Rhode Island General Laws Title 37. Public Property and Works § 37-2-24. Responsibilities of bidders and offerors

(a) A written determination of responsibility of a bidder or offeror shall be made and it shall be made in accordance with regulations issued by the chief purchasing officer.

(b) A reasonable inquiry to determine the financial strength and responsibility of a business which is a bidder or offeror shall be conducted. The failure of a bidder or offeror to promptly supply information in connection with the inquiry, including, but not limited to, financial statements and business references, shall be grounds for a determination of nonresponsibility with respect to that bidder or offeror.

(c) Said financial analysis may include the review of the business by a nationally recognized commercial credit reporting bureau. A consistent policy for ordering credit bureau reports shall be developed and approved by the chief purchasing officer.

(d) Except as otherwise provided by law, information furnished by a bidder or offeror pursuant to this section may not be disclosed outside of the division of state purchasing or the purchasing agency administering the contract without prior written consent of the bidder or offeror.