Current through Register Vol. 49, No. 18, September 16, 2024
PURPOSE: This rule is amended to reflect the changes
in the statutes in Senate Substitute for House Committee Substitute for House
Bill 1088 of the 100th General Assembly, which was signed into law by the
Governor. This rule fulfills the statutory requirement of section
536.023(3),
RSMo.
(1) The Division of Purchasing is responsible
for the procurement of supplies, equipment, and services for state departments.
The division is also responsible for the operation of the cooperative
procurement program for political subdivisions of the state and any other
activities assigned or delegated to it by the Commissioner of Administration.
These regulations address formal, informal, and statutory procurements under
Chapter 34, RSMo.
(2) As used in
this chapter unless the content clearly indicates otherwise, the following
terms are defined as:
(A) Bid/proposal
security. A financial guarantee that the bidder/offeror, if selected, will
accept the contract as bid;
(B)
Commissioner. The commissioner of the Office of Administration;
(C) Contract. A legal and binding agreement
between two (2) or more competent parties, for a consideration for the
procurement of supplies;
(D)
Debarment. An exclusion from contracting with the state for an indefinite
period of time;
(E) Director. The
director of the Division of Purchasing;
(F) Division. The Division of Purchasing
within the Office of Administration;
(G) Minority. The definition contained in
1 CSR
10-17.010(1)(G) will be
applied;
(H) Minority business
enterprise (MBE). The definition in section 37.020.1(3), RSMo, will be
applied;
(I) Multiple award. A
purchase order or contract awarded to two (2) or more bidders in order to meet
the needs of agencies, or an award to the next lowest and best vendor where a
contract is cancelled for breach or the contract award is rescinded;
(J) OA. The Office of
Administration;
(K) Performance
security. A financial guarantee that the successful bidder/offeror will
complete the contract as agreed;
(L) Service-disabled veteran. The definition
contained in section
34.074,
RSMo, will be applied;
(M)
Service-disabled veteran business enterprise (SDVE). The definition contained
in section
34.074,
RSMo, will be applied;
(N)
Shortlisting. The process of narrowing down and selecting, from the offerors
who responded to the solicitation, those offerors that are eligible for
negotiations, further negotiations, or for demonstrations or testing, based
upon the criteria specified in the solicitation;
(O) Solicitation. The process of notifying
prospective bidders that the state wishes to receive bids or proposals to
provide supplies. The term includes request for proposal (RFP), request for
quotation (RFQ), invitation for bid (IFB), single feasible source (SFS), and
any other appropriate procurement method;
(P) State. The state of Missouri;
(Q) Suspension. An exclusion from contracting
with the state for a temporary period of time;
(R) Vendor, bidder, offeror, or supplier.
Unless specifically defined in a solicitation, the entity or person who may, or
who has, submitted a bid or proposal in response to a solicitation;
and
(S) Women's business enterprise
(WBE). The definition in section 37.020.1(6), RSMo, will be applied.
All other terms will follow their relevant statutory or
regulatory definitions.
(3) When the procurement is estimated to be
less than one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000), an informal method of
solicitation may be utilized. Informal methods of procurement may include
Request for Quotation (RFQ), telephone quotes, etc.
(A) The division will establish a target date
and time for submission of informal bids.
(B) The division may proceed with the
evaluation and award anytime after the expiration of the target date and time.
Bids received after the target date and time, but before the award of a
contract, may be included in the evaluation at the discretion of the
division.
(4) When the
procurement is estimated to be one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000), or
more, a formal method of solicitation must be utilized. Formal competitive
bidding may be accomplished by utilizing an Invitation for Bid (IFB). Pursuant
to section
34.047,
RSMo, information technology purchases estimated not to exceed one hundred and
fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) may be completed under an informal process
provided the procurement does not exceed twelve (12) months and it is posted on
the division online bidding/vendor registration system website.
(A) When the division decides that all bids
are unacceptable and circumstances do not permit a rebid, negotiations may be
conducted with only those bidder/offerors who submitted bids in response to the
IFB. No additional bidder/offerors may be solicited. Upon determination that
negotiations will be conducted, the bids and related documents will be closed
to public viewing in accordance with section
610.021,
RSMo. All negotiations will be conducted in accordance with the competitive
negotiation provisions provided for in these regulations, or as provided for in
the solicitation, if applicable.
(5) When the procurement requires the
utilization of competitive negotiation, the formal Request for Proposal (RFP)
solicitation method should be utilized.
(6) Submission of bids or proposals. Formal
bids/proposals should be received in the division or a secured electronic
database in a sealed format by the time set for the opening of the
bids/proposals.
(A) In the event that the
division receives a container which is not identifiable as a specific
bid/proposal, an authorized person within the division may open the container
to determine the contents. If the contents are determined to be a bid/proposal,
the container will be resealed and the solicitation number, opening date, and
time will be noted on the outside. The container will then be filed until the
official time for opening.
(B)
Formal bids/proposals received after the time set for the opening of proposals
shall be considered late and will not be opened, except in those circumstances
described below.
(C) Under
extraordinary circumstances, the director or designee may authorize the opening
of a late proposal. In such cases, the proposal must have been turned over to
the physical control of an independent postal or courier service with promised
delivery time prior to the time set for the opening of proposal, or late
delivery of the proposal must be attributable to an issue with the state's
electronic bid system that was out of the control of the submitting vendor. All
such decisions are at the sole discretion of the director or designee. The
following guidelines may be utilized to determine the criteria for an
extraordinary circumstance:
1. State offices
were closed due to inclement weather conditions;
2. Postal or courier services were delayed
due to labor strikes or unforeseen "Acts of God";
3. Postal or courier service did not meet
delivery time promised to the bidder/offeror. In such a case, the
bidder/offeror must provide written proof from the delivery service that
promised delivery time was prior to the time set for the opening of
bids/proposals;
4. Evidence that
the bid/proposal was in the division's post office box or physical possession
before the time of bid opening; or
5. Any other evidence relevant to the
specific situation.
(D)
Bids/Proposals received in response to a procurement will be disclosed in
accordance with Missouri law.
(E)
Bidders or Offerors who improperly obtain information concerning a competitor's
bid or proposal may be disqualified for consideration for a contract
award.
(F) After the bid/proposal
opening, a bidder/offeror may be permitted to withdraw a bid/proposal prior to
award at the sole discretion of the division if there is a verifiable error in
the bid/proposal, the bidder/offeror is unable to meet the commitments
contained in the bid/proposal, or if enforcement of the bid would impose an
unconscionable hardship on the bidder/offeror. This withdrawal will be
considered only after receipt of a written request and supporting documentation
from the bidder/offeror. Withdrawal is the bidder/offeror's sole remedy for an
error other than an obvious clerical error. Withdrawal of a bid/proposal may
result in forfeiture of the bid/proposal security.
(7) When the supplies meet the criteria
delineated in section
34.044,
RSMo, the division may elect to utilize the Single Feasible Source procurement
method. The following delineates additional guidelines and examples to
determine satisfaction of the criteria:
(A)
The following guidelines may be utilized to determine if supplies may be
purchased as a single feasible source due to being proprietary, although the
following list is not intended to be exhaustive:
1. The parts are specified to maintain
validity of a warranty;
2.
Additions to a system must be compatible with original equipment;
3. Only one (1) type of computer software
exists for a specific application;
4. Factory authorized maintenance is
specified in order to maintain validity of a warranty;
5. The materials are copyrighted and are only
available from the publisher or a single distributor; and
6. The services of a particular provider are
unique (e.g., entertainers, authors, etc.);
(B) If past procurement activity indicates
that only one (1) bid has been submitted in a particular region, a single
feasible source procurement may be authorized. In these situations the division
will monitor the market for developing competition;
(C) The following guidelines will be utilized
to determine if supplies may be purchased as a single feasible source due to
being available at a discount for a limited period of time:
1. The discounted price must be compared to a
price established through a reasonable market analysis (i.e., competitive
solicitation for the same item under similar circumstances); and
2. The discounted price should normally be at
least ten percent (10%) less than the current contract or other comparable
price. A discount of less than ten percent (10%) may be acceptable under
appropriate market conditions. The discount should be compared to a price
which, where feasible, should be no more than twelve (12) months old;
and
(D) A vendor shall
notify the division if, in his or her opinion, there is another feasible source
for the supplies. Such notification shall be received by the division within
the advertising requirement stated in section
34.044,
RSMo. The Division will review the notification and its decision is
final.
(8) When
conditions meet the criteria outlined in section
34.045,
RSMo, emergency procurement procedures may be utilized. The requirement for
formal competitive bids or proposals may be waived. However, the emergency
procurement should be made with as much informal bidding as practicable.
Emergency procedures should only be utilized to purchase those supplies which
are necessary to alleviate the emergency.
(9) When circumstances dictate that it would
be most advantageous, the state may purchase supplies from, or in cooperation
with, another governmental entity pursuant to section
34.046,
RSMo.
(A) Supplies purchased from another
governmental entity should be limited to those supplies which are provided
directly by such entity.
(B)
Supplies purchased in cooperation with another governmental entity may be
purchased based on contracts established in accordance with that entity's laws
and regulations.
(10)
Regardless of the solicitation method utilized, the following procedures apply:
(A) The division will develop standardized
terms and conditions to be included with the solicitation documents;
(B) The division may request bids/proposals
for new, used, rebuilt, or remanufactured equipment employing the trade-in of
used equipment. The solicitation document may request pricing with a trade-in
and without a trade-in;
(C) The
division may require bid/proposal security and/or performance security.
1. The acceptable form and amount of the
bid/proposal security will be stipulated in the solicitation
document.
2. The bid/proposal
securities of unsuccessful bidders/offerors may be returned after the
finalization of the award. If the successful bidder/offeror fails to accept the
contract, the amount of the bid/proposal security may be forfeited to the
state.
3. If a performance security
is specified in the solicitation, the bid/proposal security of the successful
bidder/offeror may be returned after the receipt of the performance security.
The acceptable form and amount of the performance security will be stipulated
in the solicitation document. If the contractor fails to submit the performance
security, the bid/proposal security may be forfeited to the state and the
contract voided;
(D) In
the event that the division receives a container which is not identifiable as a
specific bid/proposal, an authorized person within the division may open the
container to determine the contents. If the contents are determined to be a
bid/proposal, the container will be resealed and the solicitation number,
opening date, and time will be noted on the outside. The container will then be
filed until the official time for opening;
(E) After the bid/proposal opening, a
bidder/offeror may be permitted to withdraw a bid/proposal prior to award at
the sole discretion of the division if there is a verifiable error in the
bid/proposal and enforcement of the bid would impose an unconscionable hardship
on the bidder/offeror. This withdrawal will be considered only after receipt of
a written request and supporting documentation from the bidder/offeror.
Withdrawal shall be the bidder/offeror's sole remedy for an error other than an
obvious clerical error. Withdrawal of a bid/proposal may result in forfeiture
of the bid/proposal security;
(F)
In accordance with section
34.353,RSMo,
for bids/proposals with a value of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) or
more, bidders/offerors who can certify that goods or commodities to be provided
in accordance with the contract are manufactured or produced in the United
States or imported in accordance with a qualifying treaty, law, agreement, or
regulation are entitled to a ten percent (10%) preference as stated below over
a bidder/offeror whose products do not qualify. Failure to provide a
certification may result in forfeiture of any preference. All solicitation
responses for the purchase of goods or commodities, except software, with an
estimated value of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) or more must include
proof of compliance requirements as stated in the solicitation document. If the
division has any questions regarding either the information submitted on the
form or the lack of a submitted form by a bidder/offeror, the division may
contact the bidder/offeror for clarification before completing the cost
evaluation if under consideration for award. If the division determines that an
American-made product is competing against a foreign-made product, the division
will multiply the cost of the foreign-made product by ten percent (10%) and add
this amount to the actual cost of the bid/proposal to reflect the Buy American
preference in the cost evaluation. The division will consider any applicable
exceptions, including those set by statute or executive order, to the Buy
American preference before awarding any contract;
(G) In addition to cost, subjective and any
other criteria deemed in the best interest of the state may be utilized in the
evaluation of bids/proposals provided that the criteria are published in the
solicitation document;
(H) The
division may request samples for evaluation purposes. Any samples requested
must be provided free of charge. Samples which are not destroyed by testing
will be returned at the bidder/offeror's expense if return of the samples is
stipulated in the bidder/offeror's bid/proposal. Samples submitted by a
bidder/offeror who receives the award may be kept for the duration of the
contract for comparison with shipments received;
(I) During the course of a solicitation, a
demonstration may be permitted to allow bidders/offerors to demonstrate
proposed products or services. The division will coordinate such a
demonstration;
(J) When
bids/proposals are equal in all respects, any preferences will be applied in
accordance with applicable statute. If all such bidder/offerors or none qualify
for the statutory preference, the contract shall be awarded by a formal drawing
of lot. Whenever practical, the drawing will be held in the presence of the
bidders/offerors who are considered equal. If this is not practical, the
drawing will be witnessed by at least two (2) disinterested persons;
(K) The division may make multiple awards
from a single solicitation document when such awards are in the best interest
of the state;
(L) After an award is
made, the solicitation file or facsimile thereof will be made available to the
public for inspection via the Internet;
(M) Neither a contractor nor a state agency
shall assign any interest in a contract to another party without written
permission from the division;
(N)
Unless otherwise specified in the contract, substitution of items, personnel,
or services shall require the approval of the division prior to shipment or
performance;
(O) Employees of the
division, evaluators, and any other persons involved in procurement decisions
shall not accept for personal benefit gifts, meals, trips, or any other thing
of significant value or of a monetary advantage, directly or indirectly, from a
vendor; and
(P) Bidders/offerors on
a list of individuals, entities, and contractors excluded from federal
procurement and sales programs, non-procurement programs, and financial and
non-financial benefits as provided by the General Services Administration (GSA)
are precluded from contracting with the state when the procurement involves
federal funds.
(11)
Contracts awarded as the result of a competitive solicitation may be amended
when such an amendment is in the best interest of the state and does not
significantly alter the original intent or scope of the contract.
(12) A bid or proposal award protest must be
submitted in writing to the director or designee and received by the division
within ten (10) state business days after the date of award. A protest
submitted after the ten (10) state business-day period shall not be considered.
The written protest should include the following information:
(A) Name, address, and phone number of the
protester;
(B) Signature of the
protester or the protester's representative;
(C) Solicitation number;
(D) Detailed statement describing the grounds
for the protest; and
(E) Supporting
exhibits, evidence, or documents to substantiate claim.
A protest which fails to contain the information listed above
may be denied solely on that basis. All protests filed in a timely manner will
be reviewed by the director or designee. The director or designee will only
issue a determination on the issues asserted in the protest. A protest, which
is untimely or fails to establish standing to protest, will be summarily
denied. In other cases, the determination will contain findings of fact, an
analysis of the protest, and a conclusion that the protest will either be
sustained or denied. If the protest is sustained, remedies include canceling
the award. If the protest is denied, no further action will be taken by the
division.
(13)
Section
34.165,
RSMo, provides for a five to fifteen (5-15) point bonus on bids/proposals
submitted by qualified nonprofit organizations for the blind and qualified
sheltered workshops, if the participating organization provides, at a minimum,
the greater of two percent (2%) or five thousand dollars ($5,000) of the total
contract value of bids/proposals for a purchase not exceeding ten (10) million
dollars.
(A) The bonus points can apply if
the bidder/offeror is a qualified organization for the blind or sheltered
workshop or if the bidder/offeror is subcontracting with an organization for
the blind or sheltered workshop.
(B) Supplies provided by an organization for
the blind or sheltered workshop must provide a commercially useful function
that offers added value to a contract. Supplies shall be provided exclusive to
the performance of a contract, and the organization's obligation outside of a
state contract shall not be considered an added value. Services or supplies to
be provided by an organization that are outside the usual and customary
business of the organization may be considered not to offer added value.
(C) The bonus shall not apply if
the solicitation is for a no-cost option to the state.
(D) The bidder/offeror shall submit documents
as specified by the solicitation that:
1)
describes the products or services the organization for the blind or sheltered
workshop will provide and the percentage or dollar level of the participation
which must meet or exceed the minimum participation amount specified in section
34.165,
RSMo;
2) indicates the organization
for the blind and sheltered workshop's commitment to aid the bidder/offeror in
the performance of the required services and the provision of the required
products;
3) provides evidence of
the organization for the blind and sheltered workshop qualifications such as a
copy of the certification or certification number; and
4) includes affirmation from each
organization for the blind and sheltered workshop that it is willing to
participate in the contract in the kind and amount of work provided in the
bidder/offeror's response.
(E) If all requirements are met, the
bidder/offeror shall receive a five to fifteen (5-15) point bonus to a
bid/proposal meeting specifications or bid/proposal that includes subjective or
other criteria deemed in the best interest of the state and provided in the
solicitation document.
1. A sliding scale for
the award of points shall range from a minimum of five (5) points to a maximum
of fifteen (15) points. The award of the minimum five (5) points shall be based
on the bid/proposal containing a commitment that the participating nonprofit
organization or workshop is providing the greater of two percent (2%) or five
thousand dollars ($5,000) of the total contract value of bids for purchase not
exceeding ten (10) million dollars.
2. Where the commitment in the bid/proposal
exceeds the minimum level set forth in section
34.165
to obtain five (5) points, the awarded points shall exceed the minimum five (5)
points, up to a maximum of fifteen (15) points. The formula to determine the
awarded points for commitments above the two percent (2%) minimum shall be
calculated based on the commitment in the bid/proposal (expressed as a number,
not as a percentage) times two and one-half (2.5) points:
Vendor's Commitment Number x 2.5 points = Awarded
Points
Examples: A commitment of 3% would be calculated as: 3 x 2.5
points = 7.5 awarded points. A commitment of 5.5% would be calculated as: 5.5 x
2.5 points = 13.75 awarded points. If an offeror's bid/proposal lists a dollar
figure, instead of a percentage, that is over the minimum amount, the dollar
figure shall be converted into the percentage of the offeror's total contract
value for calculation of the awarded points. Commitments at or above six
percent (6%) receive the maximum of fifteen (15) points.
(F) If the bid/proposal is
awarded, the percentage or dollar level of the organization for the blind or
sheltered workshop participation committed to by the bidder/offeror in required
documentation is a binding contractual requirement.
(G) For procurements which utilize the award
criteria of low bid meeting specifications, the following procedure will be
followed in applying this preference:
1. If
the low priced bidder qualifies for the preference, no further calculation is
necessary;
2. If a bidder that
qualifies for the preference is not low bid, the division will convert the
pricing to a point comparison as outlined in the solicitation;
3. For procurements that utilize a
combination of cost and subjective criteria for evaluation and award
recommendation, ten (10) bonus points will be added to the evaluation points
for any preference qualified bidders/offerors; and
4. The bidder/offeror with the most total
points is recommended for contract award.
(H) Once a contract is awarded, a contractor
shall submit on or before the fifteenth of the month immediately following the
reporting period, unless another timeframe is approved by the division, until
full payment is made a report detailing all payments it made to all
organizations for the blind and sheltered workshops participating in the
contract. This is not required if the organization for the blind or sheltered
workshop is acting as a prime contractor. However, it may be required if the
prime contractor is also using other subcontractors to meet the goals outlined
in the contract. The report shall be submitted to the division on a division
form. The division may waive this reporting requirement at any time for good
cause.
1. No dollar value of work performed
under a contract by an organization for the blind and sheltered workshop after
it has ceased to be certified can be counted.
2. The participation of a sheltered workshop
on a contract cannot be counted until the amount being counted has actually
been paid to the organization for the blind and sheltered workshop.
(I) An organization for the blind
and sheltered workshop participation will be credited by the division only for
the value of the work actually performed by the entity toward the division
individual contract percentage or dollar level, including cost of supplies and
materials obtained or leased by the entity. The total dollar value of the work
granted to the entity by the prime contractor is counted toward the applicable
contract requirement. When counting an entity for the organization for the
blind and sheltered workshop participation, the division will consider the
following:
1. A contractor's entire
expenditure to be paid to an organization for the blind and sheltered workshop
supplier or manufacturer for material furnished which becomes a permanent part
of the contract work. For the purpose of this regulation, a manufacturer is
defined as an individual or firm that produces goods from raw materials or
substantially alters them before resale and is a qualified organization for the
blind and sheltered workshop;
2. By
counting the work an organization for the blind and sheltered workshop
contractor commits to perform with its own labor as well as the work that it
commits to perform with organization for the blind and sheltered workshop
subcontractors and suppliers;
3.
When an organization for the blind and sheltered workshop performs as a
participant in a joint venture, only the portion of the total dollar value of
the contract equal to the distinct, clearly defined portion of the work of the
contract that the organization for the blind and sheltered workshop performs
with its own forces shall count toward individual contract percentages or
dollar levels; and
(J) If
a participating entity is unable to satisfactorily perform its organization for
the blind and sheltered workshop participation level, or if there are other
reasons the contractor needs to replace an entity, the contractor must obtain
written approval from the division prior to replacing the entity. If approved,
the contractor must obtain other participation in compliance with its original
commitment as approved by the division. The division's approval will not be
arbitrarily withheld. If the contractor cannot obtain a replacement, it may
apply to the division for a participation waiver by providing documentation
detailing all efforts made to secure a replacement and a good cause statement
establishing why the participation level cannot be obtained. If the contractor
has met its burden of proof, the division may grant a waiver for good
cause.
(K) If the contractor's
participation level or payment to a participating organization for the blind
and sheltered workshop entity is less than the amount committed, and no waiver
for good cause has been obtained, the division may cancel the contract and/or
suspend or debar the contractor from participating in future state procurements
or withhold payment to the contractor in an equal amount to the value of the
participating commitment less actual payments made by the contractor to the
participating entity. If the division determines that a contractor has become
compliant with the commitment amount, any withheld funds will be
released.
(L) At the time of
contract renewal, a contractor must verify it is meeting its participation
level and required payment to all organization for the blind and sheltered
workshop entities, or the contractor must submit a statement of when such blind
and sheltered participation is scheduled to occur. If the contractor is not
meeting said requirements, the contract renewal may not be processed unless and
until said requirements are satisfactorily met, a cure plan is approved, the
statement is accepted by the division, or a waiver for good cause is obtained
from the division.
(14)
The division will encourage participation in the procurement process and
fairness in consideration of bids/proposals submitted by Missouri
Service-Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (SDVEs). Programs/procedures
designed to accomplish these objectives may include inclusion of SDVE
subcontractor goals in solicitation documents; close review of requirements for
bonding; notice of procurement opportunities on the division's website; access
to bid history and pricing abstracts on the division's website; access to the
division's procurement staff; utilization of service-disabled personnel on
evaluation committees, if available; etc.
(A)
The Office of Administration will compile, maintain, and make available a
listing of SDVEs to all bidders/offerors and contractors on an Office of
Administration website. The listing may include the following: name; address;
contact information of SDVE; the general area of commodities or services it
provides; etc. The Office of Administration will also maintain statistics and
issue periodic reports about SDVE participation.
(B) The following expenditures may be counted
toward meeting established SDVE goals:
1. The
total dollar value of a contract awarded to an SDVE;
2. The total dollars paid by a prime
contractor to an SDVE for supplies and materials provided to the state in
fulfillment of the contract;
3. The
total dollar value of work subcontracted to an SDVE by a prime contractor;
and
4. That portion of the total
dollar value subcontracted to a joint venture by a prime contractor equal to
the percentage of the ownership and control of the SDVE partner in the joint
venture.
(C) Section
34.074,
RSMo, established a goal of awarding three percent (3%) of all contract value
to service-disabled veteran businesses.
(D) The following standards are used by the
Office of Administration in determining whether an individual, business, or
organization is eligible to be listed as a Service-Disabled Veteran Business
Enterprise (SDVE):
1. Doing business as a
Missouri firm, corporation, or individual or maintaining a Missouri office or
place of business, not including an office of a registered agent;
2. Having not less than fifty-one percent
(51%) of the business owned by one (1) or more service-disabled veterans (SDVs)
or, in the case of any publicly-owned business, not less than fifty-one percent
(51%) of the stock of which is owned by one (1) or more SDVs;
3. Having the management and daily business
operations controlled by one (1) or more SDVs;
4. Having a copy of the SDV's Certificate of
Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214), and a disability rating
letter issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs establishing a service
connected disability rating, or a Department of Defense determination of
service connected disability, unless the SDVE is listed with the Office of
Administration on its website as previously certified in which case said
documentation is not required;
5.
The SDV(s) possesses the power to make day-to-day as well as major decisions on
matters of management, policy, and operation;
6. All SDVE listings and renewals are
effective for a period not to exceed three (3) years, unless otherwise found
inapplicable; and
7. If it has been
determined that the SDVE at any time no longer meets the requirements stated
above, it is removed from the listing.
(E) If the bidder/offeror meets the
requirement of an SDVE, the bidder/offeror will receive the Missouri
service-disabled veteran business preference of a three- (3-) point bonus on
bids/proposals for the performance of any job or service, except for a no cost
contract and any other exception provided for in this regulation as approved by
the director.
(F) The three percent
(3%) goal can be met, and the bonus points obtained, by a qualified SDVE vendor
and/or through the use of qualified subcontractors or suppliers that provide at
least three percent (3%) of the total contract value.
(G) An SDVE must provide a commercially
useful function that offers added value to a contract.
(H) If a bidder/offeror is proposing SDVE
vendor participation, it must provide to the division all documents specified
by the solicitation including:
1. Complete
information as specified by the solicitation document including a list of each
proposed SDVE vendor, the committed percentage of participation for each SDVE
with the corresponding dollar amount of the participation of each SDVE, and the
commercially useful supplies to be provided by each listed SDVE. If the
bid-der/offeror is a listed SDVE vendor, then the bidder/offeror must also list
itself;
2. A copy of the SDVE's
certification as a SDVE unless the SDVE is listed with the Office of
Administration on its website as previously certified in which case said
documentation is not required; and
3. Written documentation as specified in the
solicitation from each listed SDVE that it is willing to participate in the
contract in the kind and amount of work provided in the bidder/offeror's
response.
(I) If the
bid/proposal is awarded, the percentage level of the SDVE participation
committed to by the bidder/offeror in required documentation is a binding
contractual requirement.
(J) If the
solicitation will not include subjective criteria, the division will convert
the pricing to a point comparison as outlined in the solicitation and add the
bonus points to the cost points calculated. If the solicitation will include
subjective criteria, the division must include the SDVE requirements in the
solicitation document, except when a solicitation is for a no cost contract.
Any other exception must be approved at the discretion of the
director.
(K) Once a contract is
awarded, a contractor shall submit on or before the fifteenth of the month
immediately following the reporting period, unless another timeframe is
approved by the division, until full payment is made a report detailing all
payments it made immediately following the reporting period to all SDVEs
participating in the contract. The report shall be submitted to the division on
a division form.
1. No dollar value of work
performed under a contract with a firm after it has ceased to be certified can
be counted toward the SDVE overall goal.
2. The participation of an SDVE subcontractor
toward a contractor's final compliance with its SDVE obligations on a contract
cannot be counted until the amount being counted has actually been paid to the
SDVE.
(L) SDVE
participation will be credited by the division only for the value of the work
actually performed by the SDVE toward the individual contract percentage,
including cost of supplies and materials obtained or leased by the SDVE. The
total dollar value of the work awarded to the SDVE by the prime contractor is
counted toward the contract goal. When counting SDVE participation, the
division may consider the following:
1. A
contractor's entire expenditure to be paid to an SDVE supplier or manufacturer
for material or services furnished which becomes a permanent part of the
contract work. For the purpose of this regulation, a manufacturer shall be
defined as an individual or firm that produces goods from raw materials or
substantially alters them before resale;
2. By counting the work an SDVE contractor
commits to perform with its own labor as well as the work that it commits to
perform with SDVE subcontractors and suppliers; and
3. When an SDVE performs as a participant in
a joint venture, only the portion of the total dollar value of the contract
equal to the distinct, clearly defined portion of the work of the contract that
the SDVE performs with its own forces will count toward SDVE individual
contract percentages.
(M)
If a contractor is unable to satisfactorily meet its SDVE contractual
commitment, or if there are other reasons the vendor needs to replace an SDVE,
the contractor must replace the business per the terms of the contract. If the
contractor cannot obtain a replacement per the terms of the contract, it may
apply to the division for a participation waiver by providing documentation
detailing all efforts made to secure a replacement and a good cause statement
establishing why the participation level cannot be obtained. If the contractor
has met its burden of proof, the division may grant a waiver of the contractual
obligation for good cause.
(N) If
the contractor's payment to a committed SDVE is less than the amount committed,
and no waiver of the contractual obligation for good cause has been obtained,
the state may cancel the contract and/or suspend or debar the contractor from
participating in future state procurements or withhold payment to the
contractor in an equal amount to the value of the participating commitment less
actual payments made by the contractor to the participating business. If the
division determines that a contractor has become compliant with the commitment
amount, any withheld funds will be released.
(O) At the time of contract renewal, a
contractor must verify it is meeting its participation level and required
payment to all SDVEs, or the contractor must submit a statement of when such
SDVE participation is scheduled to occur. If the contractor is not meeting said
requirements, the contract renewal may not be processed unless and until said
requirements are satisfactorily met, a cure plan is approved, the statement is
accepted by the division, or a waiver for good cause is obtained from the
division.
(15) The
division director or designee will evaluate each recommendation in conjunction
with each agency designee. The division will either accept or reject each
recommendation or request additional clarification from each evaluation
team.
(16) For solicitations using
weighted criteria evaluations, the evaluation criteria and point assessment
assigned to each criterion, as well as the award process, will be specified in
the solicitation documents. The point assessment assigned to each evaluation
criteria will not be changed after the final end date and time for submission
of the initial bids/responses has passed. The division will consult with the
applicable agency to determine which criteria are most important. Points
assigned to cost do not have to be fifty percent (50%) or more of the assigned
points.
(17) Any clerical error,
apparent on its face, may be corrected by the division before contract award.
Upon discovery of an apparent clerical error, the division will contact the
bidder/offeror to request clarification of the intended bid/proposal and the
correction will be incorporated in the notice of award, if applicable. Examples
of apparent clerical errors are misplacement of a decimal point and obvious
mistake in designation unit.
(18)
Minor technicalities or irregularities in bid/proposals can be waived by the
division if the waiver does not create a competitive advantage for any
bidder/offeror. Such waiver is appropriate for a condition that does not
conform with a mandatory requirement of the solicitation document, and
therefore could otherwise be considered non-responsive, but is so minor in
nature, or cannot otherwise be met by all bidders/offerors, that to determine
non-responsiveness could be considered unreasonable and would not be to the
state's advantage.
(19) The
division has the right to request clarification of any portion of the
bidder/offeror's response in order to verify the intent of the
bidder/offeror.
(20) When
evaluating a bid/proposal, the division has the right to consider relevant
information and fact, whether gained from a bid/proposal response, from a
bidder/offeror, from a bidder/offeror's references, or from any other source.
Any information submitted with a bid/proposal response, regardless of the
format or placement of such information, may be considered in making decisions
related to the responsiveness and merit of a bid/proposal and the award of a
contract.
(21) Awards are to be
made to the bidder/offeror whose bid/proposal complies with-
(A) All mandatory specifications and
requirements of the bid/proposal;
(B) Is the lowest and best bid/proposal in
accordance with the evaluation methodology outlined in the bid/proposal;
and
(C) Complies with Chapter 34,
RSMo, other applicable Missouri statutes, and all applicable Executive
Orders.
(22) With regard
to competitive negotiation procurements, the basic steps of the evaluation
should generally include the following:
(A)
Proposals are reviewed for non-responsiveness (non-compliance) with mandatory
requirements in the solicitation document. In conjunction with the evaluation
committee, if applicable, the division will obtain any clarifications to a
response necessary to make a determination of compliance or non-responsiveness.
A proposal which contains nonresponsiveness issues which could never be
expected to be brought into compliance, even if given an opportunity for
competitive negotiations, is considered unacceptable or nonresponsive and
eliminated from further consideration in the evaluation. Proposals with
nonresponsiveness issues which could be corrected during competitive
negotiations, if conducted, are considered potentially acceptable and remain in
the evaluation process until a decision is made in regard to competitive
negotiations. If competitive negotiations are not conducted, proposals with
nonresponsiveness issues are considered nonresponsive and are eliminated from
further consideration in the evaluation. If competitive negotiations are
conducted, the non-responsiveness issues are identified as deficiencies in the
best and final offer request;
(B)
Unless shortlisting of proposals has been determined to be appropriate, when
competitive negotiations are necessary regarding the Request for Proposal, the
division will request a written best and final offer (BAFO) from each
potentially acceptable offeror. Although not required, the BAFO letter should
identify all proposal deficiencies that may make the proposal unacceptable. The
BAFO request letter should provide the offeror the opportunity to reconsider
any other aspect of its proposal, including pricing. All offerors will be given
the same amount of time to respond to the BAFO request, but the issuance of a
request letter does not necessarily have to be simultaneous.
1. Negotiations may be conducted with only a
shortlist of offerors who have submitted proposals if the solicitation permits
shortlisting and if the solicitation identifies the method by which the
shortlist of offerors will be determined. Shortlisting may also be used to
limit the number of offerors demonstrating their products or solutions, or
having their products or solutions examined or tested by the agency. Even if
shortlisting is permitted, negotiations may still be conducted with all
potentially acceptable offerors;
(C) Request for Proposal revisions may be
permitted for the purpose of obtaining best and final offers and making changes
to the proposal that are in the best interest of the state;
(D) The division may issue more than one (1)
round of negotiations via the BAFO process; and
(E) When conducting competitive negotiations,
there shall be no disclosure of any information submitted by competing
offerors.
(23) The
division will encourage participation in the procurement process and fairness
in consideration of bids/proposals submitted by Minority Business Enterprises
(MBEs) and Women's Business Enterprises (WBEs). Programs/procedures designed to
accomplish these objectives may include: inclusion of M/WBE requirements in
solicitation documents, close review of requirements for bonding, experience
and insurance requirements, contract unbundling, targeted notice of procurement
opportunities, utilization of minority and women personnel on evaluation
committees, if available, etc.
(A) Percentage
Requirements and Compliance. Executive Order 15-06 states that the State of
Missouri's Annual Aspirational Program Goals for Minority- and Women- Business
Enterprises (M/WBE) are both ten percent (10%) of all state annual procurement
funds expended by executive branch agencies. These goals are a benchmark by
which M/WBE opportunities to participate in state procurement are monitored and
evaluated. These ten percent (10%) goals do not authorize or require the
division to set M/WBE individual contract percentages at the ten percent (10%)
level, or any other particular level, or to take any special administrative
steps if the percentages are above or below ten percent (10%).
1. The division may use individual contract
percentages to help meet the State's Annual Aspirational Program Goals. The
division may establish individual contract percentages, with support from the
Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO). The division may set each contract
percentage by reviewing the type of goods or services being procured, elements
of work to be performed, time frame, and geographical location, history of
M/WBE and non-M/WBE usage, and availability of ready, willing, and able M/WBEs
certified by OEO. The percentages will be expressed in the bid document as a
percentage of the total contract value. Individual contract percentages may be
set higher than the State's Annual Aspirational Program Goals where
availability of M/WBEs has been demonstrated to be higher. Likewise, individual
contract percentages may be set lower in areas where availability of M/WBEs has
been demonstrated to be lower.
2.
Bidders/Offerors must, in order to be responsive, make sufficient good faith
efforts to meet M/WBE contract percentages. The bidder/offeror can meet the
individual contract percentages in either one (1) of two (2) ways. First, the
bidder/offeror can meet the percentages through documenting commitments for
participation by M/WBEs sufficient to meet the M/WBE contract percentages.
Second, the bidder/offeror can document adequate good faith efforts pursuant to
subsection (23)(I) by demonstrating the bidder/offeror took all necessary and
reasonable steps to achieve the M/WBE contract percentages, but was unable to
achieve it.
(B) M/WBE
individual contract percentages can be met by a qualified M/WBE vendor and/or
through the use of qualified M/WBE subcontractors, suppliers, joint ventures,
or other arrangements that afford meaningful opportunities for M/WBE
participation. The M/WBE vendor shall be certified by OEO on the opening date
of a bid/proposal. If an M/WBE vendor's certification has expired or otherwise
ended, but the vendor had submitted its renewal application or other supporting
documents to OEO prior to the bid/proposal opening and certification is
reinstated prior to contract award, then the M/WBE vendor shall be considered
qualified.
(C) Supplies provided by
M/WBE vendors must provide a commercially useful function that provides added
value to a contract. Supplies shall be provided exclusive to the performance of
a contract, and an M/WBE vendor's obligation outside of a state contract shall
not be considered an added value to the contract.
(D) M/WBE Participation Computed. M/WBE
participation will be credited by the division only for the value of the work
actually performed by the M/WBE toward the division individual contract
percentage, including cost of supplies and materials obtained or leased by the
M/WBE. The total dollar value of the work granted to the M/WBE by the prime
contractor is counted toward the applicable goal of the entire contract. When
counting M/WBE participation, the division may consider the following:
1. A contractor's entire expenditure to be
paid to an M/WBE supplier or manufacturer for supplies furnished which becomes
a permanent part of the contract work. For the purpose of this regulation, a
manufacturer is defined as an individual or firm that produces goods from raw
materials or substantially alters them before resale and is an OEO certified
M/WBE;
2. By counting the work an
M/WBE contractor commits to perform with its own labor as well as the work that
it commits to perform with M/WBE subcontractors and suppliers; and
3. When an M/WBE performs as a participant in
a joint venture, only the portion of the total dollar value of the contract
equal to the distinct, clearly defined portion of the work of the contract that
the M/WBE performs with its own forces shall count toward M/WBE individual
contract percentages.
(E)
If a bidder/offeror is proposing M/WBE vendor participation it must provide to
the division all documents specified by the solicitation, which may include:
1. Bid/proposal forms outlining the name,
address, and telephone number of each and the M/WBE commitment percentage with
the corresponding dollar amount of the participation of each M/WBE;
2. Bid/proposal forms outlining M/WBE
participation and a description of what services or supplies the vendor will
supply;
3. M/WBE vendor
certification number or copy of certification issued by OEO; and
4. Written documentation as required in the
solicitation from each listed M/WBE that it is willing to participate in the
contract in the kind and amount of work provided in the bidder/offeror's
response.
(F) If the
bidder/offeror's bid/proposal is awarded, the percentage level of the M/WBE
vendor participation committed to by the bidder/offeror is a binding
contractual requirement.
(G) A
bidder/offeror that is certified as both an MBE and WBE can meet both MBE and
WBE individual contract percentages as long as the bidder/offeror is performing
at least the total of the target MBE and WBE percentage of the contract
value.
(H) If the solicitation will
not include subjective criteria, the division is not required to address M/WBE
contract percentages in the solicitation. If the solicitation will include
subjective criteria, the division must include the M/WBE individual contract
percentages in the solicitation document, except when a solicitation is for a
no cost contract. Any other exception must be approved at the discretion of the
director.
(I) Good Faith Waiver. A
bidder/offeror is required to make a good faith effort to locate and contract
with M/WBEs. If a bidder/offeror has made a good faith effort to secure the
required M/WBE participation and has failed, the bidder/offeror may submit with
its bid proposal the information requested on forms provided with the bid
documents. The division will review the bidder/offeror's actions as set forth
in the bidder/offeror's submittal documents and other factors deemed relevant
by the division, to determine if a good faith effort has been made to meet the
applicable contract percentages. If the bidder/offeror is judged not to have
made a good faith effort, the bid will be rejected.
1. Bidders/offerors who demonstrate that they
have made a good faith effort to include M/WBE participation will not have
their bids/proposals rejected regardless of the percent of M/WBE participation,
provided the bids/proposals are otherwise acceptable.
2. In reaching a determination of good faith,
the director may evaluate, but is not limited to, the following factors:
A. The efforts to develop and sustain a
working relationship with M/WBEs, including attending pre-bid conferences and
matchmaking meetings and events;
B.
The bidder's/offeror's efforts and methods to provide M/WBEs with full sets of
plans, specifications, or appropriate information in a timely manner to assist
the M/WBE in responding to the bidder's/offeror's solicitation. This could
include conducting market research to identify M/WBEs, and providing emails or
written notices to relevant OEO certified M/WBEs listed in OEO's directory, and
which are located in the applicable area or surrounding areas as early in the
acquisition process as practicable;
C. The bidder's/offeror's efforts to make
initial contact with at least three (3) relevant OEO-certified M/WBEs, its
follow-up with the contacted M/WBEs, and whether the bidder/offeror received a
proposal from a certified M/WBE for the relevant categories of work;
D. The bidder's/offeror's efforts to assist
interested M/WBEs in obtaining bonding, lines of credit, or insurance as
required by the division, or the efforts made to assist in obtaining necessary
equipment, supplies, materials, or related assistance or services;
E. The extent to which the bidder/offeror
divides work into projects suitable for subcontracting to M/WBEs, including,
where appropriate, breaking out contract work items into economically feasible
units, for example, smaller tasks or quantities to facilitate M/WBE
participation, even when the bidder/offeror might otherwise prefer to perform
the work with its own forces. Prime contractors are not, however, required to
accept higher quotes from M/WBEs if the price difference is excessive or
unreasonable, but the fact that there may be some additional costs involved in
finding and using M/WBEs is not in itself sufficient reason for a
bidder's/offeror's failure to meet the individual contract M/WBE percentages,
as long as such costs are reasonable;
F. The bidder's/offeror's ability to provide
sufficient evidence in the form of documentation that supports the information
provided;
G. Actual past
participation of M/WBEs achieved by the bidder/offeror with contracts
established by the division;
H. The
reasons provided by the bidder/offeror for the inability to reach the
individual contract percentages, and the ability of other bidders/offerors to
meet the percentages, if applicable;
I. An insufficient good faith effort is the
rejection of an M/WBE because its quotation for the work was not the lowest
received. However, as noted above, a bidder/offeror is not required to accept
an excessive or unreasonable quote in order to satisfy contract percentages;
and
J. When a non-M/WBE
subcontractor is selected over an M/WBE subcontractor, the division may require
the bidder/offeror to submit copies of each M/WBE and non-M/WBE subcontractor
quote to review whether the M/WBE prices were substantially higher; and the
division may contact the M/WBE subcontractor to inquire as to whether the firm
was contacted by the prime bidder/offeror. Pro forma mailings to M/WBEs
requesting bids are not alone sufficient to satisfy good faith efforts.
(J) Once a
contract is awarded, a contractor shall submit on or before each fifteenth of
the month, unless another timeframe is approved by the division, until full
payment is made, a report detailing all payments it made immediately following
the reporting period to all M/WBEs participating in the contract. The report
shall be submitted to the division on a division form. The division may waive
this reporting requirement at any time for good cause. The amounts submitted
may be verified by the division, OEO, or the Contract Oversight Office.
1. No dollar value of work performed under a
contract with a firm after it has ceased to be certified can be counted toward
the M/WBE overall goal.
2. The
participation of a M/WBE subcontractor toward a contractor's final compliance
with its M/WBE obligations on a contract cannot be counted until the amount
being counted has actually been paid to the M/WBE.
(K) The director will maintain records
identifying and assessing the contractor's progress in achieving and
maintaining M/WBE contract percentages. These records should show-
1. The amount and nature of awards made by
the contractor to M/WBE vendors/suppliers/manufacturers; and
2. Monthly reports from the contractor on its
progress in meeting M/WBE percentages, unless a different interval for
reporting has been approved.
(L) Termination or Substitution of an M/WBE.
If an M/WBE is unable to satisfactorily perform its participation level, or if
there are other reasons the contractor needs to replace an M/WBE, the
contractor for good cause can obtain written approval from the division prior
to replacing the entity.
1. Before a
contractor transmits to the division its request to terminate and/or substitute
an M/WBE, the contractor must give notice in writing to the M/WBE
subcontractor, with a copy to OEO and the division, of its intent to request to
terminate and/or substitute, and the reason for the request. The contractor
must give the M/WBE five (5) business days to respond to the contractor's
notice and advise the OEO and the division and the contractor of the reasons,
if any, why it objects to the proposed termination of its subcontract and why
OEO and the division should not approve the contractor's action. If required in
a particular case as a matter of public necessity (e.g., safety), the
contractor may reduce or waive the response period as approved by the
division.
2. For purposes of this
subsection, good cause for approval of a request for termination or
substitution for an M/WBE includes, but is not limited to, the following:
A. The listed M/WBE subcontractor fails or
refuses to execute a written contract;
B. The listed M/WBE fails or refused to
perform the work of its subcontract in a way consistent with normal industry
standards, provided, however, that good cause does not exist if the failure or
refusal by the M/WBE subcontractor to perform its work on the subcontract
resulted from the bad faith or discriminatory action of the prime
contractor;
C. The listed M/WBE
subcontractor fails or refuses to meet the prime contractor's reasonable,
nondiscriminatory bond requirements;
D. The listed M/WBE subcontractor becomes
bankrupt, insolvent, or exhibits credit unworthiness;
E. The listed M/WBE subcontractor is
ineligible to work on projects because of suspension or debarment
proceedings;
F. The listed M/WBE
subcontractor is not a responsible contractor as determined by the
division;
G. The listed M/WBE
subcontractor voluntarily withdraws from the project and provides the prime
contractor written notice of its withdrawal, or the withdrawal is otherwise
confirmed by the division;
H. The
listed M/WBE subcontractor is ineligible to receive M/WBE credit for the type
of work required;
I. The listed
M/WBE subcontractor owner dies or becomes disabled with the result that a
listed M/WBE prime contractor is unable to complete its work on the contract;
and
J. Other documented good cause
that the division determines compels the termination of an M/WBE subcontractor.
But good cause does not exist if the prime contractor seeks to terminate an
M/WBE it relied upon to obtain the contract so that the prime contractor can
self-perform the work for which the M/WBE subcontractor was engaged or so that
the prime contractor can substitute another M/WBE or non-M/WBE after contract
award without good cause.
3. If approved, the contractor must make good
faith efforts to meet the contractual commitment to the contract goal. These
good faith efforts shall be directed at finding another M/WBE to perform at
least the same amount of work under the contract as the M/WBE that was
terminated, to the extent needed to meet the contract goal. OEO and the
division's approval shall not be arbitrarily withheld. If the contractor cannot
obtain a replacement, it may apply to the division for a participation waiver
by providing documentation detailing all good faith efforts made to secure a
replacement and a good cause statement establishing why the participation level
cannot be obtained. If the contractor has met its burden of proof, the
division, after consulting with OEO, may grant an M/WBE waiver for good
cause.
4. The good faith efforts
shall be documented by the contractor. If the division requests documentation
under this subsection, the contractor shall submit the documentation within
seven (7) business days, which may be extended for an additional seven (7)
business days, if necessary, at the request of the contractor.
5. The division will provide a written
determination to the contractor stating whether or not good faith efforts have
been demonstrated.
(M) If
the contractor's participation level or payment to a participating M/WBE entity
is less than the amount committed, and no M/WBE waiver for good cause has been
obtained, the division may cancel the contract and/or suspend or debar the
contractor from participating in future state procurements for a period of six
(6) months or longer, up to permanent debarment, or withhold payment to the
contractor in an equal amount to the value of the participating commitment less
actual payments made by the contractor to the participating entity. If the
division determines that a contractor has become compliant with the commitment
amount, any withheld funds are to be released. Any suspension or debarment
based on such non-compliance may be rescinded by the division at its
discretion.
1. A contractor may appeal a
suspension or debarment to the commissioner by filing a written appeal no later
than twenty (20) calendar days from the date on the notice of suspension or
debarment issued by the division. The suspension or debarment remains in effect
pending the results of the appeal.
(N) At the time of contract renewal, a
contractor must verify it is meeting its participation level and required
payment to all M/WBE entities, or the contractor must submit a statement of
when such M/WBE participation is scheduled to occur. If the contractor is not
meeting said requirements, the contract renewal shall not be processed unless
and until said requirements are satisfactorily met, a cure plan is approved,
the statement is accepted by the division, or an M/WBE waiver for good cause is
obtained from the division.
(24) For a delegation of authority by the
division to a state agency, the delegation will contain any restrictions on the
agency's management of the solicitation, including those related to use of
weighted criteria, M/WBE participation, and competitive negotiations.
(A) A "department" as defined in section
34.010, RSMo may be
delegated general procurement authority. This delegated authority may stipulate
dollar limits and other limits for specific types of purchases, and list the
procedures to be followed for procurements processed by the
"department."
(B) A "department" as
defined in section
34.010, RSMo may be
delegated authority for special types of procurements on an individual basis
for a limited time period, with the written authorization listing the
procedures to be followed in making such procurements.
(C) Procurements not delegated to a
"department" as defined in section
34.010, RSMo are to
be referred to the division for processing.
(D) The Commissioner of Administration has
determined that the Department of Mental Health's services for its patients,
residents, and clients can best be purchased by the department with funds
appropriated for that purpose and waives procedures of Chapter 34, RSMo,
related to cost and pricing, so that the department may evaluate competitive
proposals on the basis of quality and other variables exclusive of
price.
(25) Commercially
Useful Function. For a bid or proposal that contains a commitment to use a
blind or sheltered workshop, service disabled veteran enterprise, or a minority
or women business enterprise, those activities must provide a commercially
useful function that offers added value to the contract.
(A) An entity performs a commercially useful
function when it is responsible for executing a distinct element of the work of
the contract and is carrying out its responsibilities by actually performing,
managing, or supervising the work involved. To perform a commercially useful
function, the entity must also be responsible, when applicable, with respect to
materials and supplies used on the contract, for negotiating price, determining
quality and quantity, ordering the material, installing (where applicable), and
paying for the material itself. Materials and supplies shall be provided
exclusive to the performance of a contract, and an entity's obligation outside
of a state contract shall not be considered an added value. Services or
supplies to be provided by an entity that are outside the usual and customary
business of the entity may be considered not to offer added value.
(B) To determine whether an entity is
performing a commercially useful function, the division may evaluate the amount
of work subcontracted, whether the amount the entity is to be paid under the
contract is commensurate with the work it is actually performing and the
entity's credit claimed for its performance of the work, and other relevant
factors.
(C) An entity does not
perform a commercially useful function if its role is limited to that of an
extra participant in a transaction, contract, or project through which funds
are passed in order to obtain the appearance of participation by the entity. In
determining whether an entity is such an extra participant, the division may
examine similar transactions, particularly those in which such entities do not
participate.
(D) If an entity does
not perform or exercise responsibility for at least thirty percent (30%) of the
total cost of its contract with its own work force, or the entity subcontracts
a greater portion of the work of a contract than would be expected on the basis
of normal industry practice for the type of work involved, the director will
presume that it is not performing a commercially useful function.
(E) When an entity is presumed not to be
performing a commercially useful function as provided in this rule, the entity
may present evidence to rebut this presumption. The director may determine if
the entity is performing a commercially useful function given the type of work
involved and normal industry practices.
(26) Reverse Auctions. A procurement
involving a reverse auction process shall include:
(A) The qualifications, if any, for the
prospective vendors;
(B) The
process to be followed for the reverse auction, including that of the
vendors;
(C) The merchandise,
supplies, raw materials, or finished goods to be procured; and
(D) The evaluation criteria to determine the
winning vendor, with price as the primary factor in evaluating bids. A reverse
auction shall not be used for supplies covered by section
34.047,
RSMo.
*Original authority: 34.050, RSMo 1939, amended 1945, 1993,
1995 and 34.074, RSMo 2008, amended
2010.