The bill amends various sections of the Arkansas Procurement Law to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of procurement processes within state agencies. Key provisions include the requirement for the State Procurement Director to review and update procurement materials within 120 days of any new or revised procurement statutes or rules. Additionally, the bill introduces definitions for "unrealistic" and "unreasonable" bids and proposals, allowing state agencies to reject bids that do not meet these criteria. It also mandates that public notice for requests for proposals be issued at least 20 business days before the submission deadline and establishes that prior experience with the state cannot be a mandatory requirement for proposal submissions.

Further amendments focus on the training and certification of procurement personnel, requiring annual certification and continuing education for state agency employees involved in procurement. The bill also stipulates that state agencies must notify the Office of State Procurement at least seven calendar days before issuing invitations for bids or requests for proposals. Other changes include adjustments to the timelines for responding to protests and decisions regarding debarment and suspension, ensuring that all processes align with the updated procurement rules. Overall, the bill aims to streamline procurement practices and ensure compliance with legal standards while enhancing transparency and accountability in state procurement activities.

Statutes affected:
Old version SB538 V2 - 4-2-2025 04:44 PM: 19-11-217(c), 19-11-229(f), 19-11-230(c), 19-11-230(d), 19-11-230(e), 19-11-230, 19-11-244(a), 19-11-244(d), 19-11-244(f), 19-11-245(b), 19-11-245(e), 19-11-247(a), 19-11-279, 19-11-280(a), 19-11-280(c), 19-11-280, 19-11-802(c)
Old version SB538 V3 - 4-7-2025 09:14 AM: 19-11-217(c), 19-11-229(f), 19-11-230(c), 19-11-230(d), 19-11-230(e), 19-11-230, 19-11-244(a), 19-11-244(d), 19-11-244(f), 19-11-245(b), 19-11-245(e), 19-11-247(a), 19-11-279, 19-11-280(a), 19-11-280(c), 19-11-280, 19-11-802(c)
Old version SB538 V4 - 4-7-2025 06:41 PM: 19-11-217(c), 19-11-229(f), 19-11-230(c), 19-11-230(d), 19-11-230(e), 19-11-230, 19-11-244(a), 19-11-244(d), 19-11-244(f), 19-11-245(e), 19-11-247(a), 19-11-279, 19-11-280(a), 19-11-280(c), 19-11-280, 19-11-802(c), 04-07-2025
Old version SB538 Original - 3-20-2025 01:37 PM: 19-11-217(c), 19-11-229(f), 19-11-230(c), 19-11-230(d), 19-11-230(e), 19-11-230, 19-11-244(a), 19-11-244(d), 19-11-244(f), 19-11-245(b), 19-11-245(e), 19-11-247(a), 19-11-279, 19-11-280(a), 19-11-280(c), 19-11-280, 19-11-802(c)
SB 538: 19-11-217(c), 19-11-229(f), 19-11-230(c), 19-11-230(d), 19-11-230(e), 19-11-230, 19-11-244(a), 19-11-244(d), 19-11-244(f), 19-11-245(b), 19-11-245(e), 19-11-247(a), 19-11-279, 19-11-280(a), 19-11-280(c), 19-11-280, 19-11-802(c)
Act 782: 19-11-217(c), 19-11-229(f), 19-11-230(c), 19-11-230(d), 19-11-230(e), 19-11-230, 19-11-244(a), 19-11-244(d), 19-11-244(f), 19-11-245(e), 19-11-247(a), 19-11-279, 19-11-280(a), 19-11-280(c), 19-11-280, 19-11-802(c), 04-07-2025