R.I. Gen. Laws § 37-2-17: Method of source selection.

Except for purchases solicited pursuant to the provisions for small purchases set forth in § 37-2-22, all state contracts and purchases shall be solicited through utilization of the Rhode Island Vendor Information Program (RIVIP) as set forth in § 37-2-17.1. Except as otherwise authorized by law, all state contracts shall be awarded by:

(1) Competitive sealed offers, pursuant to § 37-2-18;

(2) Competitive negotiation, pursuant to §§ 37-2-19 and 37-2-20;

(3) Noncompetitive negotiation, pursuant to § 37-2-21;

(4) Small purchase procedures, pursuant to § 37-2-22; or

(5) Reverse auctions, pursuant to § 37-2-18.1.