To: Vendors and Others Interested in Doing Business with the Department of Corrections

Re: Contacting Department Employees during Procurement and Contracting Process

The Department of Corrections spends approximately $1 billion a year procuring goods and services. Although specifically prohibited during the procurement process, vendors and other interested parties have, in the past, contacted or attempted to contact various agency employees during the solicitation process to discuss publicly issued Invitations to Bid, Requests for Proposals or other procurements. This is ONLY appropriate where the contacted employee is the designated Procurement Manager, his or her supervisor within the Bureau of Procurement and Supply, or the Bureau Chief. Contact with any other department employee during the procurement process is strictly prohibited and will subject the vendor to bid disqualification.