Chapter 24 - Requests for Proposals and Competitive Negotiations

The SPOC may require certain suppliers clarify information contained in their proposals. The SPOC will issue any clarification questions in writing and these suppliers will be required to submit written clarification responses. A strict deadline for receipt of clarification responses should be included in the written communication to these suppliers. Suppliers must provide responses that sufficiently clarify their proposal's misunderstandings or confusion; however, the response should not reveal a previously unknown issue or problem. Supplier responses must be submitted to the SPOC, who will distribute them to the evaluation team. All clarification questions and responses become permanent records in the official procurement file.

All communications with suppliers during the RFP process should go through the SPOC. Only the SPOC should contact any supplier.