Handbook of Business Procedures

Date published: February 14, 2012
Last revised: May 10, 2018
Issued by: Purchasing

7.11.2. BID AND PROPOSAL SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

A. Introduction

The University of Texas at Austin is committed to providing a fair opportunity for all prospective bidders and proposers.

The university uses a variety of formal solicitation methods. For more information about the following methods, see the Handbook of Business Procedures:

Note: A supplier does not have to be listed on the Centralized Master Bidders List (CMBL) to submit a bid or a proposal.

B. Bid/Proposal Submission Requirements

In order for the supplier’s bid or proposal to be considered by the university, it must comply with the formal solicitation document. Formal solicitation documents specifically outline the information and format required. Bids or proposals that do not meet these submission requirements are subject to disqualification. Here are some things suppliers should be aware of when they submit a bid/proposal:

  • Designated Buyer for All Communications

    A designated buyer in the Purchasing Office is assigned to each bid and is responsible for all communications related to that solicitation. During the course of the solicitation process, prospective bidders or proposers must direct all communications to the solicitation’s designated buyer.
  • Exceptions to Standard Terms and Conditions

    Standard terms and conditions apply to the subsequently awarded purchase order or contract. Bidders or proposers may propose exceptions to the terms and conditions; however, this could result in disqualification of the supplier’s bid or proposal. Requested exceptions must include proposed alternative language.
  • Submission Deadline

    Bids or proposals must be received by the submission deadline. Those received after the submission deadline will not be opened and will not be considered.
  • Bid Opening

    Public bid openings are not generally conducted by the Purchasing Office.  If a public opening is planned, the solicitation will note the details so interested parties may attend.
  • HUB Subcontracting Plan

    Solicitations with an expected value greater than $100,000 may require the submission of a HUB Subcontracting Plan (HSP). The HSP is reviewed by the director of the Historically Underutilized Business and Small Business Office (HUB/SB). Failure by the supplier to submit a HUB subcontracting plan when it is specifically required will result in disqualification of the supplier’s solicitation or bid. HSPs that are determined to be unacceptable by the HUB/SB director will result in disqualification.

C. Bid/Proposal Results and Awards

Bids and proposals are evaluated based on criteria identified in the solicitation document. For Invitations to Bid (ITBs), the award is determined solely on the basis of price and delivery. For Requests for Proposals (RFPs), the award is based on best-value criteria. If best-value criteria are used:

  • it is clearly identified in the solicitation document, along with the percentage weighting that will be used for each criterion.
  • the university appoints an evaluation team comprised of subject matter experts and end users to score each proposal against the criteria.
  • the Purchasing Office compiles the scores from the evaluation team members and reviews the scores with the team. The team makes a recommendation as to what action to take, and the assistant vice president for procurement, contracts, and payment services decides how to proceed.

All bidders or proposers are notified by the Purchasing Office when an award is made.

 

Part 7. Purchasing - Table of Contents

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