Substitute Bill No. 1499 seeks to enhance the procurement processes of state contracting agencies by implementing recommendations from the State Contracting Standards Board. The bill introduces new provisions that establish the appropriations for the board based on estimates from its executive director and prohibits the Governor from reducing related allotments. It also updates definitions related to state contracting, such as "best value selection," "contract," and "nonprofit agency," while repealing outdated language. Key changes include the redefinition of "emergency procurement" to exclude quasi-public agencies and the expansion of the term "state contracting agency" to include quasi-public agencies and higher education units. The bill emphasizes the importance of quality, timeliness, and cost in the contracting process, aiming to streamline and clarify legal language surrounding procurement.

Additionally, the bill modifies the role of the Chief Procurement Officer, establishing a six-year term and outlining responsibilities for overseeing procurement policies and compliance. It mandates the development of a standardized education and training program for procurement officers, focusing on ethics and best practices. The bill also introduces new requirements for evaluating contracts, including financial assessments of bidders and the ability to audit contractor records. Furthermore, it sets forth provisions for privatization contracts, requiring cost-benefit analyses and employee notifications, while ensuring that core governmental functions are not privatized without justification. Overall, Substitute Bill No. 1499 aims to improve accountability, transparency, and efficiency in state contracting processes through comprehensive updates to existing laws.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 12-815
GAE Joint Favorable: 12-815
File No. 498: 12-815
APP Joint Favorable: 12-815