This bill amends the powers and duties of the State Procurement Director in Arkansas by repealing specific requirements related to the development and implementation of a plan aimed at reducing petroleum consumption by state agencies. The deleted provisions included mandates for the director to create a strategy for acquiring vehicles that would lower overall petroleum use by at least ten percent by January 1, 2009, through various measures such as using alternative fuels and acquiring more fuel-efficient vehicles. Additionally, the requirement for the director to submit an annual report evaluating the progress of this plan has also been removed.

In contrast, the bill introduces new provisions that authorize the State Procurement Director to negotiate and enter into nonmandatory state contracts with retailers. These contracts would allow for special prices or rates for commodities or services that benefit public procurement entities, independent of the existing source selection methods. The new language emphasizes that these contracts can be established if the contractor agrees to provide the goods or services at either the standard retail price or a discounted price, thereby enhancing the procurement options available to the state.

Statutes affected:
HB 1735: 19-11-217(c)
Act 556: 19-11-217(c)