N.J. Stat. Ann. § 13:1E-157

Upon a review of the proposals submitted by qualified vendors pursuant to section 21 of this amendatory and supplementary act, a contracting unit shall designate one or more qualified vendors whose proposal or proposals the contracting unit finds in writing to be the most advantageous to the public, taking into consideration price and the evaluation factors set forth in the request for proposals. Upon making this designation, the contracting unit may begin negotiations with the qualified vendor or vendors, and may negotiate a proposed contract with a qualified vendor or vendors, which shall include the accepted proposal.