§ 13-102. Available methods

   (a) In general. -- Except as provided in Subtitle 3 and Subtitle 4 of this title, all procurement by units shall be by competitive sealed bids unless one of the following methods specifically is authorized:

   (1) competitive sealed proposals under § 13-104 or § 13-105 of this subtitle;

   (2) noncompetitive negotiation under § 13-106 of this subtitle;

   (3) sole source procurement under § 13-107 of this subtitle;

   (4) emergency or expedited procurement under § 13-108 of this subtitle;

   (5) small procurement under § 13-109 of this subtitle;

   (6) an intergovernmental cooperative purchasing agreement under § 13-110 of this subtitle; or

   (7) auction bids under § 13-111 of this subtitle.

   (8) Abrogated.

(b) Preferred methods. --

   (1) In awarding a procurement contract for human, social, cultural, or educational service, the preferred method is by competitive sealed proposals under § 13-104 of this subtitle.

   (2) In awarding a procurement contract for a lease of real property, the preferred method is by competitive sealed proposals under § 13-105 of this subtitle.

   (3) Procurement under an intergovernmental cooperative purchasing agreement is appropriate in situations where the State is expected to achieve a better price as the result of economies of scale or to otherwise benefit by purchasing in cooperation with another governmental entity.

HISTORY: SF § 11-109, 11-110; 1988, ch. 48, § 2; 1997, ch. 680; 2001, ch. 510; 2002, chs. 297, 482; 2002, ch. 482.