What is the 'competitive contracting' process?

The competitive contracting process is designed as a procurement method that permits negotiations with bidders after the initial proposals have been submitted and evaluated. This flexibility allows the purchasing entity to engage with bidders to clarify proposals, negotiate terms, and potentially improve the value of the offers based on discussions. By allowing for post-bid negotiation, the process aims to enhance the overall effectiveness of procurement by ensuring that the best possible solutions and pricing can be achieved for public contracts.

The essence of competitive contracting lies in its ability to foster a collaborative environment between the bidder and the purchasing entity, leading to better outcomes for both parties and ultimately for the public. This method contrasts sharply with other procurement processes that either do not allow negotiation at all or limit the evaluation to price alone, making it a more dynamic approach to fulfilling contracting needs.