Bid Definitions

Invitation For Bid (IFB)
Whenever a material, supply or service has an estimated delivered cost of over $10,000, an Invitation For Bid (IFB) may be used. An IFB is a solicitation document used in sealed bid procurements. Pace uses an IFB when all of the following conditions are present:

1. Specifications and Purchase Descriptions Are Clearly Defined and Complete
2. No Discussions With Offerors Required
3. Reasonable Expectation of Receiving More Than One Bid
4. Fixed Price Contract Will Be Used
5. Award Made on the Basis Of Price and Price Related Factors Alone
   

1. When an IFB Isn't Appropriate
2. Adequate Specifications Not Available
3. Discussions With Offerors Needed
4. Award Based on Both Technical and Price Evaluation

Letter of Interest and Qualifications (LIQ)
Whenever Architectural and Engineering (A & E) and related services are required at any dollar level, a Letter of Interest and Qualifications solicitation document is used to procure the services. An offeror is selected based on qualifications alone and then a fair and reasonable price for the services is negotiated. If a fair and reasonable price cannot be negotiated with the most qualified firm, then negotiations with the next most qualified firm are conducted, etc. A&E services are those professional services of an architectural or engineering nature, which are required to be performed or approved by a person licensed, registered, or certified to provide such services.