R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-55-12: Prequalification of contractors — General.

The municipality may provide for prequalification of suppliers as responsible prospective contractors for particular types of supplies, services, and construction. Municipalities which choose to provide for prequalification of suppliers shall adopt regulations for prequalification in the same manner provided for in the adoption of ordinances in the manner provided for in the legislative or home rule charter of the municipality. Solicitation mailing lists of potential contractors of 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.