After expiration of the period stated in the publications, the director, or designee, shall evaluate statements of qualifications and performance data submitted by interested firms and on file in the department. The director, or designee, shall conduct discussions with no less than three firms regarding anticipated concepts and the relative utility of alternative methods of approach for furnishing the required service. From the firms with which the director, or designee, holds discussions, the director, or designee, shall select no less than three, in order of preference, based upon the established criteria, whom the director, or designee, deems to be the most highly qualified to provide the services required. In the event there are fewer than three qualifying submittals, the director, or designee, will make a finding as to whether it is in the best interest of the state to proceed or re-advertise.