855-RICR — Turnpike and Bridge Authority

Chapter 00 General Administration

Subchapter 00

855-RICR-00-00-1 Rules and Regulations Governing Procurement

855-RICR-00-00-1 § 1.1 Authorization and Purpose

1.1.1Authorization for Regulations

A.The following Rules and Regulations concerning procurement by the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority ("Authority") are promulgated in accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 37-2-9 and 37-2-13 ("Rules and Regulations").

1.1.2Purpose

A.The purpose of this Regulation is to set forth the general principles that will govern the conduct of procurement activities by the Authority, a body corporate and politic, and by Authority personnel engaged in those activities, including to:

1.Provide for public confidence in the procurement procedures of the Authority;

2.Ensure fair and equitable treatment of all persons who participate in the procurement process;

3.Provide economy in procurement transactions by fostering effective competition;

4.Provide safeguards for a procurement process of quality, integrity, and the highest ethical standards;

5.Provide for clearly defined accountability and responsibility for procurement transactions; and

6.Ensure that the Authority, as a body corporate and politic of the State of Rhode Island, adheres to the general principles, policies, and practices of the State Purchases Act, R.I. Gen. Laws § 37-2-1 et seq., and the Rules and Regulations pursuant to the State Purchases Act (collectively, all as in effect from time to time, the “Act”).

1.1.3Applicability

A.This Part shall apply to all Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority contracts for services, construction, equipment, and supplies, including without limitation, awards, purchase orders, and leases.

History

• Amendment — effective from 2025-09-24 to current
• Periodic Refile — effective from 2022-01-04 to 09/24/2025
• Amendment — effective from 2021-04-18 to 01/04/2022
• Amendment — effective from 2018-08-17 to 04/18/2021
• Amendment — effective from 2016-03-06 to 08/17/2018
• Periodic Refile — effective from 2002-01-04 to 03/06/2016

855-RICR-00-00-1 § 1.2 Source Selection

1.2.1Contracting Methods

A.The Authority recognizes and may use any of the following four (4) basic contracting methods permitted by Rhode Island law to procure services, construction, equipment, and supplies:

1.Competitive sealed bids;

2.Competitive negotiation;

3.Small purchases; and

4.Noncompetitive procurements.

1.2.2Competitive Negotiation

A.The Authority may use competitive negotiation under the following circumstances:

1.When the Chief Purchasing Officer determines, in writing, that the use of competitive sealed bidding is not practicable.

2.When the Chief Purchasing Officer determines, in writing, that the bid proposal prices received by the competitive sealed bidding method either are greater than the funds available or were not independently reached in open competition, and the best interests of the Authority would not be served by delay.

1.2.3Small Purchases

A.Small purchases that do not exceed the limits set forth in R.I. Gen. Laws § 37-2-22 may be accomplished without competitive solicitation if the prices are considered by the Purchasing Agent to be fair and reasonable.

B.If practicable under the circumstances, the Purchasing Agent will obtain informal quotes and distribute purchase orders equitably among vendors if the Purchasing Agent determines that it is in the Authority’s best interest to do so.

1.2.4Noncompetitive Procurements

A.In addition to the provisions set forth in R.I. Gen. Laws § 37-2-21, when it is determined that there is only one (1) source for the services, construction, equipment, or supplies required (sole source procurement), or when there exists a threat to public health, welfare, or safety under emergency conditions (emergency conditions), contracts may be awarded by noncompetitive procurements.

1.Sole Source Procurement

a.Contracts may be awarded for a supply, service, equipment, or construction by noncompetitive procurements when there is only one (1) source.

b.Sole source procurement will be allowed only on an exception basis and must be documented and approved in writing by the Purchasing Agent (for contracts up to ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00)) and the Chief Purchasing Officer, based on a written recommendation by the Purchasing Agent (for contracts in excess of ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00)).

c.Sole source procurements that will result in multiyear contracts require the prior approval of the members of the Authority.

d.Examples of sole source exceptions include, without limitation, circumstances in which:

(1)There is only one (1) responsible source and no other supplier, such as a utility company;

(2)The source demonstrates a unique and innovative concept not otherwise available to the Authority;

(3)Specialized replacement or repairs parts are necessary to maintain the integrity or function of a system.

e.Each noncompetitive procurement over ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00) must be supported by documentation that justifies the selection of the vendor.

(1)Such documentation should include, without limitation:

(AA)A statement of the relevant circumstances and detailed information to support that statement;

(BB)Cost and price analysis;

(CC)Summary of the negotiations with the vendor; and

(DD)Basis for determining that the price is fair and reasonable.

(2)A general conclusion that a certain source is uniquely qualified, has personal know-how or experience, or is the only source that can meet certain non-emergency delivery requirements, does not qualify as sufficient justification to use a single source.

f.The availability of this sole source procurement exception from competitive bidding does not diminish the responsibility of the Purchasing Agent to evaluate the market continuously to research product alternatives and develop additional sources to the extent feasible or practicable under the circumstances.

g.In attempting to achieve the goal of maximizing competition to the greatest extent possible and reducing the Authority’s reliance on sole sources of supply, service, or construction, the Authority will pursue alternative vendors for equivalents as long as such alternatives are in the Authority’s best interests, taking into account safety, security, price, available warranties, and operational cost effectiveness.

2.Emergency Conditions Procurement

a.The Chief Purchasing Officer or the Purchasing Agent (in his or her absence) may make, or authorize others to make, emergency procurements when there exists a threat to public health, welfare, or safety under emergency conditions; provided that emergency procurements shall be made with such competition as is practicable under the circumstances.

b.The determination of the basis for emergency and for the selection of the vendor must be in writing.

c.“Emergency conditions” means a situation to which an urgent response is required because of immediate dangers to health and safety, threats to property or necessary functions, or failures of critical equipment. Inadequate anticipation of need is not considered justification for "emergency" procurement. Commitments that extend beyond the immediate response to the emergency conditions are prohibited.

History

• Amendment — effective from 2025-09-24 to current
• Periodic Refile — effective from 2022-01-04 to 09/24/2025
• Amendment — effective from 2021-04-18 to 01/04/2022
• Amendment — effective from 2018-08-17 to 04/18/2021
• Amendment — effective from 2016-03-06 to 08/17/2018
• Periodic Refile — effective from 2002-01-04 to 03/06/2016

855-RICR-00-00-1 § 1.3 Requests for Proposals

A.Requests for Proposals are utilized to solicit competitive offers in all cases where the Purchasing Agent or Chief Purchasing Officer determines that such a process would be in the best interests of the Authority, including in situations where:

1.Lowest price is not the sole or primary consideration to be used in determining an award;

2.Performance is neither specific nor objective, and open to the vendor’s interpretation;

3.It is otherwise anticipated that bid proposals may be substantially different and there is insufficient common ground for objective comparison; or

4.It is anticipated that changes will be made after bid proposals are opened and the nature of the bid proposals and/or prices offered will be negotiated prior to award.

B.Wherever possible, Request for Proposals shall define the performance or benefit required and shall set forth specific criteria to be used in evaluation of offers.

C.Proposals will be evaluated by a committee comprised of representatives of the Authority on the basis of:

1.The qualifications of the vendors, established by professional accomplishment and previous experience;

2.Aspects of proposals that provide benefit, in addition to those based on cost; and

3.Other provisions of proposals that are determined to serve the best interests of the Authority.

D.The evaluation of offers, including the weight assigned to various aspects of the proposals, and all award determinations, including the reasons for a selection recommendation, must be fully documented.

E.Nothing herein shall be construed to preclude the possibility of determining an award solely on the basis of cost if the Authority determines that it is in its best interest to do so.

History

• Amendment — effective from 2025-09-24 to current
• Periodic Refile — effective from 2022-01-04 to 09/24/2025
• Amendment — effective from 2021-04-18 to 01/04/2022
• Amendment — effective from 2018-08-17 to 04/18/2021
• Amendment — effective from 2016-03-06 to 08/17/2018
• Periodic Refile — effective from 2002-01-04 to 03/06/2016

855-RICR-00-00-1 § 1.4 Security

A.In addition to the provisions set forth in R.I. Gen. Laws § 37-2-40, bidders must furnish, with their bid proposals, either a bid bond from a surety licensed to conduct business in the State of Rhode Island or a certified check in the amount of five percent (5%) of the bid proposal for construction contracts valued at greater than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000.00).

B.The Purchasing Agent may require surety, if appropriate, for any other contracts regardless of value, in an amount and manner in the Purchasing Agent’s discretion.

History

• Amendment — effective from 2025-09-24 to current
• Periodic Refile — effective from 2022-01-04 to 09/24/2025
• Amendment — effective from 2021-04-18 to 01/04/2022
• Amendment — effective from 2018-08-17 to 04/18/2021
• Amendment — effective from 2016-03-06 to 08/17/2018
• Periodic Refile — effective from 2002-01-04 to 03/06/2016

855-RICR-00-00-1 § 1.5 Minority, Women, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises

A.The Authority will comply with all provisions set forth in R.I. Gen. Laws § 37-14.1-1 et seq.

History

• Amendment — effective from 2025-09-24 to current
• Periodic Refile — effective from 2022-01-04 to 09/24/2025
• Amendment — effective from 2021-04-18 to 01/04/2022
• Amendment — effective from 2018-08-17 to 04/18/2021
• Amendment — effective from 2016-03-06 to 08/17/2018
• Periodic Refile — effective from 2002-01-04 to 03/06/2016

855-RICR-00-00-1 § 1.6 Code of Ethics

A.It is the policy of the State of Rhode Island that public officials (both elected and appointed) and employees must adhere to the highest standard of ethical conduct, respect the public trust and the rights of all persons, be open, accountable, and responsive, avoid the appearance of impropriety, and not use their positions for private gain or advantage.

B.All officials and employees of the Authority are subject to the provisions of R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 36-14-4 through 36-14-7, as amended from time to time, and the Regulations promulgated thereunder (collectively, all as in effect from time to time, the “Rhode Island Code of Ethics”).

C.All members of the Authority and its employees will adhere to the Rhode Island Code of Ethics in their procurement conduct on behalf of the Authority at all times and will also adhere to the special provisions of the supplemental State Code of Procurement Ethics promulgated pursuant to the Act.

History

• Amendment — effective from 2025-09-24 to current
• Periodic Refile — effective from 2022-01-04 to 09/24/2025
• Amendment — effective from 2021-04-18 to 01/04/2022
• Amendment — effective from 2018-08-17 to 04/18/2021
• Amendment — effective from 2016-03-06 to 08/17/2018
• Periodic Refile — effective from 2002-01-04 to 03/06/2016

855-RICR-00-00-1 § 1.7 Implementation

A.This Part shall be implemented by the Chief Purchasing Officer.

B.Violations of the provisions of this Part, or any of the Authority’s procurement policies and procedures, or any applicable State or Federal laws or Regulations shall be immediately reported to the Authority’s Executive Director (“Violations”).

C.The Executive Director shall have the authority to apply appropriate sanctions for Violations, up to and including termination.

History

• Amendment — effective from 2025-09-24 to current
• Periodic Refile — effective from 2022-01-04 to 09/24/2025
• Amendment — effective from 2021-04-18 to 01/04/2022
• Amendment — effective from 2018-08-17 to 04/18/2021
• Amendment — effective from 2016-03-06 to 08/17/2018
• Periodic Refile — effective from 2002-01-04 to 03/06/2016

Chapter 10 Bridges, Facilities and Tolls

Subchapter 00

855-RICR-10-00-2 Rules and Regulations Governing Disputes Involving the Nonpayment of Tolls, Administrative Fees, and Fines

855-RICR-10-00-2 § 2.1 Authorization and Purpose

2.1.1Authorization for Regulations

The following Rules and Regulations concerning the resolution of disputes over the nonpayment of Tolls, Administrative Fees, and Fines ("Rules and Regulations") are promulgated by the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority ("Authority") in accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws § 24-12-37.

2.1.2Purpose

These Rules and Regulations are intended to provide the public with information regarding the procedures associated with the nonpayment of Tolls, Administrative Fees, and Fines on the Claiborne Pell Bridge.

History

• Periodic Refile — effective from 2022-01-04 to current
• Amendment — effective from 2021-03-12 to 01/04/2022
• Technical Revision — effective from 2017-05-30 to 03/12/2021
• Amendment — effective from 2017-05-30 to 05/30/2017
• Adoption — effective from 2011-02-15 to 05/30/2017

855-RICR-10-00-2 § 2.2 Definitions

A.For the purposes of these Rules and Regulations, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

1.“Administrative fees” means the fees added to an unpaid Toll pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 24-12-37.

2.“Bridge” means the Claiborne Pell Bridge.

3.“Fines” means all fines incurred by a Toll Evader under R.I. Gen. Laws § 24-12-37.

4.“Nonpayment of toll” means the failure to pay any Administrative Fees or Fines associated with the failure to pay the required Toll, and/or the failure to pay the Toll due at the time of crossing or use of the Bridge as a result of:

a.Having an insufficient amount of cash or legal tender to pay the Toll due;

b.Failing to have a properly-affixed and valid EZ-Pass Transponder with a balance sufficient to pay the Toll due; or

c.Not paying the Toll due or otherwise evading the obligation to pay the Toll due by, inter alia, proceeding through or around a gate or barrier at the Bridge’s toll plaza.

5.“Toll” means the amount charged by the Authority for use of the Bridge pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 24-12-9.

6.“Toll violator” shall have the meaning set forth in R.I. Gen. Laws § 24-12-37(g).

7.“Toll evader” shall have the meaning set forth in R.I. Gen. Laws § 24-12-37(h).

8.“Notice of violation” means any notice issued by the Authority (or its agent) in connection with the nonpayment of Toll by a Toll Violator or Toll Evader.

History

• Periodic Refile — effective from 2022-01-04 to current
• Amendment — effective from 2021-03-12 to 01/04/2022
• Technical Revision — effective from 2017-05-30 to 03/12/2021
• Amendment — effective from 2017-05-30 to 05/30/2017
• Adoption — effective from 2011-02-15 to 05/30/2017

855-RICR-10-00-2 § 2.3 Resolution of Disputes

A.Procedures for Disputing Notices of Violation

1.The Authority intends to seek to resolve all disputes regarding the nonpayment of Tolls in an efficient and fair manner.

2.If a Toll Violator or Toll Evader disputes their status as such or otherwise disputes the accuracy of the Authority’s records regarding any nonpayment of Toll, the Toll Violator or Toll Evader shall submit a completed Toll Violation Dispute Form to the Authority within thirty (30) days of the date of issuance of the disputed Notice of Violation.

3.The Authority will attempt to work informally and collaboratively with the Toll Violator or Toll Evader to resolve any dispute regarding the disputed Notice of Violation or Nonpayment of Toll. The Authority may contact the Toll Violator or Toll Evader to request additional information to assist the Authority in evaluating the merits of the dispute.

4.If the Authority determines that the disputed Notice of Violation shall be voided or adjusted in favor of the Toll Violator or Toll Evader, then the Authority will make such adjustment and will advise the Toll Violator or Toll Evader of the adjustment made. Thereafter, the Toll Violator or Toll Evader shall pay the newly adjusted amount within ten (10) days of the date of issuance of the Authority’s determination. However, if the Toll Violator or Toll Evader fails to timely pay the adjusted amount, then any adjustment made by the Authority is null and void and the original amount of the Notice(s) of Violation (and any applicable Administrative Fees and Fines) shall be immediately due and payable.

5.If the Authority determines that the disputed Notice of Violation is valid and should not be voided or adjusted, then the Toll Violator or Toll Evader may request a telephonic conference with a duly authorized Authority representative for the purpose of attempting to resolve the dispute. Such telephonic conference shall be conducted within thirty (30) days of the Toll Violator or Toll Evader’s request, which request shall be made no later than thirty (30) days of the date of issuance of the Authority’s determination. If such conference is not requested or does not resolve the dispute, then the Authority shall issue a written final determination to the Toll Violator or Toll Evader confirming that all amounts owed for the disputed Notice of Violation shall remain due and payable. Thereafter, any such Toll Violator or Toll Evader shall remain subject to all consequences set forth in R.I. Gen. Laws § 24-12-37.

History

• Periodic Refile — effective from 2022-01-04 to current
• Amendment — effective from 2021-03-12 to 01/04/2022
• Technical Revision — effective from 2017-05-30 to 03/12/2021
• Amendment — effective from 2017-05-30 to 05/30/2017
• Adoption — effective from 2011-02-15 to 05/30/2017