6.35.150 Price preferences/point preferences.
(a) To facilitate and encourage the participation and utilization of WSSC-approved SLBE firms in the procurement process for purchases, a preference may apply to competitive solicitations for architectural and engineering, construction, goods and services, and professional services. These preferences may be applied to WSSC contracts valued at various thresholds.
(b) The preference provides for the utilization of additional points in the evaluation of proposals and the utilization of a preference percentage reduction in price for bids. The preferences are as follows:
(1) Preference Points for Request for Proposals (RFP). Note: The SLMBE Director may consider granting a point preference to a qualified, WSSC-approved SLBE firm. The number of eligible preference points for a proposal submitted by a WSSC-approved SLBE in response to a RFP shall not exceed 10 points of the total evaluation points.
If a WSSC-approved SLBE firm is awarded a contract with the application of this preference collectively, WSSC-approved SLBE primes and subcontractors must retain 60 percent of the contract value. This requirement does not apply to supply contracts, licensing agreements and distributorship agreements.
This preference is subject to reduction if the WSSC-approved SLBE proposes to joint venture or subcontract with a non-SLBE firm(s).
(2) Preference Price Reduction for Invitation for Bids (IFB). Note: The preference price reduction for a WSSC-approved SLBE firm bidding as a prime shall not exceed 10 percent. Application of this preference is applied when bids are received and evaluated.
This price reduction is subject to a limitation if the WSSC-approved SLBE proposes to joint venture or subcontract with a non-SLBE firm(s).
If a WSSC-approved SLBE firm is awarded a contract with the application of this preference, collectively, WSSC-approved SLBE primes and subcontractors must retain 60 percent of the contract value. This requirement does not apply to supply contracts, licensing agreements and distributorship agreements.
(c) A preference price reduction may be awarded to a non-SLBE prime contractor that subcontracts with a WSSC-approved SLBE or proposes to joint venture with a WSSC-approved SLBE firm(s); the preference price reduction may be equal to 10 percent of the amount subcontracted. (Example: If a non-SLBE prime contractor subcontracts 25 percent of the contract value to a WSSC-approved SLBE, the prime contractor will be eligible for a two-and-one-half percent reduction in its bid price.) (REG-PROC-SD-2017-005 § V(J))