Equipment, materials and supplies are purchased in one of five ways:

• Equipment, materials and supplies available on established State Term Contracts are purchased in accordance with these contracts.
• Equipment, materials and supplies not covered by State Term Contracts and totally less than $90,000 may be purchased locally by soliciting competitive informal quotations.
• Equipment, materials and supplies not covered by State Term Contacts and over $90,000 may be purchased locally by soliciting competitive formal bids.
• Equipment, materials and supplies not covered by State Term Contracts and totally less than $5,000 may be purchased locally. Competitive procedures are not required; however, quotes are recommended.
• Sole source procurements may be awarded for a supply or service without competition when the Director of Purchasing, or a designee, determines in writing that there is only one source for the required supply or service.

Construction projects are bid in one of two ways:

• Formal bid procedures are used for construction projects estimated to cost more than $300,000. Projects are advertised publicly and sealed bids accompanied by bid deposits. The successful contractor must provide one hundred percent performance and payment bonds.
• Informal bid procedures are used for projects estimated to cost less that $300,000. Request for quotes may be obtained verbally, electronic, or written submission. No advertisement is required. A minimum of three bids is recommended.

Contracted Professional Services and Other Services are solicited in one of two ways:

• Professional Services, such as Architecture, Engineering, and Surveying, are selected based on pre-qualification criteria in accordance with state law.
• Competitive procedures are not required for service contracts less than $5,000. It is recommended as good business practice that competitive quotations/bids are solicited to the extent practical for Service Contracts greater than or equal to $5,000.

All awards shall be made to the “lowest responsible bidder” taking into consideration quality, performance, and the time specified in the proposals for the performance of the contracts.