R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-55-2: Method of source selection.

Except as otherwise authorized by law, all municipal contracts shall be awarded by:

(1) Competitive sealed bidding, pursuant to § 45-55-5;

(2) Competitive negotiations, pursuant to § 45-55-6;

(3) Non-competitive negotiations, pursuant to §§ 45-55-7 and 45-55-8;

(4) Small purchase procedures, pursuant to § 45-55-9; and

(5) Qualification-based selection (QBS) process for architects/engineers pursuant to § 45-55-8.1, and program managers, construction managers, or construction managers at risk pursuant to § 45-55-8.2.