Are competitive proposals or bids required for a consultant contract?
University policy requires that a department make every effort to obtain competitive proposals/bids when the total amount to be paid to a consultant is more than $25,000. This is a change from the University’s standard bid policy, which requires bids for other commodities when payment to a vendor is more than $2,500. This special arrangement was recognized by the Purchasing Office in order to expedite the department’s selection process, and allow each department greater latitude in selecting a consultant based on subjective reasons such as the consultant’s professional recommendations, its recognized standing within a particular field, and its previous successful work for the University.
