agency may include the same members who served on the RFQ evaluation committee. Contracting Agency may appoint to the evaluation committee Contracting Agency employees or employees of other public agencies with experience in architecture, engineering, land surveying, Related Services, construction or Public Contracting. At least one member of the evaluation committee must be a Contracting Agency employee. If Contracting Agency procedure permits, the Contracting Agency may include on the evaluation committee private practitioners of architecture, engineering, land surveying or related professions. The Contracting Agency shall designate one of its employees who also is a member of the evaluation committee as the evaluation committee chairperson.

(A) No Proposer will be eligible for award of the Contract under the RFP if Proposer or any of Proposer's principals, partners or associates are members of Contracting Agency's RFP evaluation committee for the Contract;

(B) If the RFP provides for the possibility of Proposer interviews, the evaluation committee may elect to interview Proposers if the evaluation committee considers it necessary or desirable. If the evaluation committee conducts interviews, it shall award weights, points or other classifications indicated in the RFP for the anticipated interview; and

(C) The evaluation committee shall provide to Contracting Agency the results of the scoring and ranking for each Proposer.

(c) If Contracting Agency does not cancel the RFP after it receives the results of the scoring and ranking for each Proposer, Contracting Agency will begin negotiating a Contract with the highest ranked Proposer. Contracting Agency shall direct negotiations toward obtaining written agreement on:

(A) Consultant's performance obligations and performance schedule;

(B) Payment methodology and a maximum amount payable to the Consultant for the Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services or Related Services required under the Contract that is fair and reasonable to the Contracting Agency as determined solely by the Contracting Agency, taking into account the value, scope, complexity and nature of the Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services or Related Services; and

(C) Any other provisions Contracting Agency believes to be in Contracting Agency's best interest to negotiate.

(d) Contracting Agency shall, either orally or in writing, formally terminate negotiations with the highest ranked Proposer if Contracting Agency and Proposer are unable for any reason to reach agreement on a Contract within a reasonable amount of time. Contracting Agency may thereafter negotiate with the second ranked Proposer, and if necessary, with the third ranked Proposer, and so on, in accordance with section (4)(c) of this rule, until negotiations result in a Contract. If negotiations with any Proposer do not result in a Contract within a reasonable amount of time, Contracting Agency may end the particular formal solicitation. Nothing in this rule precludes Contracting Agency from proceeding with a new formal solicitation for the same Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services or Related Services described in the RFP that failed to result in a Contract.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279C.110, 279C.527
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 19-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08; DOJ 15-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10

137-048-0230

Ties Among Proposers

(1) If Contracting Agency is selecting a Consultant on the basis of qualifications alone and determines after the ranking of Proposers that two or more Proposers are equally qualified, Contracting Agency may select a candidate through any process that Contracting Agency believes will result in the best value for Contracting Agency taking into account the scope, complexity and nature of the Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services. The process shall instill public confidence through ethical and fair dealing, honesty and good faith on the part of Contracting Agency and Proposers and shall protect the integrity of the Public Contracting process. Once a tie is broken, Contracting Agency and the selected Proposer shall proceed with negotiations under OAR 137-048-0210(3) or 137-048-0220(4)(c), as applicable.

(2) If a Contracting Agency is selecting a Consultant on the basis of price alone, or on the basis of price and qualifications, and determines after the ranking of Proposers that two or more Proposers are identical in terms of price or are identical in terms of price and qualifications, then the Contracting Agency shall follow the procedure set forth in OAR 137-046-0300, (Preferences for Oregon Goods and Services), to select the Consultant.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279C.110
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06

137-048-0240

Protest Procedures

(1) RFP Protest and Request for Change. Consultants may submit a written protest of anything contained in an RFP and may request a change to any provision, specification or contract term contained in an RFP, no later than seven (7) calendar days prior to the date Proposals are due, unless a different deadline is indicated in the RFP. Each protest and request for change must include the reasons for the protest or request, and any proposed changes to the RFP provisions, specifications or contract terms. Contracting Agency will not consider any protest or request for change that is submitted after the submission deadline.

(2) Protest of Consultant Selection.

(a) Single Award. In the event of an award to a single Proposer, Contracting Agency shall provide to all Proposers a copy of the selection notice that Contracting Agency sent to the highest ranked Proposer. A Proposer who claims to have been adversely affected or aggrieved by the selection of the highest ranked Proposer may submit a written protest of the selection to Contracting Agency no later than seven (7) calendar days after the date of the selection notice unless a different deadline is indicated in the RFP. A Proposer submitting a protest must claim that the protesting Proposer is the highest ranked Proposer because the Proposals of all higher ranked Proposers failed to meet the requirements of the RFP or because the higher ranked Proposers otherwise are not qualified to perform the Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services or Related Services described in the RFP.

(b) Multiple Award. In the event of an award to more than one Proposer, Contracting Agency shall provide to all Proposers copies of the selection notices that Contracting Agency sent to the highest ranked Proposers. A Proposer who claims to have been adversely affected or aggrieved by the selection of the highest ranked Proposers may submit a written protest of the selection to Contracting Agency no later than seven (7) calendar days after the date of the selection notices, unless a different deadline is indicated in the RFP. A Proposer submitting a protest must claim that the protesting Proposer is one of the highest ranked proposers because the Proposals of all higher ranked Proposers failed to meet the requirements of the RFP, or because a sufficient number of Proposals of higher ranked Proposers to include the protesting Proposer in the group of highest ranked Proposers failed to meet the requirements of the RFP. In the alternative, a Proposer submitting a protest must claim that the Proposals of all higher ranked Proposers, or a sufficient number of higher ranked Proposers to include the protesting Proposer in the group of highest ranked Proposers, otherwise are not qualified to perform the Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services or Related Services described in the RFP.

(c) Effect of Protest Submission Deadline. Contracting Agency will not consider any protest that is submitted after the submission deadline.

(3) Resolution of Protests. A duly authorized representative of Contracting Agency shall resolve all timely submitted protests within a reasonable time following Contracting Agency's receipt of the protest and once resolved, shall promptly issue a written decision on the protest to the Proposer who submitted the protest. If the protest results in a change to the RFP, Contracting Agency shall revise the RFP accordingly and shall re-advertise the RFP in accordance with these rules.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279A.065 & 279C.110
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 19-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08

137-048-0250

Solicitation Cancellation, Delay or Suspension; Rejection of All Proposals or Responses; Consultant Responsibility For Costs

A Contracting Agency may cancel, delay or suspend a solicitation, RFQ or other preliminary Procurement document, whether related to a direct appointment, informal selection procedure or formal selection procedure, or reject all Proposals, responses to RFQs, responses to other preliminary Procurement documents, or any combination of the foregoing, if Contracting Agency believes it is in the public interest to do so. In the event of any such cancellation, delay, suspension or rejection, the Contracting Agency is not liable to any Proposer for any loss or expense caused by or resulting from any such cancellation, delay, suspension or rejection. Consultants responding to either solicitations, RFQs or other preliminary Procurement documents are responsible for all costs they may incur in connection with submitting Proposals, responses to RFQs or responses to other preliminary Procurement documents.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279A.065, 279C.110
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 19-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08; DOJ 15-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10

137-048-0260

Two-Tiered Selection Procedure for Local Contracting Agency Public Improvement Projects

(1) If a Local Contracting Agency requires an Architect, Engineer or Land Surveyor to perform Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services or Related Services for a Public Improvement owned and maintained by that Local Contracting Agency, and a State Agency will serve as the lead Contracting Agency and will enter into Contracts with Architects, Engineers or Land Surveyors for Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services or Related Services for that Public Improvement, the State Contracting Agency shall utilize the two-tiered selection process described below to obtain these Contracts with Architects, Engineers or Land Surveyors.

(2) Tier One. State Contracting Agency shall, when feasible, identify no fewer than the three (3) most qualified Proposers responding to an RFP that was issued under the applicable selection procedures described in OAR 137-048-0210 (Informal Selection Procedure) and 137-048-0220 (Formal Selection Procedure), or from among Architects, Engineers or Land Surveyors identified under 137-048-0200 (Direct Appointment Procedure), and shall notify the Local Contracting Agency of the Architects, Engineers or Land Surveyors selected.

(3) Tier Two. In accordance with the qualifications based selection requirements of ORS 279C.110, the Local Contracting Agency shall either:

(a) Select an Architect, Engineer or Land Surveyor from the State Contracting Agency's list of Proposers to perform the Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services or Related Services for Local Contracting Agency's Public Improvement; or

(b) Select an Architect, Engineer or Land Surveyor to perform the Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services or Related Services for Local Contracting Agency's Public Improvement through an alternative process adopted by the Local Contracting Agency, consistent with the provisions of the applicable RFP, if any, and these division 48 rules. The Local Contracting Agency's alternative process must be described in the applicable RFP, may be structured to take into account the unique circumstances of the particular Local Contracting Agency and may include provisions to allow the Local Contracting Agency to perform its tier two responsibilities efficiently and economically, alone or in cooperation with other Local Contracting Agencies. The Local Contracting Agency's alternative process may include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following methods:

(A) A general written direction from the Local Contracting Agency to the State Contracting Agency, prior to the advertisement of a Procurement or series of Procurements or during the course of the Procurement or series of Procurements, that the Local Contracting Agency's tier two selection shall be the highest-ranked firm identified by the State Contracting Agency during the tier one process, and that no further coordination or consultation with the Local Contracting Agency is required. However, the Local Contracting Agency may provide written notice to the State Contracting Agency that the Local Contracting Agency's general written direction is not to be applied for a particular Procurement and describe the process that the Local Contracting Agency will utilize for the particular Procurement. In order for a written direction from the Local Contracting Agency consistent with this subsection to be effective for a particular Procurement, it must be received by the State Contracting Agency with adequate time for the State Contracting Agency to revise the RFP in order for Proposers to be notified of the tier two process to be utilized in the Procurement. In the event of a multiple award under the terms of the applicable Procurement, the written direction from the Local Contracting Agency may apply to the highest ranked firms that are selected under the terms of the Procurement document.

(B) An intergovernmental agreement between the Local Contracting Agency and the State Contracting Agency outlining the alternative process that the Local Contracting Agency has adopted for a Procurement or series of Procurements.

(C) Where multiple Local Government Agencies are involved in a two-tiered selection procedure, the Local Government Agencies may name one or more authorized representative(s) to act on behalf of all the Local Government Agencies, whether the Local Government Agencies are acting collectively or individually, to select the Architect, Engineer or Land Surveyor to perform the Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services or Related Services under the tier two selection process. In the event of a multiple award under the terms of the applicable Procurement, the authorized representative(s) of the Local Contracting Agencies may act on behalf of the Local Contracting Agencies to select the highest ranked firms that are required under the terms of the Procurement document, as part of the tier two selection process.

(4) State Contracting Agency shall thereafter begin Contract negotiations with the selected Architect, Engineer or Land Surveyor in accordance with the negotiation provisions in OAR 137-048-0200 (Direct Appointment Procedure), 137-048-0210 (Informal Selection Procedure) or 137-048-0220 (Formal Selection Procedure) as applicable.

(5) Nothing in these division 48 rules should be construed to deny or limit a Local Contracting Agency's ability to contract directly with Architects, Engineers or Land Surveyors pursuant to ORS 279C.125(4), through a selection process established by that Local Contracting Agency.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279C.110, 279C.125
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 15-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10

Post-Selection Considerations

137-048-0300

Prohibited Payment Methodology; Purchase Restrictions

(1) Except as otherwise allowed by law, Contracting Agency shall not enter into any Contract which includes compensation provisions that expressly provide for payment of:

(a) Consultant's costs under the Contract plus a percentage of those costs; or

(b) A percentage of the Project construction costs or total Project costs.

(2) Except as otherwise allowed by law, a Contracting Agency shall not enter into any Contract in which:

(a) The compensation paid under the Contract is solely based on or limited to the Consultant's hourly rates for the Consultant's personnel working on the Project and reimbursable expenses incurred during the performance of work on the Project (sometimes referred to as a "time and materials" Contract); and

(b) The Contract does not include a maximum amount payable to the Consultant for the Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services or Related Services required under the Contract.

(3) Except in cases of Emergency or in the particular instances noted in the subsections below, Contracting Agency shall not purchase any building materials, supplies or equipment for any building, structure or facility constructed by or for Contracting Agency from any Consultant under a Contract with Contracting Agency to perform Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services or Related Services, for the building, structure or facility. This prohibition does not apply if either of the following circumstances exists:

(a) Consultant is providing Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services or Related Services under a Contract with Contracting Agency to perform Design-Build services or Energy Savings Performance Contract services (see OAR 137-049-0670 and 137-049-0680); or

(b) That portion of the Contract relating to the acquisition of building materials, supplies or equipment was awarded to Consultant pursuant to applicable law governing the award of such contracts.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279A.065
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 19-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08; DOJ 15-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10

137-048-0310

Expired or Terminated Contracts; Reinstatement

(1) If a Contracting Agency enters into a Contract for Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services or Related Services and that Contract subsequently expires or is terminated, the Contracting Agency may proceed as follows, subject to the requirements of subsection (2) of this rule:

(a) Expired Contracts. If the Contract has expired as the result of Project delay caused by the Contracting Agency or caused by any other occurrence outside the reasonable control of the Contracting Agency or the Consultant, and if no more than one year has passed since the Contract expiration date, the Contracting Agency may amend the Contract to extend the Contract expiration date, revise the description of the Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services or Related Services required under the contract to reflect any material alteration of the Project made as a result of the delay, and revise the applicable performance schedule. Beginning on the effective date of the amendment, the Contracting Agency and the Consultant shall continue performance under the Contract as amended; or

(b) Terminated Contracts. If the Contracting Agency or both parties to the Contract have terminated the Contract for any reason and if no more than one year has passed since the Contract termination date, then the Contracting Agency may enter into a new Contract with the same Consultant to perform the remaining Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services, or Related Services not completed under the original Contract, or to perform any remaining Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services or Related Services not completed under the contract as adjusted to reflect a material alteration of the Project.

(2) The Contracting Agency may proceed under either subsection (1)(a) or subsection (1)(b) of this rule only after making written findings that amending the existing Contract or entering into a new Contract with Consultant will:

(a) Promote efficient use of public funds and resources and result in substantial cost savings to Contracting Agency;

(b) Protect the integrity of the Public Contracting process and the competitive nature of the Procurement process by not encouraging favoritism or substantially diminishing competition in the award of Contracts.; and

(c) Result in a Contract that is still within the scope of the final form of the original Procurement document.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279A.065 & 279C.110
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 15-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10

137-048-0320

Contract Amendments

(1) Contracting Agency may amend any Contract if the Contracting Agency, in its sole discretion, determines that the amendment is within the scope of the Solicitation Document and that the amendment would not materially impact the field of competition for the Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Services or Related Services described in the final form of the original Procurement document. In making this determination, the Contracting Agency shall consider potential alternative methods of procuring the services contemplated under the proposed amendment. An amendment would not materially impact the field of competition for the services described in the Solicitation Document, if the Contracting Agency reasonably believes that the number of Proposers would not significantly increase if the Procurement document were re-issued to include the additional services.

(2) The Contracting Agency may amend any Contract if the additional services are required by reason of existing or new laws, rules, regulations or ordinances of federal, state or local agencies, which affect performance of the original Contract.

(3) All amendments to Contracts must be in writing, must be signed by an authorized representative of the Consultant and the Contracting Agency and must receive all required approvals before the amendments will be binding on the Contracting Agency.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279A.065, 279C.110
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 19-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08; DOJ 15-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10

DIVISION 49 – GENERAL PROVISIONS RELATED TO PUBLIC CONTRACTS FOR CONTRUCTION SERVICES

137-049-0100

Application

(1) These division 49 rules apply to Public Improvement Contracts as well as Public Contracts for ordinary construction Services that are not Public Improvements. Model Rules that apply specifically to Public Improvement Contracts are so identified.

(2) These division 49 rules address matters covered in ORS Chapter 279C (with the exception of Architectural, Engineering, Land Surveying and Related Services, all of which are addressed in division 48 of the Model Rules).

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279A.065
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 19-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08

137-049-0110

Policies

In addition to the general Code policies set forth in ORS 279A.015, the 279C.300 policy on competition and the 279C.305 policy on least-cost for Public Improvements apply to these division 49 rules.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279C.300 & 279C.305
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05

137-049-0120

Definitions

(1) "Conduct Disqualification" means a Disqualification pursuant to ORS 279C.440.

(2) "Disqualification" means the preclusion of a Person from contracting with a Contracting Agency for a period of time in accordance with OAR 137-049-0370. Disqualification may be a Conduct Disqualification or DBE Disqualification.

(3) "Foreign Contractor" means a Contractor that is not domiciled in or registered to do business in the State of Oregon. See OAR 137-049-0480.

(4) "Notice" means any of the alternative forms of public announcement of Procurements, as described in OAR 137-049-0210.

(5) "Work" means the furnishing of all materials, equipment, labor and incidentals necessary to successfully complete any individual item or the entire Contract and the carrying out and completion of all duties and obligations imposed by the Contract.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279A.065
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06

137-049-0130

Competitive Bidding Requirement

A Contracting Agency shall solicit Bids for Public Improvement Contracts by Invitation to Bid ("ITB"), except as otherwise allowed or required pursuant to ORS 279C.335 on competitive bidding exceptions and exemptions, 279A.030 on federal law overrides or 279A.100 on affirmative action. Also see OAR 137-049-0600 to 137-049-0690 regarding the use of Alternative Contracting Methods and the exemption process.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279C.335
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06

137-049-0140

Contracts for Construction Other Than Public Improvements

(1) Procurement Under ORS Chapter 279B. Pursuant to ORS 279C.320, Public Contracts for construction Services that are not Public Improvement Contracts may be procured and amended as general trade Services under the provisions of ORS Chapter 279B rather than under the provisions of ORS Chapter 279C and these division 49 rules. Emergency Contracts for construction Services are not Public Improvement Contracts and are regulated under ORS 279B.080.

(2) Application of ORS Chapter 279C. Non-procurement provisions of ORS Chapter 279C and these division 49 rules may still be applicable to the resulting Contracts. See, for example, particular statutes on Disqualification (279C.440, 445, 450); Legal Actions (279C.460 and 465); Required Contract Conditions (279C.505, 515, 520, 530); Hours of Labor (279C.540, 545); Retainage (279C.550, 560 and 565); Subcontracts (279C.580); Action on Payment Bonds (279C.600, 605, 610, 615, 620, 625); Termination (279C.650, 660, 670); and all of the Prevailing Wage Rates requirements (279C.800 through 870) for Public Works Contracts.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279C.320
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 19-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08

137-049-0150

Emergency Contracts; Bidding and Bonding Exemptions

(1) Emergency Declaration. A Contracting Agency may declare that Emergency circumstances exist that require prompt execution of a Public Contract for Emergency construction or repair Work. The declaration shall be made at an administrative level consistent with the Contracting Agency's internal policies, by a Written declaration that describes the circumstances creating the Emergency and the anticipated harm from failure to enter into an Emergency Contract. The Emergency declaration shall be kept on file as a public record.

(2) Competition for Emergency Contracts. Pursuant to ORS 279C.320(1), Emergency Contracts are regulated under ORS 279B.080, which provides that, for an emergency procurement of construction services, the Contracting Agency shall ensure competition that is reasonable and appropriate under the Emergency circumstances, and may include Written requests for Offers, oral requests for Offers or direct appointments without competition in cases of extreme necessity, in whatever solicitation time periods the Contracting Agency considers reasonable in responding to the Emergency.

(3) Emergency Contract Scope. Although no dollar limitation applies to Emergency Contracts, the scope of the Contract must be limited to Work that is necessary and appropriate to remedy the conditions creating the Emergency as described in the declaration.

(4) Emergency Contract Modification. Emergency Contracts may be modified by change order or amendment to address the conditions described in the original declaration or an amended declaration that further describes additional Work necessary and appropriate for related Emergency circumstances.

(5) Excusing Bonds. Pursuant to ORS 279C.380(4) and this rule, the Emergency declaration may also state that the Contracting Agency waives the requirement of furnishing a performance bond and payment bond for the Emergency Contract. After making such an Emergency declaration those bonding requirements are excused for the procurement, but this Emergency declaration does not affect the separate Public Works bond requirement for the benefit of the Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) in enforcing prevailing wage rate and overtime payment requirements. See OAR 137-049-0815 and BOLI rules at OAR 839-025-0015.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279B.080, 279C.320, 279C.380
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 19-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08; DOJ 15-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10

137-049-0160

Intermediate Procurements; Competitive Quotes and Amendments

(1) General. Public Improvement Contracts estimated by the Contracting Agency not to exceed $100,000 may be Awarded in accordance with intermediate level procurement procedures for competitive quotes established by this rule.

(2) Selection Criteria. The selection criteria may be limited to price or some combination of price, experience, specific expertise, availability, project understanding, contractor capacity, responsibility and similar factors.

(3) Request for Quotes. Contracting Agencies shall utilize Written requests for quotes whenever reasonably practicable. Written Request for Quotes shall include the selection criteria to be utilized in selecting a Contractor and, if the criteria are not of equal value, their relative value or ranking. When requesting quotations orally, prior to requesting the price quote the Contracting Agency shall state any additional selection criteria and, if the criteria are not of equal value, their relative value. For Public Works Contracts, oral quotations may be utilized only in the event that Written copies of the prevailing wage rates are not required by the Bureau of Labor and Industries.

(4) Number of Quotes; Record Required. Contracting Agencies shall seek at least three competitive quotes, and keep a Written record of the sources and amounts of the quotes received. If three quotes are not reasonably available the Contracting Agency shall make a Written record of the effort made to obtain those quotes.

(5) Award. If Awarded, the Contracting Agency shall Award the Contract to the prospective contractor whose quote will best serve the interests of the Contracting Agency, taking into account the announced selection criteria. If Award is not made to the Offeror offering the lowest price, the Contracting Agency shall make a Written record of the basis for Award.

(6) Price Increases. Intermediate level Public Improvement Contracts obtained by competitive quotes may be increased above the original amount of Award by Contracting Agency issuance of a Change to the Work or Amendment, pursuant to OAR 137-049-0910, within the following limitations:

(a) Up to an aggregate Contract Price increase of 25% over the original Contract amount when a Contracting Agency's contracting officer determines that a price increase is warranted for additional reasonably related Work, and;

(b) Up to an aggregate Contract Price increase of 50% over the original Contract amount, when a Contracting Agency's contracting officer determines that a price increase is warranted for additional reasonably related Work and a Contracting Agency official, board or governing body with administrative or review authority over the contracting officer approves the increase.

(7) Amendments. Amendments of intermediate level Public Improvement Contracts that exceed the thresholds stated in section (1) are specifically authorized by the Code, when made in accordance with this rule. Accordingly, such amendments are not considered new procurements and do not require an exemption from competitive bidding.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: Temporary provisions relating to competitive quotes were not codified but compiled as Legislative Counsel notes following ORS 279C.410.
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 19-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08

Formal Procurement Rules

137-049-0200

Solicitation Documents; Required Provisions; Assignment or Transfer

(1) Solicitation Document. Pursuant to ORS 279C.365 and this rule, the Solicitation Document shall include the following:

(a) General Information:

(A) Identification of the Public Improvement project, including the character of the Work, and applicable plans, Specifications and other Contract documents;

(B) Notice of any pre-Offer conference as follows:

(i) The time, date and location of any pre-Offer conference;

(ii) Whether attendance at the conference will be mandatory or voluntary; and

(iii) That statements made by the Contracting Agency's representatives at the conference are not binding upon the Contracting Agency unless confirmed by Written Addendum.

(C) The deadline for submitting mandatory prequalification applications and the class or classes of Work for which Offerors must be prequalified if prequalification is a requirement;

(D) The name and title of the authorized Contracting Agency Person designated for receipt of Offers and contact Person (if different);

(E) Instructions and information concerning the form and submission of Offers, including the address of the office to which Offers must be delivered, any Bid or Proposal security requirements, and any other required information or special information, e.g., whether Offers may be submitted by facsimile or electronic means (See OAR 137-049-0300 regarding facsimile Bids or Proposals and OAR 137-049-0310 regarding electronic Procurement);

(F) The time, date and place of Opening;

(G) The time and date of Closing after which a Contracting Agency will not accept Offers, which time shall be not less than five Days after the date of the last publication of the advertisement. Although a minimum of five Days is prescribed, Contracting Agencies are encouraged to use at least a 14 Day solicitation period when feasible. If the Contracting Agency is issuing an ITB that may result in a Public Improvement Contract with a value in excess of $100,000, the Contracting Agency shall designate a time of Closing consistent with the first-tier subcontractor disclosure requirements of ORS 279C.370(1)(b) and OAR 137-049-0360. For timing issues relating to Addenda, see OAR 137-049-0250;

(H) The office where the Specifications for the Work may be reviewed;

(I) A statement that each Bidder to an ITB must identify whether the Bidder is a "resident Bidder," as defined in ORS 279A.120;

(J) If the Contract resulting from a solicitation will be a Contract for a Public Work subject to ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870 or the Davis-Bacon Act (40 U.S.C. 3141 to 3148), a statement that no Offer will be received or considered by the Contracting Agency unless the Offer contains a statement by the Offeror as a part of its Offer that "Contractor agrees to be bound by and will comply with the provisions of 279C.838, 279C.840 or 40 U.S.C. 3141 to 3148."

(K) A statement that the Contracting Agency will not receive or consider an Offer for a Public Improvement Contract unless the Offeror is registered with the Construction Contractors Board, or is licensed by the State Landscape Contractors Board, as specified in OAR 137-049-0230;

(L) Whether a Contractor or a subcontractor under the Contract must be licensed under ORS 468A.720 regarding asbestos abatement projects;

(M) Contractor's certification of nondiscrimination in obtaining required subcontractors in accordance with ORS 279A.110(4). (See OAR 137-049-0440(3));

(N) How the Contracting Agency will notify Offerors of Addenda and how the Contracting Agency will make Addenda available (See OAR 137-049-0250); and

(O) When applicable, instructions and forms regarding First-Tier Subcontractor Disclosure requirements, as set forth in OAR 137-049-0360.

(b) Evaluation Process:

(A) A statement that the Contracting Agency may reject any Offer not in compliance with all prescribed Public Contracting procedures and requirements, including the requirement to demonstrate the Bidder’s responsibility under ORS 279C.375(3)(b), and may reject for good cause all Offers after finding that doing so is in the public interest;

(B) The anticipated solicitation schedule, deadlines, protest process and evaluation process, if any;

(C) Evaluation criteria, including the relative value applicable to each criterion, that the Contracting Agency will use to determine the Responsible Bidder with the lowest Responsive Bid (where Award is based solely on price) or the Responsible Proposer or Proposers with the best Responsive Proposal or Proposals (where use of competitive Proposals is authorized under ORS 279C.335 and OAR 137-049-0620), along with the process the Contracting Agency will use to determine acceptability of the Work;

(i) If the Solicitation Document is an Invitation to Bid, the Contracting Agency shall set forth any special price evaluation factors in the Solicitation Document. Examples of such factors include, but are not limited to, conversion costs, transportation cost, volume weighing, trade-in allowances, cash discounts, depreciation allowances, cartage penalties, and ownership or life-cycle cost formulas. Price evaluation factors need not be precise predictors of actual future costs; but, to the extent possible, such evaluation factors shall be objective, reasonable estimates based upon information the Contracting Agency has available concerning future use;

(ii) If the Solicitation Document is a Request for Proposals, the Contracting Agency shall refer to the additional requirements of OAR 137-049-0650; and

(c) Contract Provisions. The Contracting Agency shall include all Contract terms and conditions, including warranties, insurance and bonding requirements, that the Contracting Agency considers appropriate for the Public Improvement project. The Contracting Agency must also include all applicable Contract provisions required by Oregon law as follows:

(A) Prompt payment to all Persons supplying labor or material; contributions to Industrial Accident Fund; liens and withholding taxes (ORS 279C.505(1));

(B) Demonstrate that an employee drug testing program is in place (ORS 279C.505(2));

(C) If the Contract calls for demolition Work described in ORS 279C.510(1), a condition requiring the Contractor to salvage or recycle construction and demolition debris, if feasible and cost-effective;

(D) If the Contract calls for lawn or landscape maintenance, a condition requiring the Contractor to compost or mulch yard waste material at an approved site, if feasible and cost effective (ORS 279C.510(2);

(E) Payment of claims by public officers (ORS 279C.515(1));

(F) Contractor and first-tier subcontractor liability for late payment on Public Improvement Contracts pursuant to ORS 279C.515(2), including the rate of interest;

(G) Person's right to file a complaint with the Construction Contractors Board for all Contracts related to a Public Improvement Contract (ORS 279C.515(3));

(H) Hours of labor in compliance with ORS 279C.520;

(I) Environmental and natural resources regulations (ORS 279C.525);

(J) Payment for medical care and attention to employees (ORS 279C.530(1));

(K) A Contract provision substantially as follows: "All employers, including Contractor, that employ subject workers who work under this Contract in the State of Oregon shall comply with ORS 656.017 and provide the required Workers' Compensation coverage, unless such employers are exempt under ORS 656.126. Contractor shall ensure that each of its subcontractors complies with these requirements." (ORS 279C.530(2));

(L) Maximum hours, holidays and overtime (ORS 279C.540);

(M) Time limitation on claims for overtime (ORS 279C.545);

(N) Prevailing wage rates (ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870);

(O) BOLI Public Works bond (ORS 279C.830(2));

(P) Retainage (ORS 279C.550 to 279C.570);

(Q) Prompt payment policy, progress payments, rate of interest (ORS 279C.570);

(R) Contractor's relations with subcontractors (ORS 279C.580);

(S) Notice of claim (ORS 279C.605);

(T) Contractor's certification of compliance with the Oregon tax laws in accordance with ORS 305.385; and

(U) Contractor's certification that all subcontractors performing Work described in ORS 701.005(2) (i.e., construction Work) will be registered with the Construction Contractors Board or licensed by the State Landscape Contractors Board in accordance with ORS 701.035 to 701.055 before the subcontractors commence Work under the Contract.

(2) Assignment or Transfer Restricted. Unless otherwise provided in the Contract, the Contractor shall not assign, sell, dispose of, or transfer rights, or delegate duties under the Contract, either in whole or in part, without the Contracting Agency's prior Written consent. Unless otherwise agreed by the Contracting Agency in Writing, such consent shall not relieve the Contractor of any obligations under the Contract. Any assignee or transferee shall be considered the agent of the Contractor and be bound to abide by all provisions of the Contract. If the Contracting Agency consents in Writing to an assignment, sale, disposal or transfer of the Contractor's rights or delegation of Contractor's duties, the Contractor and its surety, if any, shall remain liable to the Contracting Agency for complete performance of the Contract as if no such assignment, sale, disposal, transfer or delegation had occurred unless the Contracting Agency otherwise agrees in Writing.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279A.110, 279A.120, 279C.365, 279C.370, 279C.390, 279C.505 - 580, 279C.605, 305.385, 468A.720, 701.005 & 701.055
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 19-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08; DOJ 15-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10

137-049-0210

Notice and Advertising Requirements; Posting

(1) Notice and Distribution Fee. A Contracting Agency shall furnish "Notice" as set forth below in subsections (a) through (c), to a number of Persons sufficient for the purpose of fostering and promoting competition. The Notice shall indicate where, when, how and for how long the Solicitation Document may be obtained and generally describe the Public Improvement project or Work. The Notice may contain any other appropriate information. The Contracting Agency may charge a fee or require a deposit for the Solicitation Document. The Contracting Agency may furnish Notice using any method determined to foster and promote competition, including:

(a) Mailing Notice of the availability of Solicitation Documents to Persons that have expressed an interest in the Contracting Agency's Procurements;

(b) Placing Notice on the Contracting Agency's Electronic Procurement System; or

(c) Placing Notice on the Contracting Agency's Internet Web site.

(2) Advertising. Pursuant to ORS 279C.360 and this rule, a Contracting Agency shall advertise every solicitation for competitive Bids or competitive Proposals for a Public Improvement Contract, unless the Contract Review Authority for that Contracting Agency has exempted the solicitation from the advertisement requirement as part of a competitive bidding exemption under ORS 279C.335.

(a) Unless the Contracting Agency publishes by Electronic Advertisement as permitted under subsection 2(b), the Contracting Agency shall publish the advertisement for Offers at least once in at least one newspaper of general circulation in the area where the Contract is to be performed and in as many additional issues and publications as the Contracting Agency may determine to be necessary or desirable to foster and promote competition.

(b) A Contracting Agency may publish by Electronic Advertisement if the Contract Review Authority for the Contracting Agency determines Electronic Advertisement is likely to be cost effective and, by rule or order, authorizes Electronic Advertisement.

(c) In addition to the Contracting Agency's publication required under subsection 2(a) or 2(b), the Contracting Agency shall also publish an advertisement for Offers in at least one trade newspaper of general statewide circulation if the Contract is for a Public Improvement with an estimated cost in excess of $125,000.

(d) All advertisements for Offers shall set forth:

(A) The Public Improvement project;

(B) The office where Contract terms, conditions and Specifications may be reviewed;

(C) The date that Persons must file applications for prequalification under ORS 279C.340, if prequalification is a requirement, and the class or classes of Work for which Persons must be prequalified;

(D) The scheduled Closing, which shall not be less than five Days after the date of the last publication of the advertisement;

(E) The name, title and address of the Contracting Agency Person authorized to receive Offers;

(F) The scheduled Opening; and

(G) If applicable, that the Contract is for a Public Work subject to ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870 or the Davis-Bacon Act (40 U.S.C. 3141 to 3148).

(3) Minority, Women Emerging Small Business. State Contracting Agencies shall provide timely notice of all solicitations to the Advocate for Minority, Women and Emerging Small Business if the estimated Contract Price exceeds $5,000. See ORS 200.035.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279C.360 & 200.035
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 19-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08; DOJ 15-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10

137-049-0220

Prequalification of Offerors

(1) Prequalification. Pursuant to ORS 279C.430 and this rule, two types of prequalification are authorized:

(a) Mandatory Prequalification. A Contracting Agency may, by rule, resolution, ordinance or other law or regulation, require mandatory prequalification of Offerors on forms prescribed by the Contracting Agency's Contract Review Authority. A Contracting Agency must indicate in the Solicitation Document if it will require mandatory prequalification. Mandatory prequalification is when a Contracting Agency conditions a Person's submission of an Offer upon the Person's prequalification. The Contracting Agency shall not consider an Offer from a Person that is not prequalified if the Contracting Agency required prequalification.

(b) Permissive Prequalification. A Contracting Agency may prequalify a Person for the Contracting Agency's solicitation list on forms prescribed by the Contracting Agency's Contract Review Authority, but in permissive prequalification the Contracting Agency shall not limit distribution of a solicitation to that list.

(2) Prequalification Presumed. If an Offeror is currently prequalified by either the Oregon Department of Transportation or the Oregon Department of Administrative Services to perform Contracts, the Offeror shall be rebuttably presumed qualified to perform similar Work for other Contracting Agencies.

(3) Standards for Prequalification. A Person may prequalify by demonstrating to the Contracting Agency's satisfaction:

(a) That the Person's financial, material, equipment, facility and personnel resources and expertise, or ability to obtain such resources and expertise, indicate that the Person is capable of meeting all contractual responsibilities;

(b) The Person's record of performance;

(c) The Person's record of integrity;

(d) The Person is qualified to contract with the Contracting Agency. (See, OAR 137-049-0390(2) regarding standards of responsibility.)

(4) Notice of Denial. If a Person fails to prequalify for a mandatory prequalification, the Contracting Agency shall notify the Person, specify the reasons under section (3) of this rule and inform the Person of the Person's right to a hearing under ORS 279C.445 and 279C.450.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279C.430 & 279C.435
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 15-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10

137-049-0230

Eligibility to Bid or Propose; Registration or License

(1) Construction Contracts. A Contracting Agency shall not consider a Person's Offer to do Work as a contractor, as defined in ORS 701.005(2), unless the Person has a current, valid certificate of registration issued by the Construction Contractors Board at the time the Offer is made.

(2) Landscape Contracts. A Contracting Agency shall not consider a Person's Offer to do Work as a landscape contractor as defined in ORS 671.520(2), unless the Person has a current, valid landscape contractors license issued pursuant to 671.560 by the State Landscape Contractors Board at the time the offer is made.

(3) Noncomplying Entities. The Contracting Agency shall deem an Offer received from a Person that fails to comply with this rule nonresponsive and shall reject the Offer as stated in ORS 279C.365(1)(k), unless contrary to federal law or subject to different timing requirements set by federal funding agencies.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279C.365, 671.530 & 701.055
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05

137-049-0240

Pre-Offer Conferences

(1) Purpose. A Contracting Agency may hold pre-Offer conferences with prospective Offerors prior to Closing, to explain the Procurement requirements, obtain information or to conduct site inspections.

(2) Required attendance. The Contracting Agency may require attendance at the pre-Offer conference as a condition for making an Offer. Unless otherwise specified in the Solicitation Document, a mandatory attendance requirement is considered to have been met if, at any time during the mandatory meeting, a representative of an offering firm is present.

(3) Scheduled time. If a Contracting Agency holds a pre-Offer conference, it shall be held within a reasonable time after the Solicitation Document has been issued, but sufficiently before the Closing to allow Offerors to consider information provided at that conference.

(4) Statements Not Binding. Statements made by a Contracting Agency's representative at the pre-Offer conference do not change the Solicitation Document unless the Contracting Agency confirms such statements with a Written Addendum to the Solicitation Document.

(5) Contracting Agency Announcement. The Contracting Agency must set forth notice of any pre-Offer conference in the Solicitation Document in accordance with OAR 137-049-0200(1)(a)(B).

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279C.365 & 279C.370
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05

137-049-0250

Addenda to Solicitation Documents

(1) Issuance; Receipt. The Contracting Agency may change a Solicitation Document only by Written Addenda. An Offeror shall provide Written acknowledgement of receipt of all issued Addenda with its Offer, unless the Contracting Agency otherwise specifies in the Addenda or in the Solicitation Document.

(2) Notice and Distribution. The Contracting Agency shall notify prospective Offerors of Addenda consistent with the standards of Notice set forth in OAR 137-049-0210(1). The Solicitation Document shall specify how the Contracting Agency will provide notice of Addenda and how the Contracting Agency will make the Addenda available (see, 137-049-0200(1)(a)(N). For example, "Contracting Agency will not mail notice of Addenda, but will publish notice of any Addenda on Contracting Agency's Web site. Addenda may be downloaded off the Contracting Agency's Web site. Offerors should frequently check the Contracting Agency's Web site until closing, i.e., at least once weekly until the week of Closing and at least once daily the week of the Closing."

(3) Timelines; Extensions. The Contracting Agency shall issue Addenda within a reasonable time to allow prospective Offerors to consider the Addenda in preparing their Offers. The Contracting Agency may extend the Closing if the Contracting Agency determines prospective Offerors need additional time to review and respond to Addenda. Except to the extent required by public interest, the Contracting Agency shall not issue Addenda less than 72 hours before the Closing unless the Addendum also extends the Closing.

(4) Request for Change or Protest. Unless a different deadline is set forth in the Addendum, an Offeror may submit a Written request for change or protest to the Addendum, as provided in OAR 137-049-0260, by the close of the Contracting Agency's next business day after issuance of the Addendum, or up to the last day allowed to submit a request for change or protest under 137-049-0260, whichever date is later. The Contracting Agency shall consider only an Offeror's request for change or protest to the Addendum; the Contracting Agency shall not consider a request for change or protest to matters not added or modified by the Addendum, unless the Offeror submits the request for change or protest before the deadline for the Contracting Agency's receipt of request for change or protests as set forth in 137-049-0260(2) and (3).

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279C.395 & 279A.065
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05

137-049-0260

Request for Clarification or Change; Solicitation Protests

(1) Clarification. Prior to the deadline for submitting a Written request for change or protest, an Offeror may request that the Contracting Agency clarify any provision of the Solicitation Document. The Contracting Agency's clarification to an Offeror, whether orally or in Writing, does not change the Solicitation Document and is not binding on the Contracting Agency unless the Contracting Agency amends the Solicitation Document by Addendum.

(2) Request for Change.

(a) Delivery. An Offeror may request in Writing a change to the Specifications or Contract terms and conditions. Unless otherwise specified in the Solicitation Document, an Offeror must deliver the Written request for change to the Contracting Agency not less than 10 Days prior to Closing;

(b) Content of Request for Change.

(A) An Offeror's Written request for change shall include a statement of the requested change(s) to the Contract terms and conditions, including any Specifications, together with the reason for the requested change.

(B) An Offeror shall mark its request for change as follows:

(i) "Contract Provision Request for Change"; and

(ii) Solicitation Document number (or other identification as specified in the Solicitation Document).

(3) Protest.

(a) Delivery. An Offeror may protest Specifications or Contract terms and conditions. Unless otherwise specified in the Solicitation Document, an Offeror must deliver a Written protest on those matters to the Contracting Agency not less than 10 Days prior to Closing;

(b) Content of Protest.

(A) An Offeror's Written protest shall include:

(i) A detailed statement of the legal and factual grounds for the protest;

(ii) A description of the resulting prejudice to the Offeror; and

(iii) A statement of the desired changes to the Contract terms and conditions, including any Specifications.

(B) An Offeror shall mark its protest as follows:

(i) "Contract Provision Protest"; and

(ii) Solicitation Document number (or other identification as specified in the Solicitation Document).

(4) Contracting Agency Response. The Contracting Agency is not required to consider an Offeror's request for change or protest after the deadline established for submitting such request or protest. The Contracting Agency shall provide notice to the applicable Person if it entirely rejects a protest. If the Contracting Agency agrees with the Person's request or protest, in whole or in part, the Contracting Agency shall either issue an Addendum reflecting its determination under OAR 137-049-0260 or cancel the solicitation under OAR 137-049-0270.

(5) Extension of Closing. If a Contracting Agency receives a Written request for change or protest from an Offeror in accordance with this rule, the Contracting Agency may extend Closing if the Contracting Agency determines an extension is necessary to consider the request or protest and issue an Addendum, if any, to the Solicitation Document.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279C.345 & 279C.365
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 15-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10

137-049-0270

Cancellation of Solicitation Document

(1) Cancellation in the Public Interest. A Contracting Agency may cancel a solicitation for good cause if the Contracting Agency finds that cancellation is in the public interest. The Contracting Agency's reasons for cancellation shall be made part of the solicitation file.

(2) Notice of Cancellation. If the Contracting Agency cancels a solicitation prior to Opening, the Contracting Agency shall provide Notice of cancellation in accordance with OAR 137-049-0210(1). Such notice of cancellation shall:

(a) Identify the solicitation;

(b) Briefly explain the reason for cancellation; and

(c) If appropriate, explain that an opportunity will be given to compete on any resolicitation.

(3) Disposition of Offers.

(a) Prior to Offer Opening. If the Contracting Agency cancels a solicitation prior to Offer Opening, the Contracting Agency shall return all Offers it received to Offerors unopened, provided the Offeror submitted its Offer in a hard copy format with a clearly visible return address. If there is no return address on the envelope, the Contracting Agency shall open the Offer to determine the source and then return it to the Offeror.

(b) After Offer Opening. If the Contracting Agency rejects all Offers, the Contracting Agency shall retain all such Offers as part of the Contracting Agency's solicitation file.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279C.395
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 15-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10

137-049-0280

Offer Submissions

(1) Offer and Acceptance. The Bid or Proposal is the Bidder's or Proposer's offer to enter into a Contract.

(a) In competitive bidding and competitive Proposals, the Offer is always a "Firm Offer," i.e., the Offer shall be held open by the Offeror for the Contracting Agency's acceptance for the period specified in OAR 137-049-0410. The Contracting Agency may elect to accept the Offer at any time during the specified period, and the Contracting Agency's Award of the Contract to a Bidder constitutes acceptance of the Offer and binds the Offeror to the Contract.

(b) Notwithstanding the fact that a competitive Proposal is a "Firm Offer" for the period specified in OAR 137-049-0410, the Contracting Agency may elect to discuss or negotiate certain contractual provisions, as identified in these rules or in the Solicitation Document, with the Proposer. See 137-049-0650 on Requests for Proposals and 137-049-0290 on Bid or Proposal Security. Where negotiation is permitted by the rules or the Solicitation Document, Proposers are bound to an obligation to negotiate in good faith and only on those terms that the rules or the Solicitation Document has reserved for negotiation.

(2) Responsive Offer. A Contracting Agency may Award a Contract only to a Responsible Offeror with a Responsive Offer.

(3) Contingent Offers. Except to the extent that an Offeror is authorized to propose certain terms and conditions pursuant to OAR 137-049-0650, an Offeror shall not make an Offer contingent upon the Contracting Agency's acceptance of any terms or conditions (including Specifications) other than those contained in the Solicitation Document.

(4) Offeror's Acknowledgement. By signing and returning the Offer, the Offeror acknowledges it has read and understands the terms and conditions contained in the Solicitation Document and that it accepts and agrees to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Solicitation Document. If the Request for Proposals permits Proposal of alternative terms under OAR 137-049-0650, the Offeror's Offer includes the nonnegotiable terms and conditions and any proposed terms and conditions offered for negotiation upon and to the extent accepted by the Contracting Agency in Writing.

(5) Instructions. An Offeror shall submit and Sign its Offer in accordance with the Solicitation Document. An Offeror shall initial and submit any correction or erasure to its Offer prior to the Opening in accordance with the requirements for submitting an Offer under the Solicitation Document.

(6) Forms. An Offeror shall submit its Offer on the form(s) provided in the Solicitation Document, unless an Offeror is otherwise instructed in the Solicitation Document.

(7) Documents. An Offeror shall provide the Contracting Agency with all documents and Descriptive Literature required under the Solicitation Document.

(8) Facsimile or Electronic Submissions. If the Contracting Agency permits facsimile or electronic Offers in the Solicitation Document, the Offeror may submit facsimile or electronic Offers in accordance with the Solicitation Document. The Contracting Agency shall not consider facsimile or electronic Offers unless authorized by the Solicitation Document.

(9) Product Samples and Descriptive Literature. A Contracting Agency may require Product Samples or Descriptive Literature if it is necessary or desirable to evaluate the quality, features or characteristics of the offered items. The Contracting Agency will dispose of Product Samples, or return or make available for return Product Samples to the Offeror in accordance with the Solicitation Document.

(10) Identification of Offers.

(a) To ensure proper identification and handling, Offers shall be submitted in a sealed envelope appropriately marked or in the envelope provided by the Contracting Agency, whichever is applicable.

(b) The Contracting Agency is not responsible for Offers submitted in any manner, format or to any delivery point other than as required in the Solicitation Document.

(11) Receipt of Offers. The Offeror is responsible for ensuring that the Contracting Agency receives its Offer at the required delivery point prior to the Closing, regardless of the method used to submit or transmit the Offer.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279C.365 & 279C.375
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 19-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08

137-049-0290

Bid or Proposal Security

(1) Security Amount. If a Contracting Agency requires Bid or Proposal security, it shall be not more than 10% or less than 5% of the Offeror's Bid or Proposal, consisting of the base Bid or Proposal together with all additive alternates. A Contracting Agency shall not use Bid or Proposal security to discourage competition. The Contracting Agency shall clearly state any Bid or Proposal security requirements in its Solicitation Document. The Offeror shall forfeit Bid or Proposal security after Award if the Offeror fails to execute the Contract and promptly return it with any required performance bond, payment bond and any required proof of insurance. See ORS 279C.365(5) and 279C.385.

(2) Requirement for Bid Security (Optional for Proposals). Unless a Contracting Agency has otherwise exempted a solicitation or class of solicitations from Bid security pursuant to ORS 279C.390, the Contracting Agency shall require Bid security for its solicitation of Bids for Public Improvements. This requirement applies only to Public Improvement Contracts with a value, estimated by the Contracting Agency, of more than $100,000 or, in the case of Contracts for highways, bridges and other transportation projects, more than $50,000. See ORS 279C.365(6). The Contracting Agency may require Bid security even if it has exempted a class of solicitations from Bid security. Contracting Agencies may also require Proposal security in RFPs. See ORS 279C.400(5).

(3) Form of Bid or Proposal Security. A Contracting Agency may accept only the following forms of Bid or Proposal security:

(a) A surety bond from a surety company authorized to do business in the State of Oregon;

(b) An irrevocable letter of credit issued by an insured institution as defined in ORS 706.008; or

(c) A cashier's check or Offeror's certified check.

(4) Return of Security. A Contracting Agency shall return or release the Bid or Proposal security of all unsuccessful Offerors after a Contract has been fully executed and all required bonds and insurance have been provided, or after all Offers have been rejected. The Contracting Agency may return the Bid or Proposal security of unsuccessful Offerors prior to Award if the return does not prejudice Contract Award and the security of at least the Bidders with the three lowest Bids, or the Proposers with the three highest scoring Proposals, is retained pending execution of a Contract.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279C.365, 279C.385 & 279C.390
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 19-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08; DOJ 15-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10

137-049-0300

Facsimile Bids and Proposals

(1) Contracting Agency Authorization. A Contracting Agency may authorize Offerors to submit facsimile Offers. If the Contracting Agency determines that Bid or Proposal security is or will be required, the Contracting Agency shall not authorize facsimile Offers unless the Contracting Agency has established a method for receipt of such security. Prior to authorizing the submission of facsimile Offers, the Contracting Agency shall determine that the Contracting Agency's equipment and personnel are capable of receiving the size and volume of anticipated Offers within a short period of time. In addition, the Contracting Agency shall establish administrative procedures and controls:

(a) To receive, identify, record and safeguard facsimile Offers;

(b) To ensure timely delivery of Offers to the location of Opening; and

(c) To preserve the Offers as sealed.

(2) Provisions To Be Included in Solicitation Document. In addition to all other requirements, if the Contracting Agency authorizes a facsimile Offer for Bids or Proposals, the Contracting Agency shall include in the Solicitation Document (other than in a Request for Quotes) the following:

(a) A provision substantially in the form of the following: "A 'facsimile Offer', as used in this Solicitation Document, means an Offer, modification of an Offer, or withdrawal of an Offer that is transmitted to and received by the Contracting Agency via a facsimile machine";

(b) A provision substantially in the form of the following: "Offerors may submit facsimile Offers in response to this Solicitation Document. The entire response must arrive at the place and by the time specified in this Solicitation Document.";

(c) A provision that requires Offerors to Sign their facsimile Offers;

(d) A provision substantially in the form of the following: "The Contracting Agency reserves the right to Award the Contract solely on the basis of the facsimile Offer. However, upon the Contracting Agency's request the apparent successful Offeror shall promptly submit its complete original Signed Offer.";

(e) The data and compatibility characteristics of the Contracting Agency's receiving facsimile machine as follows:

(A) Telephone number; and

(B) Compatibility characteristics, e.g., make and model number, receiving speed, communications protocol; and

(f) A provision that the Contracting Agency is not responsible for any failure attributable to the transmission or receipt of the facsimile Offer including, but not limited to the following:

(A) Receipt of garbled or incomplete documents;

(B) Availability or condition of the receiving facsimile machine;

(C) Incompatibility between the sending and receiving facsimile machine;

(D) Delay in transmission or receipt of documents;

(E) Failure of the Offeror to properly identify the Offer documents;

(F) Illegibility of Offer documents; and

(G) Security and confidentiality of data.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279C.365
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06

137-049-0310

Electronic Procurement

(1) General. Contracting Agencies may utilize Electronic Advertisement of Public Improvement Contracts in accordance with ORS 279C.360(1), provided that advertisement of such Contracts with an estimated Contract Price in excess of $125,000 must also be published in a trade newspaper of general statewide circulation, and may post notices of intent to Award electronically as provided by ORS 279C.410(7).

(2) Alternative Procedures. In the event that a Contracting Agency desires to direct or permit the submission and receipt of Offers for a Public Improvement Contract by electronic means, as allowed under ORS 279C.365(1)(d), it shall first promulgate supporting procedures substantially in conformance with OAR 137-047-0330 (Electronic Procurement under ORS Chapter 279B), taking into account ORS Chapter 279C requirements for Written bids, opening bids publicly, bid security, first-tier subcontractor disclosure and inclusion of prevailing wage rates.

(3) Interpretation. Nothing in this rule shall be construed as prohibiting Contracting Agencies from making procurement documents for Public Improvement Contracts available in electronic format as well as in hard copy when Bids are to be submitted only in hard copy. See ORS 279C.365(2).

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279C.365
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 19-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08

137-049-0320

Pre-Closing Modification or Withdrawal of Offers

(1) Modifications. An Offeror may modify its Offer in Writing prior to the Closing. An Offeror shall prepare and submit any modification to its Offer to the Contracting Agency in accordance with OAR 137-049-0280, unless otherwise specified in the Solicitation Document. Any modification must include the Offeror's statement that the modification amends and supersedes the prior Offer. The Offeror shall mark the submitted modification as follows:

(a) Bid (or Proposal) Modification; and

(b) Solicitation Number (or Other Identification as specified in the Solicitation Document).

(2) Withdrawals.

(a) An Offeror may withdraw its Offer by Written notice submitted on the Offeror's letterhead, Signed by an authorized representative of the Offeror, delivered to the location specified in the Solicitation Document (or the place of Closing if no location is specified), and received by the Contracting Agency prior to the Closing. The Offeror or authorized representative of the Offeror may also withdraw its Offer in Person prior to the Closing, upon presentation of appropriate identification and satisfactory evidence of authority.

(b) The Contracting Agency may release an unopened Offer withdrawn under subsection 2(a) to the Offeror or its authorized representative, after voiding any date and time stamp mark.

(c) The Offeror shall mark the Written request to withdraw an Offer as follows:

(A) Bid (or Proposal) Withdrawal; and

(B) Solicitation Number (or Other Identification as specified in the Solicitation Document).

(3) Documentation. The Contracting Agency shall include all documents relating to the modification or withdrawal of Offers in the appropriate solicitation file.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279C.360, 279C.365, 279C.375 & 279C.395
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 15-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10

137-049-0330

Receipt, Opening and Recording of Offers; Confidentiality of Offers

(1) Receipt. A Contracting Agency shall electronically or mechanically time-stamp or hand-mark each Offer and any modification upon receipt. The Contracting Agency shall not open the Offer or modification upon receipt, but shall maintain it as confidential and secure until Opening. If the Contracting Agency inadvertently opens an Offer or a modification prior to the Opening, the Contracting Agency shall return the Offer or modification to its secure and confidential state until Opening. The Contracting Agency shall document the resealing for the Procurement file (e.g. "Contracting Agency inadvertently opened the Offer due to improper identification of the Offer").

(2) Opening and Recording. A Contracting Agency shall publicly open Offers including any modifications made to the Offer pursuant to OAR 137-049-0320. In the case of Invitations to Bid, to the extent practicable, the Contracting Agency shall read aloud the name of each Bidder, the Bid price(s), and such other information as the Contracting Agency considers appropriate. In the case of Requests for Proposals or voluminous Bids, if the Solicitation Document so provides, the Contracting Agency will not read Offers aloud.

(3) Availability. After Opening, the Contracting Agency shall make Bids available for public inspection, but pursuant to ORS 279C.410 Proposals are not required to be available for public inspection until after notice of intent to award is issued. In any event Contracting Agencies may withhold from disclosure those portions of an Offer that the Offeror designates as trade secrets or as confidential proprietary data in accordance with applicable law. See ORS 192.501(2); 646.461 to 646.475. To the extent the Contracting Agency determines such designation is not in accordance with applicable law, the Contracting Agency shall make those portions available for public inspection. The Offeror shall separate information designated as confidential from other nonconfidential information at the time of submitting its Offer. Prices, makes, model or catalog numbers of items offered, scheduled delivery dates, and terms of payment are not confidential, and shall be publicly available regardless of an Offeror's designation to the contrary.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279C.365, 279C.375 & 279C.395
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 15-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10

137-049-0340

Late Bids, Late Withdrawals and Late Modifications

Any Offer received after Closing is late. An Offeror's request for withdrawal or modification of an Offer received after Closing is late. A Contracting Agency shall not consider late Offers, withdrawals or modifications except as permitted in OAR 137-049-0350 or 137-049-0390.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279C.365, 279C.375 & 279C.395
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05

137-049-0350

Mistakes

(1) Generally. To protect the integrity of the competitive Procurement process and to assure fair treatment of Offerors, a Contracting Agency should carefully consider whether to permit waiver, correction or withdrawal of Offers for certain mistakes.

(2) Contracting Agency Treatment of Mistakes. A Contracting Agency shall not allow an Offeror to correct or withdraw an Offer for an error in judgment. If the Contracting Agency discovers certain mistakes in an Offer after Opening, but before Award of the Contract, the Contracting Agency may take the following action:

(a) A Contracting Agency may waive, or permit an Offeror to correct, a minor informality. A minor informality is a matter of form rather than substance that is evident on the face of the Offer, or an insignificant mistake that can be waived or corrected without prejudice to other Offerors. Examples of minor informalities include an Offeror's failure to:

(A) Return the correct number of Signed Offers or the correct number of other documents required by the Solicitation Document;

(B) Sign the Offer in the designated block, provided a Signature appears elsewhere in the Offer, evidencing an intent to be bound; and

(C) Acknowledge receipt of an Addendum to the Solicitation Document, provided that it is clear on the face of the Offer that the Offeror received the Addendum and intended to be bound by its terms; or the Addendum involved did not affect price, quality or delivery.

(b) A Contracting Agency may correct a clerical error if the error is evident on the face of the Offer or other documents submitted with the Offer, and the Offeror confirms the Contracting Agency's correction in Writing. A clerical error is an Offeror's error in transcribing its Offer. Unit prices shall prevail over extended prices in the event of a discrepancy between extended prices and unit prices.

(c) A Contracting Agency may permit an Offeror to withdraw an Offer based on one or more clerical errors in the Offer only if the Offeror shows with objective proof and by clear and convincing evidence:

(A) The nature of the error;

(B) That the error is not a minor informality under this subsection or an error in judgment;

(C) That the error cannot be corrected or waived under subsection (b) of this section;

(D) That the Offeror acted in good faith in submitting an Offer that contained the claimed error and in claiming that the alleged error in the Offer exists;

(E) That the Offeror acted without gross negligence in submitting an Offer that contained a claimed error;

(F) That the Offeror will suffer substantial detriment if the Contracting Agency does not grant the Offeror permission to withdraw the Offer;

(G) That the Contracting Agency's or the public's status has not changed so significantly that relief from the forfeiture will work a substantial hardship on the Contracting Agency or the public it represents; and

(H) That the Offeror promptly gave notice of the claimed error to the Contracting Agency.

(d) The criteria in subsection (2)(c) of this rule shall determine whether a Contracting Agency will permit an Offeror to withdraw its Offer after Closing. These criteria also shall apply to the question of whether a Contracting Agency will permit an Offeror to withdraw its Offer without forfeiture of its Bid bond (or other Bid or Proposal security), or without liability to the Contracting Agency based on the difference between the amount of the Offeror's Offer and the amount of the Contract actually awarded by the Contracting Agency, whether by Award to the next lowest Responsive and Responsible Bidder or the best Responsive and Responsible Proposer, or by resort to a new solicitation.

(3) Rejection for Mistakes. The Contracting Agency shall reject any Offer in which a mistake is evident on the face of the Offer and the intended correct Offer is not evident or cannot be substantiated from documents submitted with the Offer.

(4) Identification of Mistakes after Award. The procedures and criteria set forth above are Offeror's only opportunity to correct mistakes or withdraw Offers because of a mistake. Following Award, an Offeror is bound by its Offer, and may withdraw its Offer or rescind a Contract entered into pursuant to this division 49 only to the extent permitted by applicable law.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279C.375 & 279C.395
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 15-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10

137-049-0360

First-Tier Subcontractors; Disclosure and Substitution

(1) Required Disclosure. Within two working hours after the Bid Closing on an ITB for a Public Improvement having a Contract Price anticipated by the Contracting Agency to exceed $100,000, all Bidders shall submit to the Contracting Agency a disclosure form as described by ORS 279C.370(2), identifying any first-tier subcontractors (those Entities that would be contracting directly with the prime contractor) that will be furnishing labor or labor and materials on the Contract, if Awarded, whose subcontract value would be equal to or greater than:

(a) Five percent of the total Contract Price, but at least $15,000; or

(b) $350,000, regardless of the percentage of the total Contract Price.

(2) Bid Closing, Disclosure Deadline and Bid Opening. For each ITB to which this rule applies, the Contracting Agency shall:

(a) Set the Bid Closing on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, and at a time between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., except that these Bid Closing restrictions do not apply to an ITB for maintenance or construction of highways, bridges or other transportation facilities, and provided that the two-hour disclosure deadline described by this rule would not then fall on a legal holiday;

(b) Open Bids publicly immediately after the Bid Closing; and

(c) Consider for Contract Award only those Bids for which the required disclosure has been submitted by the announced deadline on forms prescribed by the Contracting Agency.

(3) Bidder Instructions and Disclosure Form. For the purposes of this rule, a Contracting Agency in its solicitation shall:

(a) Prescribe the disclosure form that must be utilized, substantially in the form set forth in ORS 279C.370(2); and

(b) Provide instructions in a notice substantially similar to the following:

"Instructions for First-Tier Subcontractor Disclosure

Bidders are required to disclose information about certain first-tier subcontractors (see ORS 279C.370). Specifically, when the contract amount of a first-tier subcontractor furnishing labor or labor and materials would be greater than or equal to: (i) 5% of the project Bid, but at least $15,000; or (ii) $350,000 regardless of the percentage, the Bidder must disclose the following information about that subcontract either in its Bid submission, or within two hours after Bid Closing:

(A) The subcontractor's name;

(B) The category of Work that the subcontractor would be performing, and

(C) The dollar value of the subcontract. If the Bidder will not be using any subcontractors that are subject to the above disclosure requirements, the Bidder is required to indicate "NONE" on the accompanying form.

THE CONTRACTING AGENCY MUST REJECT A BID IF THE BIDDER FAILS TO SUBMIT THE DISCLOSURE FORM WITH THIS INFORMATION BY THE STATED DEADLINE (see OAR 137-049-0360)."

(4) Submission. A Bidder shall submit the disclosure form required by this rule either in its Bid submission, or within two working hours after Bid Closing in the manner specified by the ITB.

(5) Responsiveness. Compliance with the disclosure and submittal requirements of ORS 279C.370 and this rule is a matter of Responsiveness. Bids that are submitted by Bid Closing, but for which the disclosure submittal has not been made by the specified deadline, are not Responsive and shall not be considered for Contract Award.

(6) Contracting Agency Role. Contracting Agencies shall obtain, and make available for public inspection, the disclosure forms required by ORS 279C.370 and this rule. Contracting Agencies shall also provide copies of disclosure forms to the Bureau of Labor and Industries as required by ORS 279C.835. Contracting Agencies are not required to determine the accuracy or completeness of the information provided on disclosure forms.

(7) Substitution. Substitution of affected first-tier subcontractors shall be made only in accordance with ORS 279C.585. Contracting Agencies shall accept Written submissions filed under that statute as public records. Aside from issues involving inadvertent clerical error under ORS 279C.585, Contracting Agencies do not have a statutory role or duty to review, approve or resolve disputes concerning such substitutions. See ORS 279C.590 regarding complaints to the Construction Contractors Board on improper substitution.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279C.370, 279C.585, 279C.590 & 279C.835
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 15-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10

137-049-0370

Disqualification of Persons

(1) Authority. A Contracting Agency may disqualify a Person from consideration of Award of the Contracting Agency's Contracts after providing the Person with notice and a reasonable opportunity to be heard in accordance with sections (2) and (4) of this rule.

(a) Standards for Conduct Disqualification. As provided in ORS 279C.440, a Contracting Agency may disqualify a Person for:

(A) Conviction for the commission of a criminal offense as an incident in obtaining or attempting to obtain a public or private contract or subcontract, or in the performance of such contract or subcontract.

(B) Conviction under state or federal statutes of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, receiving stolen property or any other offense indicating a lack of business integrity or business honesty that currently, seriously and directly affects the Person's responsibility as a contractor.

(C) Conviction under state or federal antitrust statutes.

(D) Violation of a contract provision that is regarded by the Contracting Agency to be so serious as to justify Conduct Disqualification. A violation under this subsection (1)(a)(D) may include but is not limited to material failure to perform the terms of a contract or an unsatisfactory performance in accordance with the terms of the contract. However, a Person's failure to perform or unsatisfactory performance caused by acts beyond the Person's control is not a basis for Disqualification.

(b) Standards for DBE Disqualification. As provided in ORS 200.065, 200.075 or 279A.110, a Contracting Agency may disqualify a Person's right to submit an Offer or to participate in a Contract (e.g. subcontractors) as follows:

(A) For a DBE Disqualification under ORS 200.065, the Contracting Agency may disqualify a Person upon finding that:

(i) The Person fraudulently obtained or retained or attempted to obtain or retain or aided another Person to fraudulently obtain or retain or attempt to obtain or retain certification as a disadvantaged, minority, women or emerging small business enterprise; or

(ii) The Person knowingly made a false claim that any Person is qualified for certification or is certified under ORS 200.055 for the purpose of gaining a Contract or subcontract or other benefit; or

(iii) The Person has been disqualified by another Contracting Agency pursuant to ORS 200.065.

(B) For a DBE Disqualification under ORS 200.075, the Contracting Agency may disqualify a Person upon finding that:

(i) The Person has entered into an agreement representing that a disadvantaged, minority, women, or emerging small business enterprise, certified pursuant to ORS 200.055 ("Certified Enterprise"), will perform or supply materials under a Public Improvement Contract without the knowledge and consent of the Certified Enterprise; or

(ii) The Person exercises management and decision-making control over the internal operations, as defined by ORS 200.075(1)(b), of any Certified Enterprise; or

(iii) The Person uses a Certified Enterprise to perform Work under a Public Improvement Contract to meet an established Certified Enterprise goal, and such enterprise does not perform a commercially useful function, as defined by ORS 200.075(3), in performing its obligations under the contract.

(iv) If a Person is Disqualified for a DBE Disqualification under ORS 200.075, the affected Contracting Agency shall not permit such Person to participate in that Contracting Agency's Contracts.

(C) For a DBE Disqualification under ORS 279A.110, a Contracting Agency may disqualify a Person if the Contracting Agency finds that the Person discriminated against minority, women or emerging small business enterprises in awarding a subcontract under a contract with that Contracting Agency.

(2) Notice of Intent to Disqualify. The Contracting Agency shall notify the Person in Writing of a proposed Disqualification personally or by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested. This notice shall:

(a) State that the Contracting Agency intends to disqualify the Person;

(b) Set forth the reasons for the Disqualification;

(c) Include a statement of the Person's right to a hearing if requested in Writing within the time stated in the notice and that if the Contracting Agency does not receive the Person's Written request for a hearing within the time stated, the Person shall have waived its right to a hearing;

(d) Include a statement of the authority and jurisdiction under which the hearing will be held;

(e) Include a reference to the particular sections of the statutes and rules involved;

(f) State the proposed Disqualification period; and

(g) State that the Person may be represented by legal counsel.

(3) Hearing. The Contracting Agency shall schedule a hearing upon the Contracting Agency receipt of the Person's timely request. The Contracting Agency shall notify the Person of the time and place of the hearing and provide information on the procedures, right of representation and other rights related to the conduct of the hearing prior to hearing.

(4) Notice of Disqualification. The Contracting Agency will notify the Person in Writing of its Disqualification, personally or by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested. The notice shall contain:

(a) The effective date and period of Disqualification;

(b) The grounds for Disqualification; and

(c) A statement of the Person's appeal rights and applicable appeal deadlines. For a Conduct Disqualification or a DBE Disqualification under ORS 279A.110, the disqualified person must notify the Contracting Agency in Writing within three business Days after receipt of the Contracting Agency's notice of Disqualification if the Person intends to appeal the Contracting Agency's decision.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 200.065, 200.075, 279C.440, 279C.445, 279C.450 & 279A.110
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06

137-049-0380

Bid or Proposal Evaluation Criteria

(1) General. A Public Improvement Contract, if Awarded, shall be Awarded to the Responsible Bidder submitting the lowest Responsive Bid, or to the Responsible Proposer submitting the best Responsive Proposal. See OAR 137-049-0390, and Rules for Alternative Contracting Methods at 137-049-0600 to 137-049-0690.

(2) Bid Evaluation Criteria. Invitations to Bid may solicit lump-sum Offers, unit-price Offers or a combination of the two.

(a) Lump Sum. If the ITB requires a lump-sum Bid, without additive or deductive alternates, or if the Contracting Agency elects not to award additive or deductive alternates, Bids shall be compared on the basis of lump-sum prices, or lump-sum base Bid prices, as applicable. If the ITB calls for a lump-sum base Bid, plus additive or deductive alternates, the total Bid price shall be calculated by adding to or deducting from the base Bid those alternates selected by the Contracting Agency, for the purpose of comparing Bids.

(b) Unit Price. If the Bid includes unit pricing for estimated quantities, the total Bid price shall be calculated by multiplying the estimated quantities by the unit prices submitted by the Bidder, and adjusting for any additive or deductive alternates selected by the Contracting Agency, for the purpose of comparing Bids. Contracting Agencies shall specify within the Solicitation Document the estimated quantity of the procurement to be used for determination of the low Bidder. In the event of mathematical discrepancies between unit price and any extended price calculations submitted by the Bidder, the unit price shall govern. See OAR 137-049-0350(2)(b).

(3) Proposal Evaluation Criteria. If the Contracting Agency's Contract Review Authority has exempted the Procurement of a Public Improvement from the competitive bidding requirements of ORS 279C.335(1), and has directed the Contracting Agency to use an Alternative Contracting Method under ORS 279C.335(4), the Contracting Agency shall set forth the evaluation criteria in the Solicitation Documents. See OAR 137-049-0650, 137-049-0650, ORS 279C.335 and 279C.405.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279C.335
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06

137-049-0390

Offer Evaluation and Award; Determination of Responsibility

(1) General. If Awarded, the Contracting Agency shall Award the Contract to the Responsible Bidder submitting the lowest, Responsive Bid or the Responsible Proposer or Proposers submitting the best, Responsive Proposal or Proposals, provided that such Person is not listed by the Construction Contractors Board as disqualified to hold a Public Improvement Contract (ORS 279C.375(3)(a)) or is ineligible for Award as a nonresident education service district (ORS 279C.325). The Contracting Agency may Award by item, groups of items or the entire Offer provided such Award is consistent with the Solicitation Document and in the public interest. Where Award is based on competitive Bids, ORS 279C.375(5) permits multiple contract awards when specified in the ITB.

(2) Determination of Responsibility. Offerors are required to demonstrate their ability to perform satisfactorily under a Contract. Before Awarding a Contract, the Contracting Agency must have information that indicates that the Offeror meets the standards of responsibility set forth in ORS 279C.375(3)(b). To be a Responsible Offeror, the Contracting Agency must determine that the Offeror:

(a) Has available the appropriate financial, material, equipment, facility and personnel resources and expertise, or ability to obtain the resources and expertise, necessary to meet all contractual responsibilities;

(b) Has completed previous contracts of a similar nature with a satisfactory record of performance. A satisfactory record of performance means that, to the extent the costs associated with and time available to perform a previous contract were within the Offeror’s control, the Offeror stayed within the time and budget allotted for the procurement and otherwise performed the contract in a satisfactory manner. A Contracting Agency should carefully scrutinize an Offeror's record of contract performance if the Offeror is or recently has been materially deficient in contract performance. In reviewing the Offeror's performance, the Contracting Agency should determine whether the Offeror's deficient performance was expressly excused under the terms of contract, or whether the Offeror took appropriate corrective action. The Contracting Agency may review the Offeror's performance on both private and Public Contracts in determining the Offeror's record of contract performance. The Contracting Agency shall make its basis for determining an Offeror not Responsible under this paragraph part of the Solicitation file;

(c) Has a satisfactory record of integrity. An Offeror may lack integrity if a Contracting Agency determines the Offeror demonstrates a lack of business ethics such as violation of state environmental laws or false certifications made to a Contracting Agency. A Contracting Agency may find an Offeror not Responsible based on the lack of integrity of any Person having influence or control over the Offeror (such as a key employee of the Offeror that has the authority to significantly influence the Offeror's performance of the Contract or a parent company, predecessor or successor Person). The standards for Conduct Disqualification under OAR 137-049-0370 may be used to determine an Offeror's integrity. A Contracting Agency may find an Offeror non-responsible based on previous convictions of offenses related to obtaining or attempting to obtain a contract or subcontract or in connection with the Offeror’s performance of a contract or subcontract. The Contracting Agency shall make its basis for determining that an Offeror is not Responsible under this paragraph part of the Solicitation file;

(d) Is legally qualified to contract with the Contracting Agency; and

(e) Has supplied all necessary information in connection with the inquiry concerning responsibility. If the Offeror fails to promptly supply information requested by the Contracting Agency concerning responsibility, the Contracting Agency shall base the determination of responsibility upon any available information, or may find the Offeror not Responsible.

(3) Documenting Agency Determinations. Contracting Agencies shall document their compliance with ORS 279C.375(3) and the above sections of this rule on a Responsibility Determination Form substantially as set forth in 279.375(3)(c), and file that form with the Construction Contractors Board within 30 days after Contract Award.

(4) Contracting Agency Evaluation. The Contracting Agency shall evaluate an Offer only as set forth in the Solicitation Document and in accordance with applicable law. The Contracting Agency shall not evaluate an Offer using any other requirement or criterion.

(5) Offeror Submissions.

(a) The Contracting Agency may require an Offeror to submit Product Samples, Descriptive Literature, technical data, or other material and may also require any of the following prior to Award:

(A) Demonstration, inspection or testing of a product prior to Award for characteristics such as compatibility, quality or workmanship;

(B) Examination of such elements as appearance or finish; or

(C) Other examinations to determine whether the product conforms to Specifications.

(b) The Contracting Agency shall evaluate product acceptability only in accordance with the criteria disclosed in the Solicitation Document to determine that a product is acceptable. The Contracting Agency shall reject an Offer providing any product that does not meet the Solicitation Document requirements. A Contracting Agency's rejection of an Offer because it offers nonconforming Work or materials is not Disqualification and is not appealable under ORS 279C.445.

(6) Evaluation of Bids. The Contracting Agency shall use only objective criteria to evaluate Bids as set forth in the ITB. The Contracting Agency shall evaluate Bids to determine which Responsible Offeror offers the lowest Responsive Bid.

(a) Nonresident Bidders. In determining the lowest Responsive Bid, the Contracting Agency shall, in accordance with OAR 137-046-0310, add a percentage increase to the Bid of a nonresident Bidder equal to the percentage, if any, of the preference given to that Bidder in the state in which the Bidder resides.

(b) Clarifications. In evaluating Bids, a Contracting Agency may seek information from a Bidder only to clarify the Bidder's Bid. Such clarification shall not vary, contradict or supplement the Bid. A Bidder must submit Written and Signed clarifications and such clarifications shall become part of the Bidder's Bid.

(c) Negotiation Prohibited. The Contracting Agency shall not negotiate scope of Work or other terms or conditions under an Invitation to Bid process prior to Award.

(7) Evaluation of Proposals. See OAR 137-049-0650 regarding rules applicable to Requests for Proposals.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279C.335, 279C.365, 279C.375 & 279C.395
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 19-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08; DOJ 15-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10

137-049-0395

Notice of Intent to Award

(1) Notice. At least seven days before the Award of a Public Improvement Contract, the Contracting Agency shall issue to each Bidder (pursuant to ORS 279C.375(2)) and each Proposer (pursuant to 279C.410(7)), or post electronically or otherwise, a notice of the Contracting Agency's intent to Award the Contract. This requirement does not apply to Award of a small (under $5,000) or intermediate (informal competitive quotes) Public Improvement Contract awarded under 279C.335(1)(c) or (d).

(2) Form and Manner of Posting. The form and manner of posting notice shall conform to customary practices within the Contracting Agency's procurement system, and may be made electronically.

(3) Finalizing Award. The Contracting Agency's Award shall not be final until the later of the following:

(a) Seven Days after the date of the notice, unless the Solicitation Document provided a different period for protest; or

(b) The Contracting Agency provides a Written response to all timely-filed protests that denies the protest and affirms the Award.

(4) Prior Notice Impractical. Posting of notice of intent to award shall not be required when the Contracting Agency determines that it is impractical due to unusual time constraints in making prompt Award for its immediate procurement needs, documents the Contract file as to the reasons for that determination, and posts notice of that action as soon as reasonably practical.

Stat. Auth,: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279C.375
Hist.: DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 19-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08

137-049-0400

Documentation of Award; Availability of Award Decisions

(1) Basis of Award. After Award, the Contracting Agency shall make a record showing the basis for determining the successful Offeror part of the Contracting Agency's solicitation file.

(2) Contents of Award Record for Bids. The Contracting Agency's record shall include:

(a) All submitted Bids;

(b) Completed Bid tabulation sheet; and

(c) Written justification for any rejection of lower Bids.

(3) Contents of Award Record for Proposals. Where the use of Requests for Proposals is authorized as set forth in OAR 137-049-0650, the Contracting Agency's record shall include:

(a) All submitted Proposals.

(b) The completed evaluation of the Proposals;

(c) Written justification for any rejection of higher scoring Proposals or for failing to meet mandatory requirements of the Request for Proposal; and

(d) If the Contracting Agency permitted negotiations in accordance with OAR 137-049-0650, the Contracting Agency's completed evaluation of the initial Proposals and the Contracting Agency's completed evaluation of final Proposals.

(4) Contract Document. The Contracting Agency shall deliver a fully executed copy of the final Contract to the successful Offeror.

(5) Bid Tabulations and Award Summaries. Upon request of any Person the Contracting Agency shall provide tabulations of Awarded Bids or evaluation summaries of Proposals for a nominal charge which may be payable in advance. Requests must contain the Solicitation Document number and, if requested, be accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Contracting Agencies may also provide tabulations of Bids and Proposals Awarded on designated Web sites or on the Contracting Agency's Electronic Procurement System.

(6) Availability of Solicitation Files. The Contracting Agency shall make completed solicitation files available for public review at the Contracting Agency.

(7) Copies from Solicitation Files. Any Person may obtain copies of material from solicitation files upon payment of a reasonable copying charge.

(8) Minority, Women Emerging Small Business. State Contracting Agencies shall provide timely notice of Contract Award to the Advocate for Minority, Women and Emerging Small Business if the estimated Contract Price exceeds $5,000. See ORS 200.035.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279C.365 & 279C.375
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 15-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10

137-049-0410

Time for Contracting Agency Acceptance; Extension

(1) Time for Offer Acceptance. An Offeror's Bid, or Proposal submitted as a Firm Offer (see OAR 137-049-0280), is irrevocable, valid and binding on the Offeror for not less than 30 Days from Closing unless otherwise specified in the Solicitation Document.

(2) Extension of Acceptance Time. A Contracting Agency may request, orally or in Writing, that Offerors extend, in Writing, the time during which the Contracting Agency may consider and accept their Offer(s). If an Offeror agrees to such extension, the Offer shall continue as a Firm Offer, irrevocable, valid and binding on the Offeror for the agreed-upon extension period.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279C.375
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05

137-049-0420

Negotiation With Bidders Prohibited

(1) Bids. Except as permitted by ORS 279C.340 and OAR 137-049-0430 when all bids exceed the cost estimate, a Contracting Agency shall not negotiate with any Bidder prior to Contract Award. After Award of the Contract, the Contracting Agency and Contractor may modify the resulting Contract only by change order or amendment to the Contract in accordance with 137-049-0910.

(2) Requests for Proposals. A Contracting Agency may conduct discussions or negotiations with Proposers only in accordance with the requirements of OAR 137-049-0650.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279C.340 & 279C.375
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06

137-049-0430

Negotiation When Bids Exceed Cost Estimate

(1) Generally. In accordance with ORS 279C.340, if all Responsive Bids from Responsible Bidders on a competitively Bid Project exceed the Contracting Agency's Cost Estimate, prior to Contract Award the Contracting Agency may negotiate Value Engineering and Other Options with the Responsible Bidder submitting the lowest, Responsive Bid in an attempt to bring the Project within the Contracting Agency's Cost Estimate. The subcontractor disclosure and substitution requirements of OAR 137-049-0360 do not apply to negotiations under this rule.

(2) Definitions. The following definitions apply to this administrative rule:

(a) "Cost Estimate" means the Contracting Agency's most recent pre-Bid, good faith assessment of anticipated Contract costs, consisting either of an estimate of an architect, engineer or other qualified professional, or confidential cost calculation work sheets, where available, and otherwise consisting of formal planning or budgetary documents.

(b) "Other Options" means those items generally considered appropriate for negotiation in the RFP process, relating to the details of Contract performance as specified in OAR 137-049-0650, but excluding any material requirements previously announced in the solicitation process that would likely affect the field of competition.

(c) "Project" means a Public Improvement.

(d) "Value Engineering" means the identification of alternative methods, materials or systems which provide for comparable function at reduced initial or life-time cost. It includes proposed changes to the plans, Specifications, or other Contract requirements which may be made, consistent with industry practice, under the original Contract by mutual agreement in order to take advantage of potential cost savings without impairing the essential functions or characteristics of the Public Improvement. Cost savings include those resulting from life cycle costing, which may either increase or decrease absolute costs over varying time periods.

(3) Rejection of Bids. In determining whether all Responsive Bids from Responsible Bidders exceed the Cost Estimate, only those Bids that have been formally rejected, or Bids from Bidders who have been formally disqualified by the Contracting Agency, shall be excluded from consideration.

(4) Scope of Negotiations. Contracting Agencies shall not proceed with Contract Award if the scope of the Project is significantly changed from the original Bid. The scope is considered to have been significantly changed if the pool of competition would likely have been affected by the change; that is, if other Bidders would have been expected by the Contracting Agency to participate in the Bidding process had the change been made during the solicitation process rather than during negotiation. This rule shall not be construed to prohibit resolicitation of trade subcontracts.

(5) Discontinuing Negotiations. The Contracting Agency may discontinue negotiations at any time, and shall do so if it appears to the Contracting Agency that the apparent low Bidder is not negotiating in good faith or fails to share cost and pricing information upon request. Failure to rebid any portion of the project, or to obtain subcontractor pricing information upon request, shall be considered a lack of good faith.

(6) Limitation. Negotiations may be undertaken only with the lowest Responsive, Responsible Bidder pursuant to ORS 279C.340. That statute does not provide any additional authority to further negotiate with Bidders next in line for Contract Award.

(7) Public Records. To the extent that a Bidder's records used in Contract negotiations under ORS 279C.340 are public records, they are exempt from disclosure until after the negotiated Contract has been awarded or the negotiation process has been terminated, at which time they are subject to disclosure pursuant to the provisions of the Oregon Public Records Law, ORS 192.410 to 192.505.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279C.340 & 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279C.340
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 15-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10

137-049-0440

Rejection of Offers

(1) Rejection of an Offer.

(a) A Contracting Agency may reject any Offer upon finding that to accept the Offer may impair the integrity of the Procurement process or that rejecting the Offer is in the public interest.

(b) The Contracting Agency shall reject an Offer upon the Contracting Agency's finding that the Offer:

(A) Is contingent upon the Contracting Agency's acceptance of terms and conditions (including Specifications) that differ from the Solicitation Document;

(B) Takes exception to terms and conditions (including Specifications);

(C) Attempts to prevent public disclosure of matters in contravention of the terms and conditions of Solicitation Document or in contravention of applicable law;

(D) Offers Work that fails to meet the Specifications of the Solicitation Document;

(E) Is late;

(F) Is not in substantial compliance with the Solicitation Documents;

(G) Is not in substantial compliance with all prescribed public solicitation procedures.

(c) The Contracting Agency shall reject an Offer upon the Contracting Agency's finding that the Offeror:

(A) Has not been prequalified under ORS 279C.430 and the Contracting Agency required mandatory prequalification;

(B) Has been Disqualified;

(C) Has been declared ineligible under ORS 279C.860 by the Commissioner of Bureau of Labor and Industries and the Contract is for a Public Work;

(D) Is listed as not qualified by the Construction Contractors Board, if the Contract is for a Public Improvement;

(E) Has not met the requirements of ORS 279A.105 if required by the Solicitation Document;

(F) Has not submitted properly executed Bid or Proposal security as required by the Solicitation Document;

(G) Has failed to provide the certification required under section 3 of this rule;

(H) Is not Responsible. See OAR 137-049-0390(2) regarding Contracting Agency determination that the Offeror has met statutory standards of responsibility.

(2) Form of Business. For purposes of this rule, the Contracting Agency may investigate any Person submitting an Offer. The investigation may include that Person's officers, Directors, owners, affiliates, or any other Person acquiring ownership of the Person to determine application of this rule or to apply the Disqualification provisions of ORS 279C.440 to 279C.450 and OAR 137-049-0370.

(3) Certification of Non-Discrimination. The Offeror shall certify and deliver to the Contracting Agency Written certification, as part of the Offer that the Offeror has not discriminated and will not discriminate against minority, women or emerging small business enterprises in obtaining any required subcontracts. Failure to do so shall be grounds for disqualification.

(4) Rejection of all Offers. A Contracting Agency may reject all Offers for good cause upon the Contracting Agency's Written finding it is in the public interest to do so. The Contracting Agency shall notify all Offerors of the rejection of all Offers, along with the good cause justification and finding.

(5) Criteria for Rejection of All Offers. The Contracting Agency may reject all Offers upon a Written finding that:

(a) The content of or an error in the Solicitation Document, or the solicitation process unnecessarily restricted competition for the Contract;

(b) The price, quality or performance presented by the Offerors is too costly or of insufficient quality to justify acceptance of the Offer;

(c) Misconduct, error, or ambiguous or misleading provisions in the Solicitation Document threaten the fairness and integrity of the competitive process;

(d) Causes other than legitimate market forces threaten the integrity of the competitive Procurement process. These causes include, but are not limited to, those that tend to limit competition such as restrictions on competition, collusion, corruption, unlawful anti-competitive conduct and inadvertent or intentional errors in the Solicitation Document;

(e) The Contracting Agency cancels the solicitation in accordance with OAR 137-049-0270; or

(f) Any other circumstance indicating that Awarding the Contract would not be in the public interest.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279C.375, 279C.380, 279C.395, 279A.105 & 279A.110
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 15-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10

137-049-0450

Protest of Contractor Selection, Contract Award

(1) Purpose. An adversely affected or aggrieved Offeror must exhaust all avenues of administrative review and relief before seeking judicial review of the Contracting Agency's Contractor selection or Contract Award decision.

(2) Notice of Competitive Range. Unless otherwise provided in the RFP, when the competitive Proposal process is authorized under OAR 137-049-0650, the Contracting Agency shall provide Written notice to all Proposers of the Contracting Agency's determination of the Proposers included in the Competitive Range. The Contracting Agency's notice of the Proposers included in the Competitive Range shall not be final until the later of the following:

(a) 10 Days after the date of the notice, unless otherwise provided therein; or

(b) Until the Contracting Agency provides a Written response to all timely-filed protests that denies the protest and affirms the notice of the Proposers included in the Competitive Range.

(3) Notice of Intent to Award. The Contracting Agency shall provide Written notice to all Offerors of the Contracting Agency's intent to Award the Contract, as provided by OAR 137-049-0395.

(4) Right to Protest Award.

(a) An adversely affected or aggrieved Offeror may submit to the Contracting Agency a Written protest of the Contracting Agency's intent to Award within seven Days after issuance of the notice of intent to Award the Contract, unless a different protest period is provided under the Solicitation Document.

(b) The Offeror's protest must be in Writing and must specify the grounds upon which the protest is based.

(c) An Offeror is adversely affected or aggrieved only if the Offeror is eligible for Award of the Contract as the Responsible Bidder submitting the lowest Responsive Bid or the Responsible Proposer submitting the best Responsive Proposal and is next in line for Award, i.e., the protesting Offeror must claim that all lower Bidders or higher-scored Proposers are ineligible for Award:

(A) Because their Offers were nonresponsive; or

(B) The Contracting Agency committed a substantial violation of a provision in the Solicitation Document or of an applicable Procurement statute or administrative rule, and the protesting Offeror was unfairly evaluated and would have, but for such substantial violation, been the Responsible Bidder offering the lowest Bid or the Responsible Proposer offering the highest-ranked Proposal.

(d) The Contracting Agency shall not consider a protest submitted after the time period established in this rule or such different period as may be provided in the Solicitation Document. A Proposer may not protest a Contracting Agency's decision not to increase the size of the Competitive Range above the size of the Competitive Range set forth in the RFP.

(5) Right to Protest Competitive Range.

(a) An adversely affected or aggrieved Proposer may submit to the Contracting Agency a Written protest of the Contracting Agency's decision to exclude the Proposer from the Competitive Range within seven Days after issuance of the notice of the Competitive Range, unless a different protest period is provided under the Solicitation Document. (See procedural requirements for the use of RFPs at OAR 137-049-0650.)

(b) The Proposer's protest shall be in Writing and must specify the grounds upon which the protest is based.

(c) A Proposer is adversely affected only if the Proposer is responsible and submitted a Responsive Proposal and is eligible for inclusion in the Competitive Range, i.e., the protesting Proposer must claim it is eligible for inclusion in the Competitive Range if all ineligible higher-scoring Proposers are removed from consideration, and that those ineligible Proposers are ineligible for inclusion in the Competitive Range because:

(A) Their Proposals were not responsive; or

(B) The Contracting Agency committed a substantial violation of a provision in the RFP or of an applicable Procurement statute or administrative rule, and the protesting Proposer was unfairly evaluated and would have, but for such substantial violation, been included in the Competitive Range.

(d) The Contracting Agency shall not consider a protest submitted after the time period established in this rule or such different period as may be provided in the Solicitation Document. A Proposer may not protest a Contracting Agency's decision not to increase the size of the Competitive Range above the size of the Competitive Range set forth in the RFP.

(6) Authority to Resolve Protests. The head of the Contracting Agency, or such Person's designee, may settle or resolve a Written protest submitted in accordance with the requirements of this rule.

(7) Decision. If a protest is not settled, the head of the Contracting Agency, or such Person's designee, shall promptly issue a Written decision on the protest. Judicial review of this decision will be available if provided by statute.

(8) Award. The successful Offeror shall promptly execute the Contract after the Award is final. The Contracting Agency shall execute the Contract only after it has obtained all applicable required documents and approvals.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279C.375, 279C.380, 279C.385 & 279C.460
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06

137-049-0460

Performance and Payment Security; Waiver

(1) Public Improvement Contracts. Unless the required performance bond is waived under ORS 279C.380(1)(a), excused in cases of emergency under 279C.380(4), or unless the Contracting Agency's Contract Review Authority exempts a Contract or classes of contracts from the required performance bond and payment bond pursuant to 279C.390, the Contractor shall execute and deliver to the Contracting Agency a performance bond and a payment bond each in a sum equal to the Contract Price for all Public Improvement Contracts. This requirement applies only to Public Improvement Contracts with a value, estimated by the Contracting Agency, of more than $100,000 or, in the case of Contracts for highways, bridges and other transportation projects, more than $50,000. See 279C.380(5). Under 279C.390(3)(b) the Director of the Oregon Department of Transportation may reduce the performance bond amount for contracts financed from the proceeds of bonds issued under 367.620(3)(a). Also see OAR 137-049-0815 and BOLI rules at 839-025-0015 regarding the separate requirement for a Public Works bond.

(2) Other Construction Contracts. A Contracting Agency may require performance security for other construction Contracts that are not Public Improvement Contracts. Such requirements shall be expressly set forth in the Solicitation Document.

(3) Requirement for Surety Bond. The Contracting Agency shall accept only a performance bond furnished by a surety company authorized to do business in Oregon unless otherwise specified in the Solicitation Document (i.e., the Contracting Agency may accept a cashier's check or certified check in lieu or all or a portion of the required performance bond if specified in the Solicitation Document). The payment bond must be furnished by a surety company authorized to do business in Oregon, and in an amount equal to the full Contract Price.

(4) Time for Submission. The apparent successful Offeror must promptly furnish the required performance security upon the Contracting Agency's request. If the Offeror fails to furnish the performance security as requested, the Contracting Agency may reject the Offer and Award the Contract to the Responsible Bidder with the next lowest Responsive Bid or the Responsible Proposer with the next highest-scoring Responsive Proposal, and, at the Contracting Agency's discretion, the Offeror shall forfeit its Bid or Proposal security.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279C.375, 279C.380 & 279C.390
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06

137-049-0470

Substitute Contractor

If the Contractor provided a performance bond, the Contracting Agency may afford the Contractor's surety the opportunity to provide a substitute contractor to complete performance of the Contract. A substitute contractor shall perform all remaining Contract Work and comply with all terms and conditions of the Contract, including the provisions of the performance bond and the payment bond. Such substitute performance does not involve the Award of a new Contract and shall not be subject to the competitive Procurement provisions of ORS Chapter 279C.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279C.365, 279C.370, 279C.375, 279C.380 & 279C.390
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05

137-049-0490

Foreign Contractor

If the Contract Price exceeds $10,000 and the Contractor is a Foreign Contractor, the Contractor shall promptly report to the Oregon Department of Revenue on forms provided by the Department of Revenue, the Contract Price, terms of payment, Contract duration and such other information as the Department of Revenue may require before final payment can be made on the Contract. A copy of the report shall be forwarded to the Contracting Agency. The Contracting Agency Awarding the Contract shall satisfy itself that the above requirements have been complied with before it issues final payment on the Contract.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279A.120
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05

Alternative Contracting Methods

137-049-0600

Purpose

OAR 137-049-0600 to 137-049-0690 are intended to provide guidance to Contracting Agencies regarding the use of Alternative Contracting Methods for Public Improvement Contracts, as may be directed by a Contracting Agency's Contract Review Authority under ORS 279C.335. Those methods include, but are not limited to, Design-Build, Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) and Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC) forms of contracting. As to ESPC contracting, these OAR 137-049-0600 to 137-049-0690 rules implement the requirements of ORS 279C.335 pertaining to the adoption of model rules appropriate for use by all Contracting Agencies to govern the procedures for entering into ESPCs.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279C.335, 279A.065 & 351.086
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279C.335, 279A.065 & 351.086
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05

137-049-0610

Definitions for Alternative Contracting Methods

The following definitions shall apply to these OAR 137-049-0600 to 137-049-0690 rules, unless the context requires otherwise:

(1) Alternative Contracting Methods means innovative Procurement techniques for obtaining Public Improvement Contracts, utilizing processes other than the traditional method of Design-Bid-Build (with Award based solely on price, in which a final design is issued with formal Bid documents, construction Work is obtained by sealed Bid Awarded to the lowest Responsive, Responsible Bidder, and the project is built in accordance with those documents). In industry practice, such methods commonly include variations of Design-Build contracting, CM/GC forms of contracting and ESPCs, which are specifically addressed in these OAR 137-049-0600 to 137-049-0690 rules, as well as other developing techniques such as general "performance contracting" and "cost plus time" contracting, for which procedural requirements are identified under these OAR 137-049-0600 to 137-049-0690 rules.

(2) Construction Manager/General Contractor (or "CM/GC") means a form of Procurement that results in a Public Improvement Contract for a Construction Manager/General Contractor to undertake project team involvement with design development; constructability reviews; value engineering, scheduling, estimating and subcontracting services; establish a Guaranteed Maximum Price to complete the Contract Work; act as General Contractor; hold all subcontracts, self-perform portions of the Work as may be allowed by the Contracting Agency under the CM/GC Contract; coordinate and manage the building process; provide general Contractor expertise; and act as a member of the project team along with the Contracting Agency, architect/engineers and other consultants. CM/GC also refers to a Contractor under this form of Contract, sometimes known as the "Construction Manager at Risk."

(3) Design-Build means a form of Procurement that results in a Public Improvement Contract in which the construction Contractor also provides or obtains specified design services, participates on the project team with the Contracting Agency, and manages both design and construction. In this form of Contract, a single Person provides the Contracting Agency with all of the Personal Services and Work necessary to both design and construct the project.

(4) Energy Conservation Measures (or "ECMs") (also known as "energy efficiency measures") means, as used in ESPC Procurement, any equipment, fixture or furnishing to be added to or used in an existing building or structure, and any repair, alteration or improvement to an existing building or structure that is designed to reduce energy consumption and related costs, including those costs related to electrical energy, thermal energy, water consumption, waste disposal, and future contract-labor costs and materials costs associated with maintenance of the building or structure. For purposes of these OAR 137-049-0600 to 137-049-0690 rules, use of either or both of the terms "building" or "structure" shall be deemed to include existing energy, water and waste disposal systems connected or related to or otherwise used for the building or structure when such system(s) are included in the project, either as part of the project together with the building or structure, or when such system(s) are the focus of the project. Maintenance services are not Energy Conservation Measures, for purposes of these 137-049-0600 to 137-049-0690 rules.

(5) Energy Savings Guarantee means the energy savings and performance guarantee provided by the ESCO under an ESPC Procurement, which guarantees to the Contracting Agency that certain energy savings and performance will be achieved for the project covered by the RFP, through the installation and

IMPLEMENTATION
of the agreed-upon ECMs for the project. The Energy Savings Guarantee shall include, but shall not be limited to, the specific energy savings and performance levels and amounts that will be guaranteed, provisions related to the financial remedies available to the Contracting Agency in the event the guaranteed savings and performance are not achieved, the specific conditions under which the ESCO will guarantee energy savings and performance (including the specific responsibilities of the Contracting Agency after final completion of the design and construction phase), and the term of the energy savings and performance guarantee.

(6) Energy Savings Performance Contract (or "ESPC") means a Public Improvement Contract between a Contracting Agency and a Qualified Energy Service Company for the identification, evaluation, recommendation, design and construction of Energy Conservation Measures, including a Design-Build Contract, that guarantee energy savings or performance.

(7) Guaranteed Maximum Price (or "GMP") means the total maximum price provided to the Contracting Agency by the Contractor, and accepted by the Contracting Agency, that includes all reimbursable costs of and fees for completion of the Contract Work, as defined by the Public Improvement Contract, except for material changes in the scope of Work. It may also include particularly identified contingency amounts.

(8) Measurement and Verification (or "M & V") means, as used in ESPC Procurement, the examination of installed ECMs using the International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol ("IPMVP"), or any other comparable protocol or process, to monitor and verify the operation of energy-using systems pre-installation and post-installation.

(9) Project Development Plan means a secondary phase of Personal Services and Work performed by an ESCO in an ESPC Procurement when the ESCO performs more extensive design of the agreed-upon ECMs for the project, provides the detailed provisions of the ESCO's Energy Savings Guarantee that the fully installed and commissioned ECMs will achieve a particular energy savings level for the building or structure, and prepares an overall report or plan summarizing the ESCO's Work during this secondary phase of the Work and otherwise explaining how the agreed-upon ECMs will be implemented during the design and construction phase of the Work; The term "Project Development Plan" can also refer to the report or plan provided by the ESCO at the conclusion of this phase of the Work.

(10) Qualified Energy Service Company (or "ESCO") means, as used in ESPC Procurement, a company, firm or other legal Person with the following characteristics: demonstrated technical, operational, financial and managerial capabilities to design, install, construct, commission, manage, measure and verify, and otherwise implement Energy Conservation Measures and other Work on building systems or building components that are directly related to the ECMs in existing buildings and structures; a prior record of successfully performing ESPCs on projects involving existing buildings and structures that are comparable to the project under consideration by the Contracting Agency; and the financial strength to effectively guarantee energy savings and performance under the ESPC for the project in question, or the ability to secure necessary financial measures to effectively guarantee energy savings under an ESPC for that project.

(11) Technical Energy Audit means, as used in ESPC Procurement, the initial phase of Personal Services to be performed by an ESCO that includes a detailed evaluation of an existing building or structure, an evaluation of the potential ECMs that could be effectively utilized at the facility, and preparation of a report to the Contracting Agency of the ESCO's Findings during this initial phase of the Work; the term "Technical Energy Audit" can also refer to the report provided by the ESCO at the conclusion of this phase of the Work.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279C.335 & 279A.065
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06

137-049-0620

Use of Alternative Contracting Methods

(1) Competitive Bidding Exemptions. ORS Chapter 279C requires a competitive bidding process for Public Improvement Contracts unless a statutory exception applies, a class of Contracts has been exempted or an individual Contract has been exempted in accordance with ORS 279C.335 and any applicable Contracting Agency rules. Use of Alternative Contracting Methods may be directed by a Contracting Agency's Contract Review Authority as an exception to the prescribed Public Contracting practices in Oregon, and their use must be justified in accordance with the Code and these OAR 137-049-0600 to 137-049-0690 rules. See OAR 137-049-0630 regarding required Findings and restrictions on class exemptions.

(2) Energy Savings Performance Contracts. Unlike other Alternative Contracting Methods covered by OAR 137-049-0600 to 137-049-0690, ESPCs are exempt from the competitive bidding requirement for Public Improvement Contracts pursuant to ORS 279C.335(1)(f), if the Contracting Agency complies with the procedures set forth in OAR 137-049-0600 to 137-049-0690 related to the solicitation, negotiation and contracting for ESPC Work. If those procedures are not followed, an ESPC procurement may still be exempted from competitive bidding requirements by following the general exemption procedures within ORS 279C.335.

(3) Post-Project Evaluation. ORS 279C.355 requires that the Contracting Agency prepare a formal post-project evaluation of Public Improvement projects in excess of $100,000 for which the competitive bidding process was not used. The purpose of this evaluation is to determine whether it was actually in the Contracting Agency's best interest to use an Alternative Contracting Method. The evaluation must be delivered to the Contracting Agency's Contract Review Authority within 30 Days of the date the Contracting Agency "accepts" the Public Improvement project, which event is typically defined in the Contract. In the absence of such definition, acceptance of the Project occurs on the later of the date of final payment or the date of final completion of the Work. ORS 279C.355 describes the timing and content of this evaluation, with three required elements:

(a) Financial information, consisting of cost estimates, any Guaranteed Maximum Price, changes and actual costs;

(b) A narrative description of successes and failures during design, engineering and construction; and

(c) An objective assessment of the use of the Alternative Contracting Method as compared to the exemption Findings.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279C.335 & 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279C.335, 279A.065, 279C.355 & 351.086
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 15-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10

137-049-0630

Findings, Notice and Hearing

(1) Cost Savings Factors. When Findings are required under ORS 279C.335 to exempt a Contract or class of Contracts from competitive bidding requirements, the "substantial cost savings" criterion at ORS 279C.335(2)(b) allows consideration of the type, cost, amount of the Contract, number of Entities available to Bid, and "such other factors as may be deemed appropriate".

(2) Required Information. Likewise, the statutory definition of "Findings" at ORS 279C.330 means the justification for a Contracting Agency conclusion that includes, "but is not limited to," information regarding eight identified areas.

(3) Addressing Cost Savings. Accordingly, when the Contract or class of Contracts under consideration for an exemption contemplates the use of Alternative Contracting Methods, the "substantial cost savings" requirement may be addressed by a combination of:

(a) Specified Findings that address the factors and other information specifically identified by statute, including an analysis or reasonable forecast of future cost savings as well as present cost savings; and

(b) Additional Findings that address industry practices, surveys, trends, past experiences, evaluations of completed projects required by ORS 279C.355 and related information regarding the expected benefits and drawbacks of particular Alternative Contracting Methods. To the extent practicable, such Findings shall relate back to the specific characteristics of the project or projects at issue in the exemption request.

(c) As an alternative to the "substantial cost savings" requirement where an Alternative Contracting Method has not been previously used, the Contracting Agency may make a Finding that identifies the project as a "pilot project" under ORS 279C.335(2)(c).

(4) Favoritism and Competition. The criteria at ORS 279C.335(2)(a) that it is "unlikely" that the exemption will "encourage favoritism" or "substantially diminish competition" may be addressed in contemplating the use of Alternative Contracting Methods by specifying the manner in which an RFP process will be utilized, that the Procurement will be formally advertised with public notice and disclosure of the planned Alternative Contracting Method, competition will be encouraged, Award made based upon identified selection criteria and an opportunity to protest that Award.

(5) Descriptions. Findings supporting a competitive bidding exemption must describe with specificity the Alternative Contracting Method to be used in lieu of competitive bidding, including, but not limited to, whether a one step (Request for Proposals) or two step (beginning with Requests for Qualifications) solicitation process will be utilized. The Findings may also describe anticipated characteristics or features of the resulting Public Improvement Contract. However, the purpose of an exemption from competitive bidding is limited to a determination of the Procurement method. Any unnecessary or incidental descriptions of the specific details of the anticipated Contract within the supporting Findings are not binding upon the Contracting Agency. The parameters of the Public Improvement Contract are those characteristics or specifics that are announced in the Solicitation Document.

(6) Class Exemptions. In making the findings supporting a class exemption the Contracting Agency shall clearly identify the class with respect to its defining characteristics. Those characteristics shall include some combination of Project descriptions or locations, time periods, contract values or method of procurement or other factors that distinguish the limited and related class of Projects from a Contracting Agency's overall construction program. Classes shall not be defined solely by funding sources, such as a particular bond fund, or by method of procurement, but must be defined by characteristics that reasonably relate to the exemption criteria set forth in ORS 279C.335(2).

(7) Public Hearing. Before final adoption of Findings exempting a Public Improvement Contract or class of Contracts from the requirement of competitive bidding, a Contracting Agency shall give notice and hold a public hearing as required by ORS 279C.335(5). The hearing shall be for the purpose of receiving public comment on the Contracting Agency's draft Findings.

(8) Prior Review of Draft Findings. State Contracting Agencies shall submit draft Findings to their Contract Review Authority for review and concurrence prior to advertising the public hearing required by ORS 279C.335(5). State Contracting Agencies shall also submit draft Findings to the Department of Justice for review and comment prior to advertising the public hearing.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279C.335 & 279A.065
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 19-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08

137-049-0640

Competitive Proposals; Procedure

Contracting Agencies may utilize the following RFP process for Public Improvement Contracts, allowing flexibility in both Proposal evaluation and Contract negotiation, only in accordance with ORS 279C.400 to 279C.410 and OAR 137-049-0600 to 137-049-0690, unless other applicable statutes control a Contracting Agency's use of competitive Proposals for Public Improvement Contracts. Also see the subdivision of rules in this division entitled Formal Procurement Rules, 137-049-0200 to 137-049-0480, and RFP related rules under the Alternative Contracting Methods subdivision at 137-049-0640 to 137-049-0660. For ESPCs, the following RFP process shall be utilized if a Contracting Agency desires the Procurement process to be exempt from the competitive bidding requirements of ORS 279C.335. The RFP process for the Alternative Contracting Methods identified in OAR 137-049-0600 to 137-049-0690 includes the following steps:

(1) Proposal Evaluation. Factors in addition to price may be considered in the selection process, but only as set forth in the RFP. For ESPC Proposal evaluations, the Contracting Agency may provide in the RFP that qualifications-based evaluation factors will outweigh the Contracting Agency's consideration of price-related factors, due to the fact that prices for the major components of the Work to be performed during the ESPC process contemplated by the RFP will likely not be determinable at the time of Proposal evaluation. Proposal evaluation shall be as objective as possible. Evaluation factors need not be precise predictors of future costs and performance, but to the extent possible such evaluation factors shall:

(a) Be reasonable estimates based on information available to the Contracting Agency;

(b) Treat all Proposals equitably; and

(c) Recognize that public policy requires that Public Improvements be constructed at the least overall cost to the Contracting Agency. See ORS 279C.305.

(2) Evaluation Factors.

(a) In basic negotiated construction contracting, where the only reason for an RFP is to consider factors other than price, those factors may consist of firm and personnel experience on similar projects, adequacy of equipment and physical plant, sources of supply, availability of key personnel, financial capacity, past performance, safety records, project understanding, proposed methods of construction, proposed milestone dates, references, service, and related matters that affect cost or quality.

(b) In CM/GC contracting, in addition to (a) above, those factors may also include the ability to respond to the technical complexity or unique character of the project, analyze and propose solutions or approaches to complex project problems, coordination of multiple disciplines, the time required to commence and complete the improvement, and related matters that affect cost or quality.

(c) In Design-Build contracting, in addition to (a) and (b) above, those factors may also include design professional qualifications, specialized experience, preliminary design submittals, technical merit, design-builder team experience and related matters that affect cost or quality.

(d) In ESPC contracting, in addition to the factors set forth in subsections (a), (b) and (c) above, those factors may also include sample Technical Energy Audits from similar projects, sample M & V reports, financial statements and related information of the ESCO for a time period established in the RFP, financial statements and related information of joint venturers comprising the ESCO, the ESCO's capabilities and experience in performing energy baseline studies for facilities (independently or in cooperation with an independent third-party energy baseline consultant), past performance of the ESCO in meeting energy guarantee Contract levels, the specific Person that will provide the Energy Savings Guarantee to be offered by the ESCO, the ESCO's management plan for the project, information on the specific methods, techniques and equipment that the ESCO will use in the performance of the Work under the ESPC, the ESCO's team members and consultants to be assigned to the project, the ESCO's experience in the Energy Savings Performance Contracting field, the ESCO's experience acting as the prime contractor on previous ESPC projects (as opposed to a sub-contractor or consultant to a prime ESCO), the ESCO's vendor and product neutrality related to the development of ECMs, the ESCO's project history related to removal from an ESPC project or the inability or unwillingness of the ESCO to complete an ESPC project, the ESCO's M & V capabilities and experience (independently or in cooperation with an independent third-party M & V consultant), the ESCO's ability to explain the unique risks associated with ESPC projects and the assignment of risk in the particular project between the Contracting Agency and the ESCO, the ESCO's equipment performance guarantee policies and procedures, the ESCO's energy savings and cost savings guarantee policies and procedures, the ESCO's project cost guarantee policies and procedures, the ESCO's pricing methodologies, the price that the ESCO will charge for the Technical Energy Audit phase of the Work and the ESCO's fee structure for all phases of the ESPC.

(3) Contract Negotiations. Contract terms may be negotiated to the extent allowed by the RFP and OAR 137-049-0600 to 137-049-0690, provided that the general Work scope remains the same and that the field of competition does not change as a result of material changes to the requirements stated in the Solicitation Document. See 137-049-0650. Terms that may be negotiated consist of details of Contract performance, methods of construction, timing, assignment of risk in specified areas, fee, and other matters that affect cost or quality. In ESPC contracting, terms that may be negotiated also include the scope of preliminary design of ECMs to be evaluated by the parties during the Technical Energy Audit phase of the Work, the scope of Personal Services and Work to be performed by the ESCO during the Project Development Plan phase of the Work, the detailed provisions of the Energy Savings Guarantee to be provided by the ESCO and scope of Work, methodologies and compensation terms and conditions during the design and construction phase and M & V phase of the Work, consistent with the requirements of OAR 137-049-0680 below.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279C.335 & 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279C.335, 279A.065 & 351.086
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06

137-049-0645

Requests for Qualifications (RFQ)

As provided by ORS 279C.405(1), Contracting Agencies may utilize Requests for Qualifications (RFQs) to obtain information useful in the preparation or distribution of a Request for Proposals (RFPs). When using RFQs as the first step in a two step solicitation process, in which distribution of the RFPs will be limited to the firms identified as most qualified through their submitted statements of qualification, Contracting Agencies shall first advertise and provide notice of the RFQ in the same manner in which RFPs are advertised, specifically stating that RFPs will be distributed only to the firms selected in the RFQ process. In such cases the Contracting Agencies shall also provide within the RFQ a protest provision substantially in the form of OAR 137-049-0450(5) regarding protests of the Competitive Range. Thereafter, contracting agencies may distribute RFPs to the selected firms without further advertisement of the solicitation.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279C.405, 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279C.405
Hist.: DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 19-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08; DOJ 15-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10

137-049-0650

Requests for Proposals (RFP)

(1) Generally. The use of competitive Proposals must be specially authorized for a Public Improvement Contract under the competitive bidding requirement of ORS 279C.335 (1), OAR 137-049-0130 and 137-049-0600 to 137-049-0690. Also see ORS 279C.400 to 279C.410 for statutory requirements regarding competitive Proposals, and OAR 137-049-0640 regarding competitive Proposal procedures.

(2) Solicitation Documents. In addition to the Solicitation Document requirements of OAR 137-049-0200, this rule applies to the requirements for Requests for Proposals. RFP Solicitation Documents shall conform to the following standards:

(a) The Contracting Agency shall set forth selection criteria in the Solicitation Document. Examples of evaluation criteria include price or cost, quality of a product or service, past performance, management, capability, personnel qualification, prior experience, compatibility, reliability, operating efficiency, expansion potential, experience of key personnel, adequacy of equipment or physical plant, financial wherewithal, sources of supply, references and warranty provisions. See OAR 137-049-0640. Evaluation factors need not be precise predictors of actual future costs and performance, but to the extent possible, such factors shall be reasonable estimates based on information available to the Contracting Agency;

(b) When the Contracting Agency is willing to negotiate terms and conditions of the Contract or allow submission of revised Proposals following discussions, the Contracting Agency must identify the specific terms and conditions in or provisions of the Solicitation Document that are subject to negotiation or discussion and authorize Offerors to propose certain alternative terms and conditions in lieu of the terms and conditions the Contracting Agency has identified as authorized for negotiation. The Contracting Agency must describe the evaluation and discussion or negotiation process, including how the Contracting Agency will establish the Competitive Range;

(c) The anticipated size of the Competitive Range shall be stated in the solicitation document, but may be decreased if the number of Proposers that submit responsive Proposals is less that the specified number, or may be increased as provided in OAR 137-049-0650(4)(a)(B);

(d) When the Contracting Agency intends to Award Contracts to more than one Proposer, the Contracting Agency must identify in the Solicitation Document the manner in which it will determine the number of Contracts it will Award. The Contracting Agency shall also include the criteria it will use to determine how the Contracting Agency will endeavor to achieve optimal value, utility and substantial fairness when selecting a particular Contractor to provide Personal Services or Work from those Contractors Awarded Contracts.

(3) Evaluation of Proposals.

(a) Evaluation. The Contracting Agency shall evaluate Proposals only in accordance with criteria set forth in the RFP and applicable law. The Contracting Agency shall evaluate Proposals to determine the Responsible Proposer or Proposers submitting the best Responsive Proposal or Proposals.

(A) Clarifications. In evaluating Proposals, a Contracting Agency may seek information from a Proposer to clarify the Proposer's Proposal. A Proposer must submit Written and Signed clarifications and such clarifications shall become part of the Proposer's Proposal.

(B) Limited Negotiation. If the Contracting Agency did not permit negotiation in its Request for Proposals, the Contracting Agency may, nonetheless, negotiate with the highest-ranked Proposer, but may then only negotiate the:

(i) Statement of Work; and

(ii) Contract Price as it is affected by negotiating the statement of Work.

(iii) The process for discussions or negotiations that is outlined and explained in subsections (5)(b) and (6) of this rule does not apply to this limited negotiation.

(b) Discussions; Negotiations. If the Contracting Agency permitted discussions or negotiations in the Request for Proposals, the Contracting Agency shall evaluate Proposals and establish the Competitive Range, and may then conduct discussions and negotiations in accordance with this rule.

(A) If the Solicitation Document provided that discussions or negotiations may occur at Contracting Agency's discretion, the Contracting Agency may forego discussions and negotiations and evaluate all Proposals in accordance with this rule.

(B) If the Contracting Agency proceeds with discussions or negotiations, the Contracting Agency shall establish a negotiation team tailored for the acquisition. The Contracting Agency's team may include legal, technical and negotiating personnel.

(c) Cancellation. Nothing in this rule shall restrict or prohibit the Contracting Agency from canceling the solicitation at any time.

(4) Competitive Range; Protest; Award.

(a) Determining Competitive Range.

(A) If the Contracting Agency does not cancel the solicitation, after the Opening the Contracting Agency will evaluate all Proposals in accordance with the evaluation criteria set forth in the Request for Proposals. After evaluation of all Proposals in accordance with the criteria set forth in the Request for Proposals, the Contracting Agency will determine and rank the Proposers in the Competitive Range.

(B) The Contracting Agency may increase the number of Proposers in the Competitive Range if the Contracting Agency's evaluation of Proposals establishes a natural break in the scores of Proposers indicating a number of Proposers greater than the initial Competitive Range are closely competitive, or have a reasonable chance of being determined the best Proposer after the Contracting Agency's evaluation of revised Proposals submitted in accordance with the process described in this rule.

(b) Protesting Competitive Range. The Contracting Agency shall provide Written notice to all Proposers identifying Proposers in the Competitive Range. A Proposer that is not within the Competitive Range may protest the Contracting Agency's evaluation and determination of the Competitive Range in accordance with OAR 137-049-0450.

(c) Intent to Award; Discuss or Negotiate. After the protest period provided in accordance with these rules expires, or after the Contracting Agency has provided a final response to any protest, whichever date is later, the Contracting Agency may either:

(A) Provide Written notice to all Proposers in the Competitive Range of its intent to Award the Contract to the highest-ranked Proposer in the Competitive Range.

(i) An unsuccessful Proposer may protest the Contracting Agency's intent to Award in accordance with OAR 137-049-0450.

(ii) After the protest period provided in accordance with OAR 137-049-0450 expires, or after the Contracting Agency has provided a final response to any protest, whichever date is later, the Contracting Agency shall commence final Contract negotiations with the highest-ranked Proposer in the Competitive Range; or

(B) Engage in discussions with Proposers in the Competitive Range and accept revised Proposals from them, and, following such discussions and receipt and evaluation of revised Proposals, conduct negotiations with the Proposers in the Competitive Range.

(5) Discussions; Revised Proposals. If the Contracting Agency chooses to enter into discussions with and receive revised Proposals from the Proposers in the Competitive Range, the Contracting Agency shall proceed as follows:

(a) Initiating Discussions. The Contracting Agency shall initiate oral or Written discussions with all of the Proposers in the Competitive Range regarding their Proposals with respect to the provisions of the RFP that the Contracting Agency identified in the RFP as the subject of discussions. The Contracting Agency may conduct discussions for the following purposes:

(A) Informing Proposers of deficiencies in their initial Proposals;

(B) Notifying Proposers of parts of their Proposals for which the Contracting Agency would like additional information; and

(C) Otherwise allowing Proposers to develop revised Proposals that will allow the Contracting Agency to obtain the best Proposal based on the requirements and evaluation criteria set forth in the Request for Proposals.

(b) Conducting Discussions. The Contracting Agency may conduct discussions with each Proposer in the Competitive Range necessary to fulfill the purposes of this section, but need not conduct the same amount of discussions with each Proposer. The Contracting Agency may terminate discussions with any Proposer in the Competitive Range at any time. However, the Contracting Agency shall offer all Proposers in the Competitive Range the opportunity to discuss their Proposals with Contracting Agency before the Contracting Agency notifies Proposers of the date and time pursuant to this section that revised Proposals will be due.

(A) In conducting discussions, the Contracting Agency:

(i) Shall treat all Proposers fairly and shall not favor any Proposer over another;

(ii) Shall not discuss other Proposers' Proposals;

(iii) Shall not suggest specific revisions that a Proposer should make to its Proposal, and shall not otherwise direct the Proposer to make any specific revisions to its Proposal.

(B) At any time during the time allowed for discussions, the Contracting Agency may:

(i) Continue discussions with a particular Proposer;

(ii) Terminate discussions with a particular Proposer and continue discussions with other Proposers in the Competitive Range; or

(iii) Conclude discussions with all remaining Proposers in the Competitive Range and provide notice to the Proposers in the Competitive Range to submit revised Proposals.

(c) Revised Proposals. If the Contracting Agency does not cancel the solicitation at the conclusion of the Contracting Agency's discussions with all remaining Proposers in the Competitive Range, the Contracting Agency shall give all remaining Proposers in the Competitive Range notice of the date and time by which they must submit revised Proposals. This notice constitutes the Contracting Agency's termination of discussions, and Proposers must submit revised Proposals by the date and time set forth in the Contracting Agency's notice.

(A) Upon receipt of the revised Proposals, the Contracting Agency shall score the revised Proposals based upon the evaluation criteria set forth in the Request for Proposals, and rank the revised Proposals based on the Contracting Agency's scoring.

(B) The Contracting Agency may conduct discussions with and accept only one revised Proposal from each Proposer in the Competitive Range unless otherwise set forth in the Request for Proposals.

(d) Intent to Award; Protest. The Contracting Agency shall provide Written notice to all Proposers in the Competitive Range of the Contracting Agency's intent to Award the Contract. An unsuccessful Proposer may protest the Contracting Agency's intent to Award in accordance with OAR 137-049-0450. After the protest period provided in accordance with that rule expires, or after the Contracting Agency has provided a final response to any protest, whichever date is later, the Contracting Agency shall commence final Contract negotiations.

(6) Negotiations.

(a) Initiating Negotiations. The Contracting Agency may determine to commence negotiations with the highest-ranked Proposer in the Competitive Range following the:

(A) Initial determination of the Competitive Range; or

(B) Conclusion of discussions with all Proposers in the Competitive Range and evaluation of revised Proposals.

(b) Conducting Negotiations.

(A) Scope. The Contracting Agency may negotiate:

(i) The statement of Work;

(ii) The Contract Price as it is affected by negotiating the statement of Work; and

(iii) Any other terms and conditions reasonably related to those expressly authorized for negotiation in the Request for Proposals. Accordingly, Proposers shall not submit, and Contracting Agency shall not accept, for negotiation any alternative terms and conditions that are not reasonably related to those expressly authorized for negotiation in the Request for Proposals.

(c) Terminating Negotiations. At any time during discussions or negotiations that the Contracting Agency conducts in accordance with this rule, the Contracting Agency may terminate discussions or negotiations with the highest-ranked Proposer, or the Proposer with whom it is currently discussing or negotiating, if the Contracting Agency reasonably believes that:

(A) The Proposer is not discussing or negotiating in good faith; or

(B) Further discussions or negotiations with the Proposer will not result in the parties agreeing to the terms and conditions of a final Contract in a timely manner.

(d) Continuing Negotiations. If the Contracting Agency terminates discussions or negotiations with a Proposer, the Contracting Agency may then commence negotiations with the next highest scoring Proposer in the Competitive Range, and continue the process described in this rule until the Contracting Agency has either:

(A) Determined to Award the Contract to the Proposer with whom it is currently discussing or negotiating; or

(B) Completed one round of discussions or negotiations with all Proposers in the Competitive Range, unless the Contracting Agency provided for more than one round of discussions or negotiations in the Request for Proposals.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279C.400 - 279C.410
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 15-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10

137-049-0660

RFP Pricing Mechanisms

(1) A Request for Proposals may result in a lump sum Contract Price, as in the case of competitive bidding. Alternatively, a cost reimbursement Contract may be negotiated.

(2) Economic incentives or disincentives may be included to reflect stated Contracting Agency purposes related to time of completion, safety or other Public Contracting objectives, including total least cost mechanisms such as life cycle costing.

(3) A Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) is used as the pricing mechanism for CM/GC where a total Contract Price is provided in the design phase in order to assist the Contracting Agency in determining whether the project scope is within the Contracting Agency's budget, and allowing for design changes during preliminary design rather than after final design Work has been completed.

(a) If this collaborative process is successful, the Contractor shall propose a final GMP, which may be accepted by the Contracting Agency and included within the Contract.

(b) If this collaborative process is not successful, and no mutually agreeable resolution on GMP can be achieved with the Contractor, then the Contracting Agency shall terminate the Contract. The public Contracting Agency may then proceed to negotiate a new Contract (and GMP) with the firm that was next ranked in the original selection process, or employ other means for continuing the project under ORS Chapter 279C.

(4) When cost reimbursement Contracts are utilized, regardless of whether a GMP is included, the Contracting Agency shall provide for audit controls that will effectively verify rates and ensure that costs are reasonable, allowable and properly allocated.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279C.335
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06

137-049-0670

Design-Build Contracts

(1) General. The Design-Build form of contracting, as defined at OAR 137-049-0610(3), has technical complexities that are not readily apparent. Contracting Agencies shall use this contracting method only with the assistance of knowledgeable staff or consultants who are experienced in its use. In order to use the Design-Build process, the Contracting Agency must be able to reasonably anticipate the following types of benefits:

(a) Obtaining, through a Design-Build team, engineering design, plan preparation, value engineering, construction engineering, construction, quality control and required documentation as a fully integrated function with a single point of responsibility;

(b) Integrating value engineering suggestions into the design phase, as the construction Contractor joins the project team early with design responsibilities under a team approach, with the potential of reducing Contract changes;

(c) Reducing the risk of design flaws, misunderstandings and conflicts inherent in construction Contractors building from designs in which they have had no opportunity for input, with the potential of reducing Contract claims;

(d) Shortening project time as construction activity (early submittals, mobilization, subcontracting and advance Work) commences prior to completion of a "Biddable" design, or where a design solution is still required (as in complex or phased projects); or

(e) Obtaining innovative design solutions through the collaboration of the Contractor and design team, which would not otherwise be possible if the Contractor had not yet been selected.

(2) Authority. Contracting Agencies shall utilize the Design-Build form of contracting only in accordance with the requirements of these OARs 137-049-0600 to 137-049-0690 rules. See particularly 137-049-0620 on "Use of Alternative Contracting Methods" and 137-049-0680 pertaining to ESPCs.

(3) Selection. Design-Build selection criteria may include those factors set forth above in OAR 137-049-0640(2)(a), (b) and (c).

(4) QBS Inapplicable. Because the value of construction Work predominates the Design-Build form of contracting, the qualifications based selection (QBS) process mandated by ORS 279C.110 for State Contracting Agencies in obtaining certain consultant Personal Services is not applicable.

(5) Licensing. If a Design-Build Contractor is not an Oregon licensed design professional, the Contracting Agency shall require that the Design-Build Contractor disclose in its Written Offer that it is not an Oregon licensed design professional, and identify the Oregon licensed design professional(s) who will provide design services. See ORS 671.030(2)(g) regarding the offer of architectural services, and ORS 672.060(11) regarding the offer of engineering services that are appurtenant to construction Work.

(6) Performance Security. ORS 279C.380(1)(a) provides that for Design-Build Contracts the surety's obligation on performance bonds, or the Bidder's obligation on cashier's or certified checks accepted in lieu thereof, includes the preparation and completion of design and related Personal Services specified in the Contract. This additional obligation, beyond performance of construction Work, extends only to the provision of Personal Services and related design revisions, corrective Work and associated costs prior to final completion of the Contract (or for such longer time as may be defined in the Contract). The obligation is not intended to be a substitute for professional liability insurance, and does not include errors and omissions or latent defects coverage.

(7) Contract Requirements. Contracting Agencies shall conform their Design-Build contracting practices to the following requirements:

(a) Design Services. The level or type of design services required must be clearly defined within the Procurement documents and Contract, along with a description of the level or type of design services previously performed for the project. The Personal Services and Work to be performed shall be clearly delineated as either design Specifications or performance standards, and performance measurements must be identified.

(b) Professional Liability. The Contract shall clearly identify the liability of design professionals with respect to the Design-Build Contractor and the Contracting Agency, as well as requirements for professional liability insurance.

(c) Risk Allocation. The Contract shall clearly identify the extent to which the Contracting Agency requires an express indemnification from the Design-Build Contractor for any failure to perform, including professional errors and omissions, design warranties, construction operations and faulty Work claims.

(d) Warranties. The Contract shall clearly identify any express warranties made to the Contracting Agency regarding characteristics or capabilities of the completed project (regardless of whether errors occur as the result of improper design, construction, or both), including any warranty that a design will be produced that meets the stated project performance and budget guidelines.

(e) Incentives. The Contract shall clearly identify any economic incentives and disincentives, the specific criteria that apply and their relationship to other financial elements of the Contract.

(f) Honoraria. If allowed by the RFP, honoraria or stipends may be provided for early design submittals from qualified finalists during the solicitation process on the basis that the Contracting Agency is benefited from such deliverables.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279C.335 & 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279C.335, 279A.065, 279C.110 & 351.086
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 15-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10

137-049-0680

Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPC)

(1) Generally. These OAR 137-049-0600 to 137-049-0690 rules include a limited, efficient method for Contracting Agencies to enter into ESPCs outside the competitive bidding requirements of ORS 279C.335 for existing buildings or structures, but not for new construction. See ORS 279C.335(1)(f). If a Contracting Agency chooses not to utilize the ESPC Procurement method provided for by these OAR 137-049-0600 to 137-049-0690 rules, the Contracting Agency may still enter into an ESPC by complying with the competitive bidding exemption process set forth in ORS 279C.335, or by otherwise complying with the Procurement requirements applicable to any Contracting Agency not subject to all the requirements of ORS 279C.335.

(2) ESPC Contracting Method. The ESPC form of contracting, as defined at OAR 137-049-0610(6), has unique technical complexities associated with the determination of what ECMs are feasible for the Contracting Agency, as well as the additional technical complexities associated with a Design-Build Contract. Contracting Agencies shall only utilize the ESPC contracting method with the assistance of knowledgeable staff or consultants who are experienced in its use. In order to utilize the ESPC contracting process, the Contracting Agency must be able to reasonably anticipate one or more of the following types of benefits:

(a) Obtaining, through an ESCO, the following types of integrated Personal Services and Work: facility profiling, energy baseline studies, ECMs, Technical Energy Audits, project development planning, engineering design, plan preparation, cost estimating, life cycle costing, construction administration, project management, construction, quality control, operations and maintenance staff training, commissioning services, M & V services and required documentation as a fully integrated function with a single point of responsibility;

(b) Obtaining, through an ESCO, an Energy Savings Guarantee;

(c) Integrating the Technical Energy Audit phase and the Project Development Plan phase into the design and construction phase of Work on the project;

(d) Reducing the risk of design flaws, misunderstandings and conflicts inherent in the construction process, through the integration of ESPC Personal Services and Work;

(e) Obtaining innovative design solutions through the collaboration of the members of the ESCO integrated ESPC team;

(f) Integrating cost-effective ECMs into an existing building or structure, so that the ECMs pay for themselves through savings realized over the useful life of the ECMs;

(g) Preliminary design, development,

IMPLEMENTATION
and an Energy Savings Guarantee of ECMs into an existing building or structure through an ESPC, as a distinct part of a major remodel of that building or structure that is being performed under a separate remodeling Contract; and

(h) Satisfying local energy efficiency design criteria or requirements.

(3) Authority. Contracting Agencies desiring to pursue an exemption from the competitive bidding requirements of ORS 279C.335 (and, if applicable, ORS 351.086), shall utilize the ESPC form of contracting only in accordance with the requirements of these OAR 137-049-0600 to 137-049-0690 rules.

(4) No Findings Required. A Contracting Agency is only required to comply with the ESPC contracting procedures set forth in these OAR 137-049-0600 to 137-049-0690 rules in order for the ESPC to be exempt from the competitive bidding processes of ORS 279C.335. No Findings are required for an ESPC to be exempt from the competitive bidding process for Public Improvement Contracts pursuant to ORS 279C.335, unless the Contracting Agency is subject to the requirements of ORS 279C.335 and chooses not to comply with the ESPC contracting procedures set forth in OAR 137-049-0600 to 137-049-0690.

(5) Selection. ESPC selection criteria may include those factors set forth above in OAR 137-049-0640(2)(a), (b), (c) and (d). Since the Energy Savings Guarantee is such a fundamental component in the ESPC contracting process, Proposers must disclose in their Proposals the identity of any Person providing (directly or indirectly) any Energy Savings Guarantee that may be offered by the successful ESCO during the course of the performance of the ESPC, along with any financial statements and related information pertaining to any such Person.

(6) QBS Inapplicable. Because the value of construction Work predominates in the ESPC method of contracting, the qualifications based selection (QBS) process mandated by ORS 279C.110 for State Contracting Agencies in obtaining certain consultant services is not applicable.

(7) Licensing. If the ESCO is not an Oregon licensed design professional, the Contracting Agency shall require that the ESCO disclose in the ESPC that it is not an Oregon licensed design professional, and identify the Oregon licensed design professional(s) who will provide design services. See ORS 671.030(5) regarding the offer of architectural services, and 672.060(11) regarding the offer of engineering services that are appurtenant to construction Work.

(8) Performance Security. At the point in the ESPC when the parties enter into a binding Contract that constitutes a Design-Build Contract, the ESCO must provide a performance bond and a payment bond, each for 100% of the full Contract Price, including the construction Work and design and related Personal Services specified in the ESPC Design-Build Contract, pursuant to ORS 279C.380(1)(a). For ESPC Design-Build Contracts, these "design and related services" include conventional design services, commissioning services, training services for the Contracting Agency's operations and maintenance staff, and any similar Personal Services provided by the ESCO under the ESPC Design-Build Contract prior to final completion of construction. M & V services, and any Personal Services or Work associated with the ESCO's Energy Savings Guarantee are not included in these 279C.380(1)(a) "design and related services." Nevertheless, a Contracting Agency may require that the ESCO provide performance security for M & V services and any Personal Services or Work associated with the ESCO's Energy Savings Guarantee, if the Contracting Agency so provides in the RFP.

(9) Contracting Requirements. Contracting Agencies shall conform their ESPC contracting practices to the following requirements:

(a) General ESPC Contracting Practices. An ESPC involves a multi-phase project, which includes the following contractual elements:

(A) A contractual structure which includes general Contract terms describing the relationship of the parties, the various phases of the Work, the contractual terms governing the Technical Energy Audit for the project, the contractual terms governing the Project Development Plan for the project, the contractual terms governing the final design and construction of the project, the contractual terms governing the performance of the M & V services for the project, and the detailed provisions of the ESCO's Energy Savings Guarantee for the project.

(B) The various phases of the ESCO's Work will include the following:

(i) The Technical Energy Audit phase of the Work;

(ii) The Project Development Plan phase of the Work;

(iii) A third phase of the Work that constitutes a Design-Build Contract, during which the ESCO completes any plans and Specifications required to implement the ECMs that have been agreed to by the parties to the ESPC, and the ESCO performs all construction, commissioning, construction administration and related Personal Services or Work to actually construct the project; and

(iv) A final phase of the Work, whereby the ESCO, independently or in cooperation with an independent consultant hired by the Contracting Agency, performs M & V services to ensure that the Energy Savings Guarantee identified by the ESCO in the earlier phases of the Work and agreed to by the parties has actually been achieved.

(b) Design-Build Contracting Requirements in ESPCs. At the point in the ESPC when the parties enter into a binding Contract that constitutes a Design-Build Contract, the Contracting Agency shall conform its Design-Build contracting practices to the Design-Build contracting requirements set forth in OAR 137-040-0560(7) above.

(c) Pricing Alternatives. The Contracting Agency may utilize one of the following pricing alternatives in an ESPC:

(A) A fixed price for each phase of the Personal Services and Work to be provided by the ESCO;

(B) A cost reimbursement pricing mechanism, with a maximum not-to-exceed price or a GMP; or

(C) A combination of a fixed fee for certain components of the Personal Services to be performed, a cost reimbursement pricing mechanism for the construction Work to be performed with a GMP, a single or annual fixed fee for M & V services to be performed for an identified time period after final completion of the construction Work, and a single or annual Energy Savings Guarantee fixed fee payable for an identified time period after final completion of the construction Work that is conditioned on certain energy savings being achieved at the facility by the ECMs that have been implemented by the ESCO during the project (in the event an annual M & V services fee and annual Energy Savings Guarantee fee is utilized by the parties, the parties may provide in the Design-Build Contract that, at the sole option of the Contracting Agency, the ESCO's M & V services may be terminated prior to the completion of the M & V/Energy Savings Guarantee period and the Contracting Agency's future obligation to pay the M & V services fee and Energy Savings Guarantee fee will likewise be terminated, under terms agreed to by the parties).

(d) Permitted ESPC Scope of Work. The scope of Work under the ESPC is restricted to

IMPLEMENTATION
and installation of ECMs, as well as other Work on building systems or building components that are directly related to the ECMs, and that, as an integrated unit, will pay for themselves over the useful life of the ECMs installed. The permitted scope of Work for ESPCs resulting from a solicitation under these 137-049-0600 to 137-049-0690 rules does not include maintenance services for the project facility.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279C.335 & 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279C.335, 279A.065, 279C.110 & 351.086
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 15-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10

137-049-0690

Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC)

(1) General. The CM/GC form of contracting, as defined at OAR 137-049-0610(2), is a technically complex project delivery system. Contracting Agencies shall use this contracting method only with the assistance of knowledgeable staff or consultants who have a demonstrated capability of managing the CM/GC process in the necessary disciplines of engineering, construction scheduling and cost control, accounting, legal, Public Contracting and project management. Unlike the Design-Build form of contracting, the CM/GC form of contracting does not contemplate a "single point of responsibility" under which the Contractor is responsible for successful completion of all Work related to a performance Specification. The CM/GC has defined contract obligations, including responsibilities as part of the project team along with the Contracting Agency and design professional, although in CM/GC there is a separate contract between the Contracting Agency and design professional. In order to utilize the CM/GC method, the Contracting Agency must be able to reasonably anticipate the following types of benefits:

(a) Time Savings. The Public Improvement has significant schedule ramifications, such that concurrent design and construction are necessary in order to meet critical deadlines and shorten the overall duration of construction. The Contracting Agency may consider operational and financial data that show significant savings or increased opportunities for generating revenue as a result of early completion, as well as less disruption to public facilities as a result of shortened construction periods;

(b) Cost Savings. Early Contractor input during the design process is expected to contribute to significant cost savings. The Contracting Agency may consider value engineering, building systems analysis, life cycle costing analysis and construction planning that lead to cost savings. The Contracting Agency shall specify any special factors influencing this analysis, including high rates of inflation, market uncertainty due to material and labor fluctuations or scarcities, and the need for specialized construction expertise due to technical challenges; or

(c) Technical Complexity. The Public Improvement presents significant technical complexities that are best addressed by a collaborative or team effort between the Contracting Agency, design professionals and Contractor, in which the Contractor will assist in addressing specific project challenges through pre-construction Personal Services. The Contracting Agency may consider the need for Contractor input on issues such as operations of the facility during construction, tenant occupancy, public safety, delivery of an early budget or GMP, financing, historic preservation, difficult remodeling projects and projects requiring complex phasing or highly coordinated scheduling.

(2) Authority. Contracting Agencies shall use the CM/GC form of contracting only in accordance with the requirements of these rules. See particularly OAR 137-049-0620 on "Use of Alternative Contracting Methods".

(3) Selection. CM/GC selection criteria may include those factors set forth above in OAR 137-049-0640(2)(b).

(4) Basis for Payment. The CM/GC process adds specified Construction Manager Personal Services to traditional General Contractor Work, requiring full Contract performance within a negotiated Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP). The basis for payment is reimbursable direct costs as defined under the Contract, plus a fee constituting full payment for Work and Personal Services rendered, which together shall not exceed the GMP. See GMP definition at OAR 137-049-0610(7) and Pricing Mechanisms at 137-049-0660.

(5) Contract Requirements. Contracting Agencies shall conform their CM/GC contracting practices to the following requirements:

(a) Setting the GMP. The GMP shall be set at an identified time consistent with industry practice, after supporting information reasonably considered necessary to its use has been developed, and the supporting information shall define with particularity both what is included and excluded from the GMP. A set of drawings and Specifications shall be produced establishing the GMP scope.

(b) Adjustments to the GMP. The Contract shall clearly identify the standards or factors under which changes or additional Work will be considered outside of the Work scope that warrants an increase in the GMP, as well as criteria for decreasing the GMP. The GMP shall not be increased without a concomitant increase to the scope defined at the establishment of the GMP or most recent GMP amendment.

(c) Cost Savings. The Contract shall clearly identify the disposition of any cost savings resulting from completion of the Work below the GMP; that is, under what circumstances, if any, the CM/GC might share in those cost savings, or whether they accrue only to the Contracting Agency's benefit. (Note that unless there is a clearly articulated reason for sharing such cost savings, they should accrue to the Contracting Agency.)

(d) Cost Reimbursement. The Contract shall clearly identify what items or categories of items are eligible for cost reimbursement within the GMP, including any category of "General Conditions" (a general grouping of direct costs that are not separately invoiced, subcontracted or included within either overhead or fee), and may also incorporate a mutually-agreeable cost-reimbursement standard.

(e) Audit. Cost reimbursements shall be made subject to final audit adjustment, and the Contract shall establish an audit process to ensure that Contract costs are allowable, properly allocated and reasonable.

(f) Fee. Compensation for the CM/GC's Personal Services and Work shall include a fee that is inclusive of profit, overhead and all other indirect or non-reimbursable costs. Costs determined to be included within the fee should be expressly defined wherever possible. The fee, first expressed as a proposed percentage of all reimbursable costs, shall be identified during and become an element of the selection process. It shall subsequently be expressed as a fixed amount when the GMP is established.

(g) Incentives. The Contract shall clearly identify any economic incentives, the specific criteria that apply and their relationship to other financial elements of the Contract (including the GMP).

(h) Controlled Insurance Programs. For projects anticipated to exceed $75 Million, the Contract shall clearly identify whether an Owner Controlled or Contractor Controlled Insurance Program is anticipated or allowable. If so, the Contract shall clearly identify (1) anticipated cost savings from reduced premiums, claims reductions and other factors, (2) the allocation of cost savings, and (3) safety responsibilities and/or incentives.

(i) Early Work. The RFP shall clearly identify, whenever feasible, the circumstances under which any of the following activities may be authorized and undertaken for compensation prior to establishing the GMP:

(A) Early Procurement of materials and supplies;

(B) Early release of Bid packages for such things as site development; and

(C) Other advance Work related to critical components of the Contract.

(j) Subcontractor Selection. The Contract shall clearly describe the methods by which the CM/GC shall publicly receive, open and record Bids or price quotations, and competitively select subcontractors to perform the Contract Work based upon price, as well as the mechanisms by which the Contracting Agency may waive those requirements. The documents shall also describe completely the methods by which the CM/GC and its affiliated or subsidiary entities may compete to perform the Work, including, at a minimum, advance notice to the public of the CM/GC's intent to compete and a public Opening of Bids or quotations by an independent party.

(k) Subcontractor Approvals and Protests. The Contract shall clearly establish whether the Contracting Agency must approve subcontract awards, and to what extent, if any, the Contracting Agency will resolve Procurement protests of subcontractors and suppliers. The related procedures and reporting mechanisms shall be established with certainty, including whether the CM/GC acts as the Contracting Agency's representative in this process and whether the CM/GC's subcontracting records are considered to be public records. In any event, the Contracting Agency shall retain the right to monitor the subcontracting process in order to protect Contracting Agency's interests.

(l) CM/GC Self-Performance. Whenever feasible, the Contract shall establish the elements of Work the CM/GC may self-perform without competition, including, for example, the Work of the job-site general conditions. In the alternative, the Contract shall include a process for Contracting Agency approval of CM/GC self-performance.

(m) Socio-Economic Programs. The Contract shall clearly identify conditions relating to any required socio-economic programs (such as Affirmative Action or Prison Inmate Labor Programs), including the manner in which such programs affect the CM/GC's subcontracting requirements, the enforcement mechanisms available, and the respective responsibilities of the CM/GC and Contracting Agency.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 297C.335 & 279C.380(2)
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06

Contract Provisions

137-049-0800

Required Contract Clauses

Except as provided by OAR 137-0490-0150 and 137-049-0160, Contracting Agencies shall include in all Solicitation Documents for Public Improvement Contracts all of the ORS Chapter 279C required Contract clauses, as set forth in the checklist contained in OAR 137-049-0200(1)(c) regarding Solicitation Documents. The following series of rules provides further guidance regarding particular Public Contract provisions.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 297C.505 - 279C.545 & 279C.800 - 279C.870
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 15-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10

137-049-0810

Waiver of Delay Damages Against Public Policy

Contracting Agencies shall not place any provision in a Public Improvement Contract purporting to waive, release, or extinguish the rights of a Contractor to damages resulting from a Contracting Agency's unreasonable delay in performing the Contract. However, Contract provisions requiring notice of delay, providing for alternative dispute resolution such as arbitration (where allowable) or mediation, providing other procedures for settling contract disputes, or providing for reasonable liquidated damages, are permissible.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279C.315
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05

137-049-0815

BOLI Public Works Bond

Pursuant to ORS 279C.830(2), the specifications for every Public Works Contract shall contain a provision stating that the Contractor and every subcontractor must have a Public Works bond filed with the Construction Contractors Board before starting Work on the project, unless otherwise exempt. This bond is in addition to performance bond and payment bond requirements. See BOLI rule at OAR 839-025-0015.

Stat. Auth: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279C.830
Hist.: DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 15-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10

137-049-0820

Retainage

(1) Withholding of Retainage. Except to the extent a Contracting Agency's enabling laws require otherwise, a Contracting Agency shall not retain an amount in excess of five percent of the Contract Price for Work completed. If the Contractor has performed at least 50 percent of the Contract Work and is progressing satisfactorily, upon the Contractor's submission of Written application containing the surety's Written approval, the Contracting Agency may, in its discretion, reduce or eliminate retainage on any remaining progress payments. The Contracting Agency shall respond in Writing to all such applications within a reasonable time. When the Contract Work is 97-1/2 percent completed, the Contracting Agency may, at its discretion and without application by the Contractor, reduce the retained amount to 100 percent of the value of the remaining unperformed Contract Work. A Contracting Agency may at any time reinstate retainage. Retainage shall be included in the final payment of the Contract Price.

(2) Form of Retainage. Unless a Contracting Agency that reserves an amount as retainage finds in writing that accepting a bond or instrument described in part (a) or (b) of this section poses an extraordinary risk that is not typically associated with the bond or instrument, the Contracting Agency, in lieu of withholding moneys from payment, shall accept from the Contractor:

(a) Bonds, securities or other instruments that are deposited and accepted as provided in subsection (4)(a) of this rule; or

(b) A surety bond deposited as provided in subsection (4)(b) of this rule.

(3) Deposit in interest-bearing accounts. Upon request of the Contractor, a Contracting Agency shall deposit cash retainage in an interest-bearing account in a bank, savings bank, trust company, or savings association, for the benefit of the Contracting Agency. Earnings on such account shall accrue to the Contractor. State Contracting Agencies shall establish the account through the State Treasurer.

(4) Alternatives to cash retainage. In lieu of cash retainage to be held by a Contracting Agency, the Contractor may substitute one of the following:

(a) Deposit of bonds, securities or other instruments:

(A) The Contractor may deposit bonds, securities or other instruments with the Contracting Agency or in any bank or trust company to be held for the benefit of the Contracting Agency. If the Contracting Agency accepts the deposit, the Contracting Agency shall reduce the cash retainage by an amount equal to the value of the bonds and securities, and reimburse the excess to the Contractor.

(B) Bonds, securities or other instruments deposited or acquired in lieu of cash retainage must be of a character approved by the Oregon Department of Administrative Services, which may include, without limitation:

(i) Bills, certificates, notes or bonds of the United States.

(ii) Other obligations of the United States or agencies of the United States.

(iii) Obligations of a corporation wholly owned by the Federal Government.

(iv) Indebtedness of the Federal National Mortgage Association.

(v) General obligation bonds of the State of Oregon or a political subdivision of the State of Oregon.

(vii) Irrevocable letters of credit issued by an insured institution, as defined in ORS 706.008.

(C) Upon the Contracting Agency's determination that all requirements for the protection of the Contracting Agency's interests have been fulfilled, it shall release to the Contractor all bonds and securities deposited in lieu of retainage.

(b) Deposit of surety bond. A Contracting Agency, at its discretion, may allow the Contractor to deposit a surety bond in a form acceptable to the Contracting Agency in lieu of all or a portion of funds retained or to be retained. A Contractor depositing such a bond shall accept surety bonds from its subcontractors and suppliers in lieu of retainage. In such cases, retainage shall be reduced by an amount equal to the value of the bond, and the excess shall be reimbursed.

(5) Recovery of costs. A Contracting Agency may recover from the Contractor all costs incurred in the proper handling of retainage by reduction of the final payment.

(6) Additional Retainage When Certified Payroll Statements Not Filed. Pursuant to ORS 279C.845(7), if a Contractor is required to file certified payroll statements and fails to do so, the Contracting Agency shall retain 25 percent of any amount earned by the Contractor on a Public Works Contract until the Contractor has filed such statements with the Contracting Agency. The Contracting Agency shall pay the Contractor the amount retained under this provision within 14 days after the Contractor files the certified statements, regardless of whether a subcontractor has filed such statements (but see ORS 279C.845(1) regarding the requirement for both contractors and subcontractors to file certified statements with the Contracting Agency). See BOLI rule at OAR 839-025-0010.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065 & 279C.845
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279C.560, 279C.570 & 701.420
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 15-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10

137-049-0830

Contractor Progress Payments

(1) Request for progress payments. Each month the Contractor shall submit to the Contracting Agency its Written request for a progress payment based upon an estimated percentage of Contract completion. At the Contracting Agency's discretion, this request may also include the value of material to be incorporated in the completed Work that has been delivered to the premises and appropriately stored. The sum of these estimates is referred to as the "value of completed Work." With these estimates as a base, the Contracting Agency will make a progress payment to the Contractor, which shall be equal to:

(a) The value of completed Work;

(b) Less those amounts that have been previously paid;

(c) Less other amounts that may be deductible or owing and due to the Contracting Agency for any cause; and

(d) Less the appropriate amount of retainage.

(2) Progress payments do not mean acceptance of Work. Progress payments shall not be construed as an acceptance or approval of any part of the Work, and shall not relieve the Contractor of responsibility for defective workmanship or material.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279C.570
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05

137-049-0840

Interest

(1) Prompt payment policy. A Contracting Agency shall pay promptly all payments due and owing to the Contractor on Contracts for Public Improvements.

(2) Interest on progress payments. Late payment interest shall begin to accrue on payments due and owing on the earlier of 30 Days after receipt of invoice or 15 Days after Contracting Agency approval of payment (the "Progress Payment Due Date"). The interest rate shall equal three times the discount rate on 90-day commercial paper in effect on the Progress Payment Due Date at the Federal Reserve Bank in the Federal Reserve district that includes Oregon, up to a maximum rate of 30 percent.

(3) Interest on final payment. Final payment on the Contract Price, including retainage, shall be due and owing no later than 30 Days after Contract completion and acceptance of the Work. Late-payment interest on such final payment shall thereafter accrue at the rate of one and one-half percent per month until paid.

(4) Settlement or judgment interest. In the event of a dispute as to compensation due a Contractor for Work performed, upon settlement or judgment in favor of the Contractor, interest on the amount of the settlement or judgment shall be added to, and not made part of, the settlement or judgment. Such interest, at the discount rate on 90-day commercial paper in effect at the Federal Reserve Bank in the Federal Reserve District that includes Oregon, shall accrue from the later of the Progress Payment Due Date, or thirty Days after the Contractor submitted a claim for payment to the Contracting Agency in Writing or otherwise in accordance with the Contract requirements.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279C.570
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05

137-049-0850

Final Inspection

(1) Notification of Completion; inspection. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Agency in Writing when the Contractor considers the Contract Work completed. Within 15 Days of receiving Contractor's notice, the Contracting Agency will inspect the project and project records, and will either accept the Work or notify the Contractor of remaining Work to be performed.

(2) Acknowledgment of acceptance. When the Contracting Agency finds that all Work required under the Contract has been completed satisfactorily, the Contracting Agency shall acknowledge acceptance of the Work in Writing.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279C.570
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05

137-049-0860

Public Works Contracts

(1) Generally. ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870 regulates Public Works Contracts, as defined in 279C.800(6), and requirements for payment of prevailing wage rates. Also see administrative rules of the Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) at OAR chapter 839.

(2) Required Contract Conditions. As detailed in the above statutes and rules, every Public Works Contract must contain the following provisions:

(a) Contracting Agency authority to pay certain unpaid claims and charge such amounts to Contractors, as set forth in ORS 279C.515(1).

(b) Maximum hours of labor and overtime, as set forth in ORS 279C.520(1).

(c) Employer notice to employees of hours and days that employees may be required to work, as set forth in ORS 279C.520(2).

(d) Contractor required payments for certain services related to sickness or injury, as set forth in ORS 279C.530.

(e) Requirement for payment of prevailing rate of wage, as set forth in ORS 279C.830(1).

(3) Requirements for Specifications. The Specifications for every Public Works Contract, consisting of the procurement package (such as the project manual, Bid or Proposal booklets, request for quotes or similar procurement Specifications), must contain the following provisions:

(a) The prevailing state rate of wage, as required by ORS 279C.830(1)(a):

(A) physically contained within or attached to hard copies of procurement Specifications;

(B) included by a statement incorporating the applicable wage rate publication into the Specifications by reference, in compliance with OAR 839-025-0020; or, (iii) when the rates are available electronically or by Internet access, the rates may be incorporated into the Specifications by referring to the rates and providing adequate information on how to access them in compliance with OAR 839-025-0020.

(b) If applicable, the federal prevailing rate of wage and information concerning whether the state or federal rate is higher in each trade or occupation in each locality, as determined by BOLI in a separate publication. The same options for inclusion of wage rate information stated in subsection 3(a) of this rule apply. See BOLI rules at OAR 839-025-0020 and 0035.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279C.800 - 279C.870
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; DOJ 19-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08; DOJ 15-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10

137-049-0870

Specifications; Brand Name Products

(1) Generally. The Contracting Agency's Solicitation Document shall not expressly or implicitly require any product by brand name or mark, nor shall it require the product of any particular manufacturer or seller, except pursuant to an exemption granted under ORS 279C.345(2).

(2) Equivalents. A Contracting Agency may identify products by brand names as long as the following language: "approved equal"; "or equal"; "approved equivalent" or "equivalent," or similar language is included in the Solicitation Document. The Contracting Agency shall determine, in its sole discretion, whether an Offeror's alternate product is "equal" or "equivalent."

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279C.345
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06

137-049-0880

Records Maintenance; Right to Audit Records

(1) Records Maintenance; Access. Contractors and subcontractors shall maintain all fiscal records relating to Contracts in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). In addition, Contractors and subcontractors shall maintain all other records necessary to clearly document (i) their performance; and (ii) any claims arising from or relating to their performance under a Public Contract. Contractors and subcontractors shall make all records pertaining to their performance and any claims under a Contract (the books, fiscal records and all other records, hereafter referred to as "Records") accessible to the Contracting Agency at reasonable times and places, whether or not litigation has been filed as to such claims.

(2) Inspection and Audit. A Contracting Agency may, at reasonable times and places, have access to and an opportunity to inspect, examine, copy, and audit the Records of any Person that has submitted cost or pricing data according to the terms of a Contract to the extent that the Records relate to such cost or pricing data. If the Person must provide cost or pricing data under a Contract, the Person shall maintain such Records that relate to the cost or pricing data for 3 years from the date of final payment under the Contract, unless a shorter period is otherwise authorized in Writing.

(3) Records Inspection; Contract Audit. The Contracting Agency, and its authorized representatives, shall be entitled to inspect, examine, copy, and audit any Contractor's or subcontractor's Records, as provided in section 1 of this rule. The Contractor and subcontractor shall maintain the Records and keep the Records accessible and available at reasonable times and places for a minimum period of 3 years from the date of final payment under the Contract or subcontract, as applicable, or until the conclusion of any audit, controversy or litigation arising out of or related to the Contract, whichever date is later, unless a shorter period is otherwise authorized in Writing.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279A.030, 279C.375, 279C.380 & 279C.440
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05

137-049-0890

Contracting Agency Payment for Unpaid Labor or Supplies

(1) Contract incomplete. If the Contract is still in force, the Contracting Agency may, in accordance with ORS 279C.515(1), pay a valid claim to the Person furnishing the labor or services, and charge the amount against payments due or to become due to the Contractor under the Contract. If a Contracting Agency chooses to make such a payment as provided in 279C.515(1), the Contractor and the Contractor's surety shall not be relieved from liability for unpaid claims.

(2) Contract completed. If the Contract has been completed and all funds disbursed to the prime Contractor, all claims shall be referred to the Contractor's surety for resolution. The Contracting Agency shall not make payments to subcontractors or suppliers for Work already paid for by the Contracting Agency.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279C.515
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05

137-049-0900

Contract Suspension; Termination Procedures

(1) Suspension of Work. In the event a Contracting Agency suspends performance of Work for any reason considered by the Contracting Agency to be in the public interest other than a labor dispute, the Contractor shall be entitled to a reasonable extension of Contract time, and to reasonable compensation for all costs, including a reasonable allowance for related overhead, incurred by the Contractor as a result of the suspension.

(2) Termination of Contract by mutual agreement for reasons other than default.

(a) Reasons for termination. The parties may agree to terminate the Contract or a divisible portion thereof if:

(A) The Contracting Agency suspends Work under the Contract for any reason considered to be in the public interest (other than a labor dispute, or any judicial proceeding relating to the Work filed to resolve a labor dispute); and

(B) Circumstances or conditions are such that it is impracticable within a reasonable time to proceed with a substantial portion of the Work.

(b) Payment. When a Contract, or any divisible portion thereof, is terminated pursuant to this section (2), the Contracting Agency shall pay the Contractor a reasonable amount of compensation for preparatory Work completed, and for costs and expenses arising out of termination. The Contracting Agency shall also pay for all Work completed, based on the Contract Price. Unless the Work completed is subject to unit or itemized pricing under the Contract, payment shall be calculated based on percent of Contract completed. No claim for loss of anticipated profits will be allowed.

(3) Public interest termination by Contracting Agency. A Contracting Agency may include in its Contracts terms detailing the circumstances under which the Contractor shall be entitled to compensation as a matter of right in the event the Contracting Agency unilaterally terminates the Contract for any reason considered by the Contracting Agency to be in the public interest.

(4) Responsibility for completed Work. Termination of the Contract or a divisible portion thereof pursuant to this rule shall not relieve either the Contractor or its surety of liability for claims arising out of the Work performed.

(5) Remedies cumulative. The Contracting Agency may, at its discretion, avail itself of any or all rights or remedies set forth in these rules, in the Contract, or available at law or in equity.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279C.650, 279C.655, 279C.660, 279C.665 & 279C.670
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06

137-049-0910

Changes to the Work and Contract Amendments

(1) Definitions for Rule. As used in this rule:

(a) "Amendment" means a Written modification to the terms and conditions of a Public Improvement Contract, other than by Changes to the Work, within the general scope of the original Procurement that requires mutual agreement between the Contracting Agency and the Contractor.

(b) "Changes to the Work" means a mutually agreed upon change order, or a construction change directive or other Written order issued by the Contracting Agency or its authorized representatives to the Contractor requiring a change in the Work within the general scope of a Public Improvement Contract and issued under its changes provisions in administering the Contract and, if applicable, adjusting the Contract Price or contract time for the changed Work.

(2) Changes Provisions. Changes to the Work are anticipated in construction and, accordingly, Contracting Agencies shall include changes provisions in all Public Improvement Contracts that detail the scope of the changes clause, provide pricing mechanisms, authorize the Contracting Agency or its authorized representatives to issue Changes to the Work and provide a procedure for addressing Contractor claims for additional time or compensation. When Changes to the Work are agreed to or issued consistent with the Contract's changes provisions they are not considered to be new Procurements and an exemption from competitive bidding is not required for their issuance by Contracting Agencies.

(3) Change Order Authority. Contracting Agencies may establish internal limitations and delegations for authorizing Changes to the Work, including dollar limitations. Dollar limitations on Changes to the Work are not set by these Model Rules, but such changes are limited by the above definition of that term.

(4) Contract Amendments. Contract Amendments within the general scope of the original Procurement are not considered to be new Procurements and an exemption from competitive bidding is not required in order to add components or phases of Work specified in or reasonably implied from the Solicitation Document. Amendments to a Public Improvement Contract may be made only when:

(a) They are within the general scope of the original Procurement;

(b) The field of competition and Contractor selection would not likely have been affected by the Contract modification. Factors to be considered in making that determination include similarities in Work, project site, relative dollar values, differences in risk allocation and whether the original Procurement was accomplished through competitive bidding, competitive Proposals, competitive quotes, sole source or Emergency contract;

(c) In the case of a Contract obtained under an Alternative Contracting Method, any additional Work was specified or reasonably implied within the findings supporting the competitive bidding exemption; and

(d) The Amendment is made consistent with this rule and other applicable legal requirements.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 279A.065
Stats. Implemented: ORS 279A.065, 279C.335 & 279C.400
Hist.: DOJ 11-2004, f. 9-1-04, cert. ef. 3-1-05; DOJ 20-2005, f. 12-27-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06

* * * * *

FISCAL MANAGEMENT GOALS
600.0000

POLICY
The Board of Education will review the needs of the College annually, considering needs in instruction, capital outlay, facilities, personnel, and operating expense. It will act to assure the fiscal integrity of the College and District.

PURPOSE
The Board of Education assumes fiduciary responsibility for the assets and resources of the College and District.

Klamath Community College
Subject: Fiscal Management Goals
Policy #: 600.0000
Issue Date: May 27, 1997
Revision Dates: 4/24/2001, 10/26/2006, 11/3/09, 6/22/10, 01/22/13

IMPLEMENTATION
Multi-Year Financial Projections
600.0100
The Administration shall develop and annually update a multi-year financial projection for use in resource allocation decisions by the Board.

Sufficient Fund Balance
600.0200
The goal of the Board is to maintain a fund balance equal to ninety days of cash requirement within the General Fund in a budgetary year.

BUDGETING AND PLANNING
610.0000

POLICY
Each year the President, with the assistance of the Vice President of Administrative Services and input from staff, shall propose a fiscal year budget of revenues and expenditures for the College. The budget shall strictly conform with applicable state and federal law.

PURPOSE
The creation of an annual budget reflecting the resources, needs, Values, Vision, Mission and Goals of the District is an essential element in assuring fiscal integrity.

IMPLEMENTATION
Fiscal Year
610.0110
The fiscal year of the College shall begin on the first day of July and end on the thirtieth day of June in each year.

District Budget
610.0120
The district budget will serve as the financial plan of operation for the district and will include estimates of expenditures for a given period and purpose and the proposed means of funding the estimated expenditures.

The district budget will be prepared in full compliance with Local Budget Law. The Vice President of Administrative Services will be designated as budget officer and will be responsible for the preparation of the budget document.

Funds Sufficiency
610.0130
The Budget shall reflect sufficient resources to meet all planned expenditures including 90 days cash within the General Fund.

Interfund Transfers
610.0135
All transfers between funds shall be in compliance with ORS 294.361. The district budget shall specify the amounts, origin and destination of each transfer. Appropriate information will be included to document the necessity of the transfer.

Transfers from the General Fund to other funds shall be for the following purposes:

  • Annual debt service (principal and interest) on outstanding obligations
  • Accumulation of resources in Reserve Funds for future expenditures
  • Capital improvements including construction, maintenance, and acquisition of facilities and/or real property used by the district in support of its mission
  • Matching funds for grants and contracts
  • Providing matching funds for financial aid as necessary in addition to Board scholarships
  • Contractual and legal obligations to employees and retirees for compensation and benefits
  • Other needs considered appropriate and necessary by the Board for fulfilling the obligations and responsibilities of the district

Contingency
610.0140
A budgetary contingency shall be included in the General Fund’s adopted budget.

Interfund Loans
610.0145
Loans from one fund to another shall be in compliance with ORS 294.460 and be authorized by the Board. Interfund loans may not be from a Debt Service fund, a Financial Aid fund, employee/retiree benefit fund, or funds legally restricted to specific uses.

There are two types of Interfund Loans - Capital and Operating. For an interfund loan that is a capital loan, repayment must be budgeted according to an approved schedule and at a stated rate of interest. Full repayment shall occur no later than five years from the date of the loan if the funds are to be used to acquire or improve real or personal property (capital loan).

For an interfund loan that is an operating loan, money loaned shall be budgeted and repaid to the fund from which the money was borrowed by the end of the ensuing year.

Adoption
610.0150
The Vice President of Administrative Services shall comply with Oregon Budget Law publication and meeting requirements. After public hearing and Board adoption of an annual budget, the Vice President of Administrative Services shall take such steps as necessary to certify the finally adopted budget and levy.

FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY
620.0000

POLICY
The college shall employ sound and generally accepted practices of governmental accounting in its financial dealings.

PURPOSE
The generally accepted practices of governmental accounting provide a framework within which the Board and public can be assured of appropriate and authorized use of District resources.

IMPLEMENTATION
Accounting For Funds - System of Accounts
620.0100
The Vice President of Administrative Services is responsible for developing and maintaining an accounting system that provides full disclosure of the results of financial operations and effective internal controls of revenues, expenditures, funds, property and other assets.

Monthly Financial Report
620.0110
The Vice President of Administrative Services shall present a monthly report to the Board which summarizes the activity within the various accounts of the College operating funds.

Capital Asset Inventory
620.0120
The College will maintain a capital asset inventory of all items with an initial purchase price of $5000 or more and with a life expectancy of one or more years.

College Audit
620.0130
An audit of the College financial affairs will be made on an annual basis by an independent auditor, appointed by the Board. The selected auditor must be on the roster of accountants authorized by the Oregon State Board of Accountancy to conduct municipal audits.

INVESTMENTS            620.0200
Investment of Funds
620.0210
At certain times during the course of the fiscal year, and during the implementation of long term plans, there will be available funds that are in excess of immediate operational and capital needs of the College. The Board of Education authorizes the College to invest such excess funds in accordance with applicable Oregon Revised Statutes.

Scope
Administration of investments for Klamath Community College District applies to all funds budgeted and accounted for in the district's annual financial report. This policy does not apply to deferred compensation plans and investments of employees’ retirement funds.

Investments of any tax-exempt borrowing proceeds and any related debt service funds will comply with all arbitrage requirements in all applicable Internal Revenue Codes.

Funds held by the county treasurer during tax collection periods will be governed by the county's investment policies and are not subject to the provisions of this policy.

Objectives
There are three principles that will guide the portfolio manager in implementation of this policy (listed in order of priority):

  1. Safety: The primary objective of investment activities is the preservation of investment principal. The objective will be to mitigate credit risk and interest rate risk.
  2. Liquidity: Investments should provide adequate liquidity to meet all operating requirements.
  3. Yield: The portfolio should optimize investment earnings, and minimize uninvested surplus cash while maintaining compliance with the preceding objectives. Return on investment is of secondary importance as compared to the safety and liquidity objectives described above.

Investment Risk
Credit Risk: Klamath Community College District will minimize credit risk, the risk of loss due to the financial failure of the security issuer or backer, by:

  1. Limiting exposure to poor credits and concentrating the investments in the safest types of securities.
  2. Diversifying the investment portfolio so that potential losses on individual securities will be minimized.
  3. Actively monitoring the investment portfolio holdings for rating changes, changing economic/market conditions.

Interest Rate Risk: Klamath Community College District will minimize the risk that the market value of securities in the portfolio will fall due to changes in general interest rates, by:

  1. Structuring the investment portfolio so that securities mature to meet cash requirements for ongoing operations, thereby avoiding the need to sell securities on the open market prior to maturity.
  2. Investing operating funds primarily in shorter-term securities or short-term investment pools.

Concentration Risk: Klamath Community College District will minimize the risk of concentration of non-government backed securities. This risk is to be mitigated through diversification of both the financial instruments themselves, and the diversification of investments within those instruments where applicable.

Liquidity
The investment portfolio shall remain sufficiently liquid to meet all operating requirements that may be reasonably anticipated. This is to be accomplished by structuring the portfolio so that securities mature concurrent with cash needs to meet anticipated demands.

Authority
The Board delegates to the Vice President of Administrative Services or his/her designee the responsibility of investment portfolio manager as derived from ORS 294.035 to Chapter 294.053, Chapter 294.125 to Chapter 294.145, and Chapter 294.810. The portfolio manager is responsible for investment decisions and activities under the direction of the President.

Personal Liability
The Vice President of Administrative Services and/or his/her designee shall not be held personally liable for changes in the market that affect the portfolio, as long as he/she follows the policies set forth.

Ethics and Conflicts of Interest
The Vice President of Administrative Services, and his/her designee responsible for the management of investments, and others involved in the investment process shall refrain from personal business activity that could conflict with the proper execution and management of the investment portfolio, or impair their ability to make impartial decisions. Employees and investment officials shall disclose to the President any material interests in financial institutions with which they conduct business. They shall further disclose any personal financial/investment positions that could be related to the performance of the investment portfolio. Officers and employees shall, at all times, comply with the State of Oregon Government Standards and Practices code of ethics set forth in ORS 244.

Internal Controls
The investment officer is responsible for establishing and maintaining an adequate internal control structure designed to reasonably protect the assets of the College from loss, theft, or misuse. The concept of reasonable assurance recognizes that (1) the cost of a control should not exceed the benefits likely to be derived and (2) the valuation of costs and benefits requires estimates and judgments by management.

Methods and Guidance
Investments are not to be speculative in nature or contain unreasonable investment risk, thereby placing investment principal at risk. Instead, the portfolio manager will follow the Prudent Investor Rule, which states, "Investments shall be made with judgment and care, under circumstances then prevailing, which persons of prudence, discretion and intelligence exercise in the management of their own affairs, not for speculation, but for investment, considering the probable safety of their capital as well as the probable income to be derived."

List of Authorized Investments:
The following investments will be permitted by this policy:

Time Deposit Open Accounts, Certificates of Deposit, and Savings Accounts in insured institutions as defined in ORS 706.008 that are located and licensed to do banking business in the State of Oregon.

U.S. Treasury securities and other lawfully issued general obligations of the United States

State of Oregon Local Government Investment Pool organized pursuant to ORS 294.805 through 294.895. Participation in the Pool shall not exceed the maximum limit annually set by ORS 294.810, which as of August 2008 was $42,220,131.

Other Investments: Other investments as allowed by ORS 294.046, the Oregon State Treasurer’s list of acceptable investments of agencies and instrumentalities of the United States that a political subdivision may invest in pursuant to law.

It is the intent of the College that the foregoing list of authorized securities is strictly interpreted. Any deviation from this list must be pre-approved in writing by the President.

Maturities:
Except as noted above and as noted in ORS 294.135 where anticipated use is more than 18 months after the funds are invested, investments are to have maturity dates not exceeding eighteen (18) months from the date of purchase.

Custody/Safekeeping of Assets:
The College will not normally take delivery of investment securities purchased, but instead will use a third party custodian as evidenced by safekeeping receipts.

Public Funds Collateralization Program:
The State of Oregon’s Treasury Department requires banks that accept public funds to post collateral for public funds deposits in excess of deposit insurance amounts (FDIC). The College will verify that deposit accounts in excess of deposit insurance limits are only maintained at financial institutions included on the list of qualified depositories found on the Treasurer’s web site. The College will report annually, or within 3 days of a change, the banks they conduct business with and the contact information for the public official.

Delivery:
Investment securities shall be purchased using the delivery versus payment method. That is, funds shall not be wired or paid until verification has been made that the security has been received by the safekeeping/clearance agent.

Maximum Percentage of Investments:

Instrument Diversification: Maximum %
of Portfolio *
U.S. Treasury Obligations 100%
Federal Instrumentality Securities 75%
Local Government Investment Pool (up to statutory limit) 100%
Time Certificates of Deposits, Money Market Accounts, and Savings Accounts 100%
Obligations of the States of Oregon, California, Idaho, and Washington 25%
*As determined on the settlement date.

Performance Standards
The performance of the District’s portfolio will be measured against the performance of the Local Government Investment Pool (LGIP) and the yield of the 91-Day U. S. Treasury Bill.

Investment of Bond Proceeds
620.0215
Oregon Revised Statutes Section 294.135 and 294.052 generally requires a local government to have its investment policy reviewed by the Oregon Short Term Fund Board (“OSTFB”) before the local government adopts the policy and makes investments that are longer than 18 months from their purchase date. Should Klamath Community College District wish to invest its bond proceeds longer than 18 months to match investment maturity dates to the expected schedule for payment of construction costs, it will submit a Short-Form Investment Policy to the OSTFB after adoption by the Board of Education.

Short-Term Borrowing
620.0220
Due to the disparity in revenue inflow and scheduled expenditures, the College may, from time to time, need to borrow to fund short-term cash flow deficits.

Short-term borrowing may be authorized by Board resolution containing the minimum requirements of Oregon law.

Deposit of Receipts
620.0230
All receipts shall be deposited promptly in an appropriate bank account insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation. Account balances exceeding F.D.I.C. or F.S.L.I.C. insurance amounts shall be collateralized.

INSURANCE            620.0300
Property, Casualty, and Liability Insurance Programs
620.0310
The Vice President of Administrative Services, in conjunction with the Director of Human Resources, and the College’s Agent of Record, shall establish and maintain an adequate property, casualty, and liability insurance program (including Workers' Compensation) to mitigate the potential losses to the College from undue risk of liability loss and to protect insurable College property against major perils. The amount of coverage shall be reviewed annually by the Board.

Bonded Employees and Officers
620.0320
All College employees responsible for funds, fees, cash collections or inventory control will be bonded to protect the College against loss. In compliance with Oregon statutes and administrative rules, the Vice President of Administrative Services, Comptroller, and Financial Aid Specialist will have individual fidelity bond coverage. The College will pay the cost of such bonds.

RESOURCES
630.0000

POLICY
The Board of Education will explore all appropriate sources of available funding to provide resources for District and College operation.

PURPOSE
The Board of Education’s statutory authority provides powers to establish various income sources for operations. The Board’s use of all available sources in funding the District and College will best serve the public interest.

IMPLEMENTATION
Tax Rate
630.0100
For each fiscal year, the Board shall set the rate at which local property taxes are to be imposed for the College at the permanent tax rate specified by the State of Oregon, after the Budget Committee has approved a motion to approve the permanent tax rate.

Tuition
630.0200
Tuition is used as a means to transfer a portion of the costs of education to the user. A tuition rate of $150.00 per credit hour shall be the permanent tuition rate. Tuition rates are reviewed annually by the Board of Education of Klamath Community College and reduced or increased to reflect current conditions.

Non-credit Tuition
Administration will set the rate of non-credit tuition based on costs.

Tuition - In State
630.0210
Klamath Community College shall charge a uniform tuition for Oregon residents.

Tuition - Out of State
630.0220
The Board shall act annually to set out-of-state tuition.

Tuition - International Students
630.0230
The Board shall act annually to set tuition for international students.

Reciprocity
630.0240
Residents of the states of Washington, Nevada, Idaho and California may attend Klamath Community College at In-State tuition rates, within the funding support provided by the state.

Adult Basic Education Level-One Tuition
630.0250
No tuition will be charged for students determined to be Level-One Learners, in accordance with federal regulations.

Fees
630.0260
The Board of Education shall set a rate for common fees (those fees that apply to all students) and/or any technology fees. All other fees shall be set by Administration to provide for cost recovery.

Tuition and Fee Refunds
630.0270
The Business Office calculates refunds for students. Students receive a full or complete refund of tuition if they withdraw during the add/drop period of each term at Klamath Community College. When students funded by federal student financial aid withdraw from classes, all refunds must be applied back to the federal student aid programs using the refund distribution defined by the U.S. Department of Education. Some fees are not refundable.

Returned Checks
630.0280
Klamath Community College District shall impose a reasonable fee on all checks returned to it due to insufficient funds in the drawer's account or for any other reason that the check is not paid. Administration will set the charge annually.

Grants
630.0300
It is the purpose of the Klamath Community College District to provide programs and services that fulfill the institutional mission statement. Funding for these activities come from multiple sources. The College, as an institution, takes responsibility to actively seek resources to support these activities. Faculty and staff will be encouraged and supported by the Board of Education and Administration to seek and obtain grants from a variety of appropriate sources (federal, state, local, and private). All grants will be reviewed and approved by the Vice President of Administrative Services or the President.

Contributions to Klamath Community College District
630.0400
All donations of equipment, property, services, cash, etc., to Klamath Community College District shall be receipted through the Klamath Community College Foundation Office or, through the office of the Vice President of Administrative Services, after acceptance.

EXPENDITURES
640.0000

POLICY
The Administration is to pay all authorized expenses related to District and College operations.

PURPOSE
Prompt review, authorization, and payment of expenditures is integral to maintaining the ongoing operation. Moreover, it is an essential element of the Board’s accountability.

IMPLEMENTATION
Payment of Bills
640.0110
All claims for payment from College funds will be processed under the supervision of the Vice President of Administrative Services. Payment will be authorized against properly submitted invoices properly supported by approved purchase orders, requisitions, other appropriate supporting documentation, or in accordance with salaries and salary ranges approved by the Board of Education.

The President will be responsible for assuring that budget allocations are observed and that total expenditures do not exceed the amount allocated in the budget.

Purchasing Authority
640.0120
The Business Office will assist staff as needed in the purchasing of equipment, materials or services for the College.

  1. Purchasing will occur when Board approved, budgeted funds are available and authorized by appropriate staff with budgetary authority.
    1. Procedures for purchasing are governed by:
      1. Oregon state law;
      2. KCC Board policy;
      3. KCC Public Contracting and Procurement Rules.
    2. Failure to comply with established procedures may cause the liability to become a personal one.
  2. Purchase orders are required for all capital outlay purchases and those purchases which are greater than or equal to $100 including freight, shipping and all incremental charges.
    1. Capital outlay expenditures are for:
      1. The acquisition of, or the increase of, visible, tangible property of a non-consumable nature; and
      2. Items with a unit cost of $500 or more and a useful life of one year or greater; and
      3. Software with a unit cost of $500 or more.
    2. Purchases under $100 must utilize one of the following options:
      1. Purchases must be documented with an invoice on file in the Business Office and have an authorized signature and expense account number.
    3. Purchases equal or greater than $100 require a purchase order, and must:
      1. Be issued through the College's electronic purchasing system; and
      2. Be approved by appropriate staff with budget authority for the respective account.
    4. Exceptions to the purchase order process may occur when waived by the Vice President of Administrative Services or his/her designee with such waiver(s) placed on file in the Business Office, or for the following types of expenditures:
      1. For authorized employee travel vouchers and advances related to travel;
      2. For continuous utility and monthly services; e.g., phone, power;
      3. Personal services contracts;
      4. Contracted services;
      5. Facility rentals;
      6. Dues/Memberships;
      7. Conferences/Accommodations;
      8. Reimbursements.

Purchase Contracts
640.0130
The President and the Vice President of Administrative Services shall be authorized to enter into purchase contracts. Routine purchases shall be accomplished in conformance with the Purchasing Authority policy 640.0120.

Petty Cash Accounts
640.0140
In order to expedite refunds and minor purchases of $20 or less, revolving petty cash accounts may be established at the discretion of the President. Expenditures against these funds must be itemized and accounted for with appropriate records and receipts. Budget codes along with approving signatures of individuals authorized to expend College funds must be included on a petty cash accounting report.

Credit Card Use
640.0150
The Board of Education authorizes the securing of credit cards for use by employees for out-of-town travel. Receipts are required to be submitted upon the return of the credit card. Lost receipts are the responsibility of the credit card user. The employee will be liable for payment of the charges on the credit card until the receipts are returned.

If the credit card is lost, it is the responsibility of the user to immediately notify the credit card company, the Vice President of Administrative Services, and the President.

It will be the responsibility of each Vice President to ensure compliance with the Credit Card Use Policy.

There shall be one credit card secured solely for the purpose of purchasing supplies.

Bidding Requirements
640.0160
Bids or proposals shall be called for on all purchases, lease or sale of personal property, public improvements or services other than agreements for personal service in accordance with applicable competitive procurement provisions of Oregon Revised Statutes, Oregon Administrative Rules, and the Klamath Community College Public Contracting and Procurement Rules.

In its capacity as the Local Public Contract Review Board, the Board of Education shall adopt rules in response to Oregon’s AG Model Rules.

Relations with Vendor
640.0180
Only salespersons of materials, equipment, or services which normally would be used in the College are to be admitted to the College. The setting up of displays of those admitted must have approval of the appropriate administrative officers. In no case may salespersons disturb employees during work hours without approval. All salespersons and company representatives must be cleared through the appropriate administrative officers before consulting with any employee of the College.

Authorized Signatures
640.0190
The Board of Education authorizes the Vice President of Administrative Services and the College Comptroller to sign College checks. The Board also authorizes the use of facsimile signatures of these individuals.

Expense Reimbursements
640.0210
College employees who incur expenses in carrying out their authorized duties will be reimbursed upon submission of a properly completed and approved Reimbursement Request Form and receipts as required by the President or the Vice President of Administrative Services.

Such expenses must be incurred and approved in line with budgetary allocations for specific types of expenses.

Recognition Meal Costs
640.0220
The President may authorize recognition dinner(s) each year held for elected and appointed officials, students, employees, or volunteers of the College. An annual recognition dinner may be held separately for employees of each department, or separately for volunteers, or any of these in combination if authorized by the Board.

Payroll
640.0310
Preparation of payroll, including time schedules and payroll periods, shall be done in accordance with state and federal laws and applicable personnel policies. Mandatory payroll deductions will be withheld as required by state and federal law and those outlined in Human Resources Policy 515.0500.

Automatic deductions, other than those outlined above, may be made from an employee's pay with authorization of the Vice President of Administrative Services and the employee.

Payday Schedule
640.0320
All employees of the College shall be paid on the last working day of each month on which the Business Office is open. Deviations from this schedule must be approved by the President.

Advance Salary Payments
640.0330
There shall be no advance salary payments issued to College employees.

DEBT MANAGEMENT POLICY
650.0000

POLICY
The Board of Education shall be fiscally prudent in approving short-term and long-term debt.

PURPOSE
The Board of Education, in its role as elected public officials, assumes fiduciary responsibility for the resources and liabilities of the College and District.

IMPLEMENTATION
Communication of Debt
650.0100
The District will follow a policy of full disclosure in its annual audit. The District will also follow a policy of full disclosure in the Official Statement and offering document when issuing debt.

Commitment for Repayment of Debt
650.0110
The District commits to repay all indebtedness consistent with each executed agreement.

Short-Term Debt
650.0120
According to ORS 341.715 (1) “the board of a community college district may contract indebtedness by the issuance of short-term promissory notes for the purpose of meeting current expenses, retiring outstanding bonds or warrants, or paying the interest thereon.” The District shall not incur Short-Term Debt to fund current operations, with the exception of 1) issuing Anticipation Notes for lapses in receipt of budgeted resources, such as State Aid payments; and 2) entering into capital projects or equipment acquisition that exceeds the threshold outlined in the College’s Public Contract Review Board Rules.

Long-Term Debt
650.0130
The District, when issuing Long-Term Debt, will limit the length of the debt issuance to a period of time equal to or less than the expected useful life of the project or equipment.

Bonded Debt Limitation
650.0140
Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 341.675 (3) limits the aggregate amount of bonded indebtedness to no more than “one and one-half percent (.015) of the real market value of all taxable property within the district, computed in accordance with ORS 308.207".

General Fund Debt
650.0150
The District will not incur General Fund debt which places an unreasonable drain on resources available for educational purposes or adversely impacts the District’s ability to maintain its desired fund balance as per Board Policy 600.0200. General Fund debt will not exceed ten percent (10%) of annual General Fund revenues, excluding Fund Balance.