R.I. Gen. Laws § 37-2-25: Prequalification of contractors — General.

The chief purchasing officer may provide for prequalification of suppliers as responsible prospective contractors for particular types of supplies, services, and construction. Solicitation mailing lists of potential contractors of the supplies, services, and construction shall include but need not be limited to prequalified contractors. Prequalification shall not foreclose a written determination:

(1) Between the time of the bid opening or receipt of offers and the making of an award, that a prequalified supplier is not responsible; or

(2) That a supplier who is not prequalified at the time of bid opening or receipt of offers is responsible.