Competitive Sealed Bidding

This is the method of procurement used most frequently. The Invitation for Bids (IFB) is the solicitation document.

Determination For UseMethod of procurement to be used unless it is not feasible.
Basis for AwardLowest responsive, responsible bidder.
Brief Description of ProcedureAn invitation for bid is prepared including specifications for the goods, services or construction, and administrative requirements, provisions, etc. Public notice is issued inviting offerors to submit bids by a specified submittal date.
Monetary CapIn accordance with the contract.
Term Limit of ContractIn accordance with the contract.
Public Notice of SolicitationRequired. Shall be posted for a minimum of 10 days between the solicitation release date and bid submittal due date (a total of 12 days). Notices shall include brief description of goods, services or construction, due date for bid submittals, where and when solicitation may be obtained, contact information, pre-bid conference information and any other information as applicable.
  • HIePRO solicitations: When a solicitation is conducted on HIePRO, procurement notice of solicitation is automatically posted.
  • For solicitations not conducted on HIePRO, the notice shall be posted manually to procurement notices of solicitations website (Executive branch).

Reference: HAR Sections 3-122-16.02, 3-12-16.03
Public Notice of AwardRequired. Must be posted to contract awards website (Executive branch) within 7 calendar days of award. Exception: HIePRO awards are automatically posted.
ProtestsAllowed for any phase of solicitation and award.
  • Protest of any phase of solicitation: shall be submitted in writing prior to receipt of offers. (HAR Section 3-126-3)
  • Protest of an award: shall be submitted in writing within 5 working days of posting of award. (HAR Section 3-126-4)
  • Stay of Procurement: Once filed, no further action shall be taken on the procurement until the protest has been settled. (HAR Section 3-126-5)

(Reference: HRS Section 103D-701)
PreferencesPreferences apply.  Applicable preferences are addressed in the solicitation.
Electronic Procurement System
  • Use of an electronic procurement system is permitted.
  • For the Executive Branch the electronic procurement system to be used is HIePRO.

Statutes & Rules

Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) Chapter 103D (Table of contents) (Links to sections)

Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR) Chapters 3-120 to 3-132 (all chapters apply)

Reference