Section 2000.15  Definition of Terms Used in This Part

As used throughout this Part, terms defined in the Illinois Procurement Code shall have the same meaning as in the Code and as further defined below, and each term listed in this Section shall have the meaning set forth below unless its use clearly requires a different meaning. Terms may be defined in particular Sections for use in that Section.

            "Bid" – The response to an Invitation for Bids.

            "Bidder" – Any person who submits a bid.

            "Brand Name or Equal Specification" – A specification that uses one or more  manufacturer's names or catalogue numbers to describe the standard of quality, performance, and other characteristics needed to meet State requirements, and that allows the submission of equivalent products.

            "Brand Name Specification" – A specification limited to one or more items by manufacturers' names or catalogue numbers.

            "Code" – The Illinois Procurement Code [30 ILCS 500].

            "Concession" – The right or a lease to engage in a certain activity for profit on the lessor's premises (e.g., a refreshment or parking concession).

            "Consulting Services" – Services provided by a business or person as an independent contractor to advise and assist an agency in solving specific management or programmatic problems involving the organization, planning, direction, control or operations of a State agency.  The services may or may not rise to the level of professional and artistic as defined in the Code and this Part.

            "Contract" – A  contract may be in written or oral form.  The term contract as used in the Code and this Part does not include:  supplies or services the terms governing which are established by tariff of the Illinois Commerce Commission or the Federal Communications Commission, bonds issued by or on behalf of any State agency, or contracts, other than for "concessions",  that the State agency signs, but has no financial obligation to the other parties.

            "Contractor" or "Vendor" – The terms contractor and vendor are used interchangeably for purposes of the Code and this Part.

            "Day" – Calendar day.  In computing any period of time, the day of the event from which the designated period of time begins to run shall not be included, but the last day of the period shall be included unless it is a Saturday, Sunday, or a State holiday, in which event the period shall run to the end of the next business day.

            "DCMS" – The Department of Central Management Services.

            "Items" – Anything that may be procured under this Code.

            "Invitation for Bids" or "IFB" – The process by which a purchasing agency requests information from bidders, including all documents, whether attached or incorporated by reference, used for soliciting bids. [30 ILCS 500/1-15.45]

            "Procurement Officer" – The Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) or appropriate State Purchasing Officer (SPO) who conducts the particular procurement, or a designee of either.

            "Proposal" – The response to a Request for Proposals.

            "Qualified Products List" – An approved list of supplies described  by model or catalogue numbers that, prior to competitive solicitation, the State has determined will meet the applicable specification requirements.

            "Request for Information" or "RFI" – The process by which a purchasing agency requests information from offerors for all State contracts for leases of real property or capital improvements.

            "Request for Proposals" or "RFP" – The process by which a purchasing agency requests information from offerors, including all documents, whether attached or incorporated by reference, used for soliciting proposals. [30 ILCS 500/1-15.75]

            "Responsible Bidder or Offeror" – A person who has the capability in all respects to perform fully the contract requirements and the integrity and reliability that will assure good faith performance.

            "Responsive Bidder or Offeror" – A person who has submitted a bid that conforms in all material respects to the Invitation for Bids.  [30 ILCS 500/1-85]

            "Service" – The furnishing of labor, time, or effort by a contractor, not involving the delivery of a specific end product other than reports or supplies that are incidental to the required performance [30 ILCS 500/1-15.90] and the financing thereof.

            "SOS" – The Office of the Secretary of State.

            "Specification" – Any description of the physical, functional, or performance characteristics, or of the nature, of a supply or service.  A specification includes, as appropriate, requirements for inspecting, testing, or preparing a supply or service item for delivery.  Unless the context requires otherwise, the terms "specification" and "purchase description" are used interchangeably throughout this Part.

            "Specification for a Common or General Use Item" – A specification that has been developed and approved for repeated use in procurements.

            "State" – The Office of the Secretary of State.

            "Supplies" – All personal property, including but not limited to equipment, materials, printing, and insurance, and the financing of those supplies. [30 ILCS 500/1-15.110]

            "Unsolicited Offer" – Any offer other than one submitted in response to a solicitation.