PROCUREMENT AUTHORITY
The Judicial Branch Administrative Office has authority over all matters relating to the Procurement of supplies, services, professional services and construction. It is the policy of the Judicial Branch to procure supplies and services from the lowest bidder or best qualified offeror, consistent with quality and service, and to conduct Procurement activities in the manner that will best serve the public interest. The procurement of goods and services are conducted in central Procurement Division and in an open and competitive manner to ensure fair competition. 

AUTHORITY OF THE ADMINISTRATOR OF COURTS
The Administrator of Courts (AOC) has the authority to adopt and publish procedures to govern Procurement by the judicial branch of supplies, services, professional services, and construction. These procedures are based on competitive principles and are adapted to the special needs of the judicial branch. In the event of unusual or extenuating circumstances, the AOC may issue a declaration of exigent circumstances, and may suspend or otherwise waive the application of some or all of these rules in order to facilitate or otherwise expedite the procurement process and the business of the Courts. The declaration of exigency must be in writing and made part of the procurement record.

COMPETITIVE BID REQUIREMENT AND PROCEDURES
The Judiciary require that all purchase of goods and services over Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000) be competitively bid. The Procurement Policy and Procedure Manual detail procedures for Invitation for Bids (IFB) and Request for Proposals (RFP). Exceptions to the $50,000 bid limit include exigent or emergency situations affecting the essential operations of the Judiciary or the General Public.   

PROTEST PROCEDURES
Vendors who may be aggrieved related to the method of source selection, solicitation or award of a contract and wishes to pursue a protest with the Procurement Division shall file a written protest with the Procurement Division in writing within five (5) days after such person knew or should have known of the facts giving rise to the protest to the following address to: Procurement Director, P.O. Box 590, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands 00804.

PROCUREMENT POLICIES