§ 16-117. Prequalification of bidders.

(a)

The purchasing agent is authorized to prequalify bidders prior to any solicitation of bids or proposals, whether for goods, services, insurance or construction, by requiring prospective bidders to submit such information as the purchasing agent shall deem appropriate, including samples, financial reports and references; provided, however, that opportunity to prequalify shall be given to any prospective bidder who has not been suspended or debarred under this chapter.

(b)

Any decision not to prequalify a prospective contractor shall be made in writing, listing reasons for the decision.

(c)

Prequalification of a bidder shall not constitute a conclusive determination that the bidder is responsible, and such bidder may be rejected as nonresponsible on the basis of subsequently discovered information.

(d)

Failure of a bidder to prequalify with respect to a given procurement shall not bar the bidder from seeking prequalification as to future procurements, or from bidding on procurements which do not require prequalification.