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IFB versus
RFP
Invitation for Bids (IFB) and Request for Proposals (RFP) are different
in the following ways:
IFB:
Invitation for Bids is the preferred method for acquiring goods and
nonprofessional services for the University. The goods or services to be
procured must be capable of being described so that bids submitted against the
description in the Invitation for Bids (IFB) and an award can be made to the
lowest responsive and responsible bidder. Competitive sealed bidding includes
the issuance of a written IFB containing the specifications or scope of
work/purchase description and the contractual terms and conditions applicable
to the procurement. Invitations must describe the requirements accurately and
completely. Unnecessarily restrictive specifications or terms and conditions
that unduly limit competition must be avoided. In the competitive sealed bid
process bids are publicly opened and read aloud. The bids are evaluated based
upon the requirements set forth in the invitation, and an award is made to the
lowest responsive and responsible bidder.
RFP:
Upon determination made in advance by the University and set forth in writing
that competitive sealed bidding (IFB) is either not practicable or not fiscally
advantageous to the University. The document is signed by the Vice President
for Administration & Finance as to the determination to use the RFP method
of procuring goods or services and is retained in the procurement file.
A written Request for Proposal (RFP) is issued to describe in general
terms that which is to be procured. The RFP will specify and list the specific
requirements to be addressed by the offerors which will be used in evaluating
the proposals and will contain other applicable contractual terms and
conditions.
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