Phase two of the request for proposals process consists of preparation of technical proposals in consultation with the department, as follows:

(1) The development of technical proposals in compliance with the detailed instructions provided in the request for proposals, including the outline specifications, and any addenda to them. Technical proposals must include the following:

(a) Design and specifications sufficient to fully depict the ferries' characteristics and identify installed equipment;

(b) Drawings showing arrangements of equipment and details necessary for the proposer to develop a firm, fixed price bid;

(c) Project schedule including vessel delivery dates; and

(d) Other appropriate items.

(2) The department shall conduct periodic reviews with each of the selected proposers to consider and critique their designs, drawings, and specifications. These reviews must be held to ensure that technical proposals meet the department's requirements and are responsive to the critiques conducted by the department during the development of technical proposals.

(3) If, as a result of the periodic technical reviews or otherwise, the department determines that it is in the best interests of the department to modify any element of the request for proposals, including the outline specifications, it shall do so by written addenda to the request for proposals.

(4) Proposers must submit final technical proposals for approval that include design, drawings, and specifications at a sufficient level of detail to fully depict the ferries' characteristics and identify installed equipment, and to enable a proposer to deliver a firm, fixed price bid to the department. The department shall reject final technical proposals that modify, fail to conform to, or are not fully responsive to and in compliance with the requirements of the request for proposals, including the outline specifications, as amended by addenda.

Findings—Purpose—2001 c 226: See note following RCW 47.20.780.