Competitive Sealed Proposals Procurement Method

  • The Request for Proposals (RFP) is the solicitation document for this method of procurement.
  • It is used when price is not the most critical factor or the offeror is being asked to propose a means for accomplishing a stated outcome.
  • Criteria for evaluation of proposals shall be stated in the solicitation.
Determination For UseCompetitive Sealed Bidding is not practicable or advantageous; price is not the most critical factor. To utilize this method of procurement:
  • It must be on the list of Procurements Approved for Competitive Sealed Proposals (HAR Chapter 3-122); or
  • Written determination and justification shall be made by the head of the purchasing agency and kept in the procurement file. See HAR Section 3-122-43 for criteria for determination to use competitive sealed proposal method of procurement.
Basis for AwardIn accordance with the RFP criteria.
Brief Description of ProcedureA request for proposals (RFP) is prepared including the scope of work, evaluation criteria, administrative requirements and provisions and submittal due date. Public notice is issued inviting offerors to submit a proposal in accordance with the RFP.  A pre-proposal conference may be held.

Upon the submittal deadline the proposals are evaluated either by the procurement officer or an evaluation committee.  Best and final offers may be solicited from priority-listed offerors.

Award is made to the proposal with the highest score.
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 30 days  between first date of availability of solicitation and submittal due date of offers, a total of 32 days.
Public Notice of AwardRequired. Must be posted to contract awards website (Executive branch) within 7 calendar days of award.
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 SystemUse of an electronic procurement system is not required.

Statutes & Rules

Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) Chapter 103D, Hawaii Public Procurement Code (Table of contents) (Links to sections)

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

Reference