Award of contract without engaging in a standard procurement process -- Notice -- Duty to negotiate contract terms in best interest of procurement unit

(1) A procurement unit may award a contract for a procurement item without engaging in a standard procurement process if the procurement official determines in writing that: (a) there is only one source for the procurement item; (b) (i) transitional costs are a significant consideration in selecting a procurement item; and (ii) the results of a cost-benefit analysis demonstrate that transitional costs are unreasonable or cost-prohibitive, and that the award of a contract without engaging in a standard procurement process is in the best interest of the procurement unit; (c) the award of a contract is under circumstances, described in rules adopted by the rulemaking authority, that make awarding the contract through a standard procurement process impractical and not in the best interest of the procurement unit; or (d) the procurement item is intended to be used for, or in connection with the establishment of, a state store, as defined in Section 32B-1-102. (2) Transitional costs associated with a trial use or testing of a procurement item under a trial use contract awarded under Section 63G-6a-802.3 may not be included in a consideration of transitional costs under Subsection (1)(b). (3) (a) Subject to Subsection (3)(b), a rulemaking authority shall make rules regarding the publication of notice for a procurement under this section that, at a minimum, require publication of notice of the procurement, in accordance with Section 63G-6a-112, if the cost of the procurement exceeds $50,000. (b) Publication of notice under Section 63G-6a-112 is not required for: (i) the procurement of public utility services pursuant to a sole source contract; or (ii) other procurements under this section for which an applicable rule provides that notice is not required. (4) A procurement official who awards a contract under this section shall negotiate with the contractor to ensure that the terms of the contract, including price and delivery, are in the best interest of the procurement unit.