[1.4]

1.4 A degree of competition among contractors is possible even when the selection cannot be based on price alone, by using the competitive proposals method (see article 10.7.11 of the Contracting Policy Guidelines). It is sometimes more appropriate in engineering, research and development, and consulting services, to base selection on the level of performance offered rather than on price alone. Proposal competitions may take one of several forms, including design competition, as outlined in article 10.7.16 of the Contracting Policy Guidelines. Because these proposals would not contain a firm price, the definition of valid bid cannot apply and consequently the lower non-competitive contracting dollar limits is applicable.