AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO REVERSE AUCTIONS.

Delaware expands online bidding for services

The law defines reverse auctions as online bidding for goods and professional or nonprofessional services. Vendors see competitors’ prices, but not their names, and can lower their offers during the auction. Delaware’s Section of Government Support Services can use or authorize agency auctions for professional services when its director or designee finds them advantageous. This authority applies despite other Title 29 rules. The Section must provide a simpler process, and vendors must preregister for responsibility checks and accept the contract terms and requirements. Each solicitation must identify the auction method, schedule, and procedures. With written director or designee approval, an outside vendor can run the auction without the chapter’s usual purchasing rules. Every price proposal must be recorded with the vendor’s name and address. Proposals and evaluation materials stay closed to public inspection until a signed contract is received. After award, proposals become public, except for information covered by existing public-records exemptions.