Idaho seeks new e-procurement system

Idaho officials want to implement a statewide Web-based purchasing system that could be operational by the summer. The state has released a request for proposals, and interested companies must submit bids by Feb. 3.

Idaho has a decentralized purchasing model in which the state purchasing division processes large volume orders and blanket contracts. But contracts worth less than $50,000 are entrusted to various departments, according to the RFP.

About 100 employees use the current procurement system to create and send requisitions to the purchasing division for processing, the document states. The state doesn’t mandate use of the system.

According to the RFP, certain features are mandatory for the new system, including:

* Online vendor enrollment that allows companies to be notified automatically of contracting opportunities.

* Features that let vendors download information and documents.

* The ability to create requisitions online that can be routed to appropriate employees.

* Electronic bid preparation that has the ability to post bids to the Internet.

* Purchase orders, contract amendments and other modifications that can be created online and distributed to vendors and others electronically.

The RFP also lists other desired but not mandatory capabilities for the system, including an online catalog ordering system, reverse auctions, data integration to contract management and accounting systems and others.

State officials plan to award a five-year contract March 9, the RFP states. They want to launch the system by June 1.