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<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".11" citation="COMAR 14.39.03.11" title_num="14" subtitle_num="39" chapter_num="03" heading="Unsolicited Proposals.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Receipt of Unsolicited Proposals; Competing Proposals.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>If an LEA receives a proposal other than one submitted in response to a solicitation and it determines that it is interested in pursuing the unsolicited proposal, the LEA shall:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Publish notice that it has received an unsolicited proposal;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Briefly describe the nature of the proposal;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Give any other interested offeror at least 28 days to submit a competing proposal after the public notice is issued; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>Inform the IAC or its designee of its intention and provide a description of the proposed method to procure the project.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The unsolicited proposal and any competing proposals shall be in writing and sufficiently detailed to permit the LEA to determine if it is advantageous and should be the basis for a contract award.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Notice. Notices required under this regulation shall be placed in:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>eMaryland Marketplace;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>An electronic posting or a physical posting on the LEA's bid board; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>A newspaper of general circulation in the LEA's region.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>If the LEA receives one or more competing proposals, the LEA shall evaluate and negotiate the proposals consistent with Regulations .09F and G of this regulation.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>Award.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The LEA may award a contract that it determines to be advantageous based on an unsolicited proposal or a competing proposal.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The LEA shall prepare and submit to the IAC or its designee a statement that explains why the proposal is the most advantageous. The explanation shall:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Describe the proposed scope of work or services, including alternative financing if applicable;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Include a cost schedule, indicating the costs associated with various services to be provided by the vendor or phases of the work, and whether those costs are eligible for State reimbursement;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Summarize the evaluation system used to select the offeror;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>Summarize the apparent successful offeror's proposal; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(e)">
        <text>Describe the MBE plan, if applicable.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Before seeking approval from the Board of Education, the LEA shall:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Discuss the project in an open meeting; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Notify the public as to when the proposed contract will be brought before the Board of Education for approval.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>