General. Competitive sealed bidding may be conducted through multistep sealed bidding. Multistep sealed bidding is a multiphase process in which bidders submit a technical offer (statement of qualifications) and a second phase in which those bidders who are determined qualified during the first phase may have price bids considered. Request for Qualifications. The request for qualifications is used to initiate a competitive two-step sealed bid procurement. The request for qualifications shall set forth the factors by which the bidder's qualifications will be evaluated. Evaluation factors shall include: Bidder's understanding of the scope and schedule of the work; Bidder's prior experience with projects of similar size and scope, and if bidder is a joint venture, experience of at least one of the members of the joint venture entity; Bidder's plan for management of the project, and the organizational structure proposed for the project; Experience of bidder's individual staff members with projects of similar size and scope; MBE plan, if applicable; and Other factors that the LEA sets forth. The request for qualifications shall set forth the minimum standards that a bidder shall meet to be found qualified. The request for qualifications may include information concerning the project scope, schedule, MBE, and prevailing wage as the LEA considers appropriate. Public Notice. The LEA shall publish notice of a request for qualification at least 14 calendar days before the technical-offer due date in: eMaryland Marketplace; An electronic posting or a physical posting on the LEA's bid board; or A newspaper of general circulation in the LEA's region. Qualifications Evaluation. The LEA shall evaluate the bidder's qualifications to determine whether the bidder meets the minimum qualification standards. The LEA shall compile a list of bidders that are determined to meet the minimum qualification standards. Only the bidders on that list shall be permitted to submit bids. Interviews may be conducted as a component of the qualifications process. Invitation For Bids. After preparing the list of qualified bidders, the LEA may issue an invitation for bids to all bidders on that list. The invitation for bids shall include: Instructions and information concerning bid submission requirements including the date, time, and place for receipt of bids; Whether electronic bids will be accepted; Specifications, drawings, or both, that clearly and accurately describe the functional characteristics of or the nature of an item to be procured; The delivery or performance schedule; MBE goals, if applicable; Prevailing wage requirements, if applicable; Requirement that bidders acknowledge receipt of each amendment and addendum issued; Requirement for submission of bid bond; Information with respect to pre-bid conference if a conference is to be held; Requirement for submission of bid affidavit; and Any other information the LEA requires. The LEA shall obtain approval from the IAC or its designee before issuing the invitation for bids. Bid Receipt and Opening; Disclosure. Upon receipt, each bid shall be stored in a secure place until the time set for bid opening. Bids shall be opened publicly in the presence of at least one LEA employee and read aloud at the time, date, and place designated in the invitation for bids. The name of each bidder, the bid price, and other appropriate information shall be read aloud or otherwise made available. This information shall be recorded at the time of bid opening. The bids shall be tabulated or a bid abstract made. Opened bids shall be available for public inspection at a reasonable time after bid opening and before contract award. Bidders may designate trade secrets or other proprietary data as confidential; material so designated shall be readily separable from the bid in order to facilitate public inspection of the nonconfidential portion of the bid. The LEA shall examine the bids to determine the validity of any requests for nondisclosure of trade secrets and other proprietary data identified in writing. All information submitted by bidders is subject to State and local public disclosure laws. IFB Cancellation; Bid Rejection; Irregularities. Before opening bids, the LEA may cancel the invitation for bids in whole or in part if the LEA determines that the cancellation is fiscally advantageous or otherwise in its best interest. After opening of bids but before award, the LEA may reject all bids in whole or in part if the LEA determines that the rejection is fiscally advantageous or otherwise in its best interest. The LEA may reject any bid in whole or in part if it is in the LEA's best interest to do so. Reasons for rejecting a bid include that the bidder is not responsible, that the bid is not responsive, that the price is unreasonable, or that the bidder is debarred or otherwise ineligible. Irregularities. Minor; Material; Correction. The LEA may permit a bidder to correct a minor irregularity or may waive a minor irregularity. A minor irregularity is one that is merely a matter of form and not of substance or pertains to an immaterial or inconsequential defect or variation in a bid, the correction or waiver of which would not be prejudicial to other bidders. The LEA may not waive or permit a bidder to correct a defect or variation in a bid that is material as to price, quantity, quality, or delivery. Up to and including the time for bid opening, a bidder may correct a defect or variation with respect to: Bid bond; Acknowledgment of addenda; or MBE submission materials. After bid opening, the LEA may not waive or permit a bidder to correct a defect or variation with respect to these requirements unless the defect or variation is determined to be minor and does not affect the competitiveness of the bid. Bid Evaluation and Award. The LEA shall award the contract to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder whose bid meets the requirements and evaluation criteria set forth in the invitation for bids and is the most favorable bid. The LEA may not evaluate a bid for any criterion that is not disclosed in the invitation for bids. Single Bidder. If after proper publication of invitation for bid and proper bid opening, the LEA receives one responsive bid, the LEA may: Award the contract to the single responsible bidder; or Reissue the invitation for bid.