State Procurement Office

No. It is NOT true. Federal funding does not constitute an exemption from procurement. However, there are times when special procedures may be used. This occurs when a purchasing agency wishes to apply for federal funding that is competitive and there is a requirement/preference that providers be named in the grant application. There is not enough time to issue an RFP from the point at which the grant is announced until proposals/applications are due so special procedures are authorized in section 3-143-614, HAR. A purchasing agency may conduct an RFI in those circumstances. The RFI must include the following:

• The name of the state agency issuing the request
• A statement that the request is being issued for the purpose of including a provider or providers in a federal grant application which may result in a contract with the provider(s) if the state is awarded
• A description of the service or services being sought
• The criteria by which applicants will be evaluated for selection; The deadline by which responses to the request for information shall be submitted and the method
• Any other requirements that the purchasing agency deems relevant to the request

Reference: HAR Sections 3-142-202(f) and 3-143-614