Rhode Island Code of Regulations
Title 220 - Department of Administration
Chapter 30 - Purchases
Subchapter 00 - N/A
Part 1 - General Provisions
Section 220-RICR-30-00-1.1 - PURPOSES AND POLICIES

1. Competition: The State of Rhode Island will operate an effective procurement system by obtaining goods and services within a competitive environment whenever possible. The primary method of assuring that procurements are to the advantage of the State of Rhode Island, shall be through the use of competitive bidding procedures as set forth herein. Contract awards shall be made to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, taking into consideration the reliability of the bidder, the qualities of the materials, equipment or supplies to be furnished, their conformity with the specifications, the purposes for which required, terms of delivery and the best interests of the state.

2. Centralization: The State of Rhode Island will operate an effective procurement system by establishing a centralized purchasing authority within the Department of Administration responsible for the promulgation and oversight of rules, regulations, policies and procedures for the implementation of all laws relating to purchasing activities. The Department of Administration shall provide centralized purchasing support services to assure that equity and professional expertise are employed in the purchase of goods and services by state agencies.

3. Responsibility and Accountability: All state agency officials shall be responsible for compliance with purchasing legislation enacted by the General Assembly and with all related policies, rules, regulations, procedures and codes promulgated by the Chief Purchasing Officer and shall be held accountable for violations thereof. All state employees shall be responsible for carrying out their designated functions with care, integrity and responsibility for providing public procurement in the most cost effective manner.