For each procurement activity carried out by National Bank, only those suppliers that National Bank deems best able to meet its needs will be contacted. The presentation of a proposal by a supplier therefore does not oblige National Bank to acquire the product or service from that supplier.
At times, National Bank may decide to send information requests to eligible suppliers with the aim of obtaining more detailed information on their products and/or services or about a particular market. National Bank sometimes may also decide to send requests for proposal by inviting all or some of the suppliers offering the desired products and/or services to submit a bid. In either case, National Bank shall be free to contact and/or negotiate with the suppliers of its choice. The information request, and request for proposal processes shall not, in themselves, create any rights for the suppliers or obligation on National Bank.
For a request for proposal, National Bank may accept or reject, in whole or in part, a proposal, National Bank will not have to provide a reason or explanation to support its decision. Furthermore, National Bank shall not be required to enter into an agreement with the chosen supplier National Bank's sole obligation in such a situation shall be to negotiate in good faith with the chosen supplier with the aim of arriving, insofar as possible, at the conclusion of an agreement.
Finally, National Bank shall not be required to repay or in any way assume the expenses that a supplier may be required to incur during the steps contemplated herein, such as preparing a bid or presenting additional information on its bid, proposal and/or products and services to National Bank. The supplier is and shall remain solely and completely responsible for all such fees and out-of-pocket expenses.