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Rhode Island Resident Bidder Preference
Revised September 10, 2020
Title 37: Public Property and Works
Chapter 37-2: State Purchases
37-2-8. Rhode Island foodstuffs.
When foodstuffs of good quality grown or produced in Rhode Island by Rhode Island farmers are available, the purchasing agent is directed to purchase those foodstuffs at the prevailing market prices when any of those foodstuffs are required by the state institutions.
37-2-59.1. Selection of professionals with place of business located in Rhode Island.
The state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations has a large number of architectural, engineering, and consulting firms well qualified in their fields of endeavor. In instances where contracts are entirely supported by state funds, it is in the best interest of the state pursuant to the provisions of §§ 37-2-59 – 37-2-69 that all other things being equal, the services of these qualified and capable professionals with offices in Rhode Island, or secondly those professionals who propose a joint venture with a Rhode Island firm, be utilized.
37-2-80. Selection of vendors and services with place of business located in Rhode Island.
The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations has a large number of well-qualified vendors and service-oriented businesses. In instances where contracts are entirely supported by state funds and two (2) or more vendors or service providers are judged to be equal on all other factors, the chief purchasing officer shall select a vendor or service provider whose headquarters or primary place of business is located within the state or secondly select those entities that propose a joint venture with a vendor or service provider whose headquarters or primary place of business is within the state. This section shall not apply to contracts that are financed in part or in their entirety by the federal government, including, but not limited to, contracts supported by the Federal Highway Administration (FHA), the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).