The bill amends various sections of the Arkansas Procurement Law to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of procurement processes within state agencies. Key amendments 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 provisions allowing state agencies to determine if bids or proposals are unrealistic or unreasonable based on their costs, and mandates that negotiations for proposals be conducted by certified personnel. It also establishes clearer timelines for public notice of requests for proposals and extends deadlines for submissions when proposals are reissued.

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 30 days prior to conducting solicitations. Other changes include adjustments to the handling of protests and debarment processes, ensuring timely communication and decision-making. Overall, the bill aims to streamline procurement operations, enhance accountability, and ensure compliance with updated regulations.

Statutes affected:
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)
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)
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)