Senate Bill No. SLS 25RS-79, introduced by Senator Mizell, seeks to amend various sections of the Louisiana Procurement Code to enhance the efficiency and transparency of public procurement processes. Key changes include reducing the public notice period for invitations to bid from ten to five days, with exceptions for housing-related bids requiring twenty days' notice. The bill also allows for electronic notices and extends the notice period for certain contracts to thirty days. Additionally, it raises the threshold for competitive bidding for consulting service contracts from seventy-five thousand dollars to one hundred fifty thousand dollars and increases the square footage requirement for lease agreements from five thousand to ten thousand square feet.

The bill further clarifies the authority of the commissioner of administration in contract negotiations and protests, establishing that the Nineteenth Judicial District Court will have exclusive jurisdiction over contract-related appeals. It introduces new provisions for contract performance evaluations, requiring agencies to monitor contracts diligently and submit evaluations to the state chief procurement officer. The bill also modifies the requirements for handling contract protests, allowing for a stay of procurement during a protest under specific conditions. Overall, these amendments aim to streamline procurement processes while ensuring accountability and transparency within state agencies.

Statutes affected:
SB151 Original: 39:1594(C)(1), 39:1621(A), 39:1641(A), 39:1643(A), 39:1644(A)(1), 39:1671(F), 39:4(A), 39:1683(E)(2), 39:1685(E)(2), 39:1692(C), 39:1702(A)(1)