New Mexico Administrative Code
Title 1 - GENERAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION
Chapter 4 - STATE PROCUREMENT
Part 1 - PROCUREMENT CODE REGULATIONS
Section 1.4.1.27 - MULTI-STEP SEALED BIDS

A. General: Multi-step bidding is a variant of the competitive sealed bidding method. This method may be utilized when the state purchasing agent or a central purchasing office makes a determination that it is impractical initially to prepare specifications to support an award based on price, or that specifications are inadequate or are too general to permit full and free competition without technical evaluation and discussion.

B. Phased process: Multi-step bidding is a phased process which combines elements of both the competitive sealed proposal method, seeking necessary information or unpriced technical offers in the initial phase; and regular competitive sealed bidding, inviting bidders who submitted technically acceptable offers in the initial phase, to submit competitive sealed price bids on the technical offers in the final phase. The contract shall be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder. If time is a factor, the state purchasing agent or a central purchasing office may require bidders to submit a separate sealed bid during the initial phase to be opened after the technical evaluation.

C. Public notice: Whenever multi-step sealed bids are used, public notice for the first phase shall be given in accordance with 1.4.1.17 NMAC of this rule. Public notice is not required for the second phase.