Unsolicited Proposals

This policy only applies to goods and non-professional services.   "Unsolicited Proposals" are proposals received that are not in response to any James Madison University (JMU) initiated solicitation or program.   JMU encourages submission of unique offers for new and innovative goods and services through unsolicited proposals.   However, all solicited and unsolicited proposals and all solicited and unsolicited ideas for innovation or improvement are submitted at the risk and expense of the offeror.   There is no obligation on the part of JMU and no restriction on JMU's use of such ideas, proposals or the information contained in such submission.   The foregoing shall not preclude express, written commitments made by JMU in formal solicitation documents within the limitations imposed by the Code of Virginia § 2.2-4342F and the Freedom of Information Act.   The foregoing shall also not diminish or waive any copyright, patent rights or trademark rights, which the offeror may have.

A favorable evaluation of an unsolicited proposal by JMU does not, in itself, permit awarding of a contract without providing for competition.   No preference shall be given to the offeror of the unsolicited proposal.   If it is determined by the evaluation that the goods or services required by JMU and offered in an unsolicited proposal are practicably available from only one source, a buyer may negotiate and award a contract following the sole source procedures in Commonwealth of Virginia Purchasing Manual for Institutions of Higher Education and Their Vendors.

The University's point of contact to coordinate receipt and handling of all unsolicited proposals is Mr. Ron Edwards.