UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BUREAU OF RECLAMATION ASSISTANCE (3)

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Page 26 of 52 qualified sources to ensure maximum open and free competition. Also, the non -Federal entity must not preclude potential bidders from qualifying during the solicitation period. [78 FR 78608, Dec. 26, 2013, as amended at 79 FR 75885, Dec. 19, 2014] 200.320 Methods of procurement to be followed. The non -Federal entity must use one of the following methods of procurement. (a) Procurement by micro -purchases. Procurement by micro -purchase is the acquisition of supplies or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which does not exceed the micro - purchase threshold (200.67 Micro -purchase). To the extent practicable, the non -Federal entity must distribute micro -purchases equitably among qualified suppliers. Micro - purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive quotations if the non -Federal entity considers the price to be reasonable. (b) Procurement by small purchase procedures. Small purchase procedures are those relatively simple and informal procurement methods for securing services, supplies, or other property that do not cost more than the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. (c) Procurement by sealed bids (formal advertising). Bids are publicly solicited and a firm fixed price contract (lump sum or unit price) is awarded to the responsible bidder whose bid, conforming with all the material terms and conditions of the invitation for bids, is the lowest in price. The sealed bid method is the preferred method for procuring construction, if the conditions in paragraph (e)(1) of this section apply. (1) In order for sealed bidding to be feasible, the following conditions should be present: (i) A complete, adequate, and realistic specification or purchase description is available; (ii) Two or more responsible bidders are willing and able to compete effectively for the business; and (iii) The procurement lends itself to a firm fixed price contract and the selection of the successful bidder can be made principally on the basis of price. (2) If sealed bids are used, the following requirements apply: (i) Bids must be solicited from an adequate number of known suppliers, providing them sufficient response time prior to the date set for opening the bids, for state, local, and tribal governments, the invitation for bids must be publically advertised; Agreement No. R20AP00113 Agreement Template (03/2019)