Chapter 4 – Information Technology

45020.4.1 Competitive Methods

• Competitive procurement methods have several industry-standard methods established in SCM Vol. 2, that may be used for soliciting and awarding contracts and purchase orders. The competitive procurement methods include:

  • Formal

    • Invitation for Bid (IFBInvitation For Bids) – This is the most common written format for formal purchases at or above $1,000,000.

    • Request for Proposal (RFPRequest For Proposal) – Used for formal solicitations more than $1,000,000. The RFPRequest For Proposal identifies a complex business or elevated risk.

  • Informal

    • Request for Quote (RFQRequest For Quotations) – Used for competitive solicitations below $1,000,000.00.

  • Small Business (SB) and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBEDisabled Veteran Business Enterprises) Option.

    • CDCRCalifornia Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation shall utilize the SB/DVBEDisabled Veteran Business Enterprises method first. This is the most recommended method to satisfy state mandates relating to SB/DVBEDisabled Veteran Business Enterprises or DVBEDisabled Veteran Business Enterprises guidelines and may be used for acquisitions between $5,000 and $249,999.99.

  • Limited to Brand (LTB)

    • This is used for specific brand or trade name solicitations in accordance with Public Contract Code (PCCPublic Contract Code) section 12102(b) for ITInformation Technology goods, and sections 10301 and 10302 for Non-ITInformation Technology goods. Refer to CDCRCalifornia Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Purchasing Authority Approval Letter (PAAL) for maximum threshold for the department’s LTB justification purchasing authority, which requires departmental or the Department of General Services (DGSDepartment of General Services) approval prior to solicitation.

• For a complete detailed list of Competitive Methods of Procurement, refer to SCM Vol. 2, section 1401, Competitive Acquisition Methods List.