Oregon Administrative Rules
Chapter 167 - SECRETARY OF STATE, BUSINESS SERVICES DIVISION
Division 1 - PROCEDURAL RULES
Section 167-001-0635 - Agency and Provider Communications

(1) Secretary staff are encouraged to freely conduct market research in support of a procurement. This research includes but is not limited to: meetings, industry presentations, and demonstrations with any providers that may be able to meet a need for an approved procurement. Secretary staff are encouraged to meet with providers whose products or services can meet the Secretary's needs and to document the items discussed during the market research phase of Solicitation development. The research phase shall end prior to a release of a solicitation or a request for quote, unless the solicitation provides for a different process that permits on-going research.

(2) Any communication between Secretary and providers after the solicitation release or request for a quote must only be facilitated by the purchasing staff and within the context of the solicitation document requirements, which may allow for discussions, negotiations, and addenda. Secretary purchasing staff are encouraged to respond to written inquiries by addenda or letter in a timely manner.