Responsibility of the bidder or offeror

1. The procurement officer, at any time, may make a supplementary investigation as to the responsibility of any bidder or offeror, even though the bidder or offeror may be on the bidders list for the commodity or service being purchased. 2. This may include investigation of financial responsibility, insurability, effective equal employment opportunity, capacity to produce, sources of supply, performance record in the business or industry, and other matters relating to the bidder's or offeror's probable ability to deliver in the quantity and at the time required under the contract if it is awarded to the bidder or offeror. 3. The procurement officer may require the submission of written statements from the bidder or offeror or other persons concerning any related matter. If it is concluded on the basis of all available information that a particular bidder or offeror appears not to be sufficiently responsible to assure adequate performance if the contract were awarded to the bidder or offeror, the bid or proposal will be rejected even if it is the lowest bid or the best offer. 4. If a vendor is determined to be not responsible, that vendor may be debarred or suspended from the bidders list.