Substitute Bill No. 1223 is a comprehensive piece of legislation that amends various aspects of state contracting laws to enhance accountability, transparency, and the implementation of best practices in procurement processes by state agencies. The bill specifies that appropriations for the State Contracting Standards Board should be recommended by its executive director and that the Governor cannot reduce the board's allotment requisitions. It redefines terms related to state contracting, including the expansion of the definition of "privatization contract" to encompass services provided by quasi-public agency employees. The bill also revises the role of the Chief Procurement Officer, increasing their responsibilities and authority, and mandates that the board employ at least five full-time employees.

The bill introduces a standardized state procurement and project management education and training program, mandatory for state employees with procurement responsibilities, and extends this requirement to quasi-public agency employees. It outlines the inclusion of various training components and establishes a Contracting Standards Advisory Council with expanded membership. The bill also requires the submission of necessary legislation to enable state contracting agencies to fulfill their functions under procurement statutes and regulations. Furthermore, it mandates that all state contracts must include provisions to ensure accountability, transparency, and results-based outcomes, and it outlines procedures for cost-benefit analysis and business case development for privatization contracts, including considerations for the impact on workers of color and women.

Substitute Bill No. 1223 also addresses emergency procurement procedures, allowing state contracting agencies to notify the State Contracting Standards Board when emergency procurements are necessary. It revises the process for selecting consultants and contractors in emergency situations and repeals and substitutes sections of the general statutes related to contract types, anticompetitive practices, and contractor disqualification. The bill outlines the disqualification and suspension process for contractors, including the right to a hearing and a written decision. It mandates corrective actions for procedural violations in contracting and allows for the adoption of regulations for infrastructure facility contracts. The bill defines terms such as "nonresident bidder" and "resident bidder," and requires that contracts allow state agency access to relevant data at no additional cost. Lastly, it allows certain corporations to enter into joint ventures or shared service agreements and procure hospital facilities, with the stipulation that these contracts comply with specific state laws and are maintained as public records.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 12-815
GAE Joint Favorable Substitute: 12-815
File No. 572: 12-815
APP Joint Favorable: 12-815