Chapter 24 - Requests for Proposals and Competitive Negotiations

Requests for proposals (RFPs) using competitive negotiation is the recommended procurement method when an agency has defined an information technology (IT) business need and is requesting suppliers to propose the best solution(s) to meet that need.

Competitive negotiation is the result of an RFP acquisition process rather than an invitation for bid (IFB). RFPs using competitive negotiations should always be the procurement method used when the following factors or circumstances exist regarding the business or technology problem - the acquisition need(s) is complex; the project specifications cannot be clearly defined; factors other than cost need to be evaluated; or there is a need to negotiate.

All RFPs for IT-related goods and services shall be developed with "best value" methodology as the foundation for determining the best supplier.