The Invitation to Bid (ITB) is the preferred method of procurement within theState of Ohio. The ITB is generally used for commodity-like purchases(personal computers, cars, medical supplies, etc.) The determining factor in the ITB process is cost. ITBs are released by the Office of State Purchasing or Acquisition Management.

The Request for Proposal (RFP) is a second competitive procurement method. RFPs are used to acquire complex information technology systems, program support assistance and various types of services. RFPs are used to acquire systems or services where cost is one of several factors considered in the evaluation process. RFPs are released by Acquisition Management.

A third purchasing method is Controlling Board approval. The Controlling Board is comprised of representatives from the House and Senate who review and approve/deny specific agency requests. Many of the requests heard by the Controlling Board are for sole source items (i.e. proprietary software), to extend an existing contract or to release funds for a specific project. The controlling Board also gives the Department of Administrative Services authority to negotiate State Term Schedules and Master Maintenance Agreements. The Controlling Board meets approximately every 2 weeks. Agencies must apply in advance to be placed on the Controlling Board agenda.