2.3. Step 2–Addressing Certain Market and Budget Constraints

The state entity’s ability to make an open market purchase through the competitive solicitation process can be impacted by limitations in the open market, the state entity’s budgetary constraints, or a combination of these factors. As a result of the completed market analysis, the procurement professional may determine that there are limited goods, services or suppliers which are likely to meet the state entity’s critical business requirements and/or budget constraints. The fact that available resources are limited does not negate the requirement to conduct a competitive solicitation. However, there are three special situations affecting an open market purchase which are addressed in the following subsections: