The bill mandates that conservation districts must adhere to state procurement laws when utilizing state-funded grants and loans. It amends several sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA), specifically sections 76-15-1005, 76-15-1006, 76-15-1011, and 76-15-1012, to clarify the requirements for contracts and procurement processes. Notably, it introduces new provisions for advertising bids, including the necessity to outline evaluation criteria, and establishes different procurement procedures based on contract value. For contracts exceeding $100,000, districts are required to advertise for bids or proposals, while contracts under $10,000 can utilize a purchase technique.

Additionally, the bill repeals section 76-15-1004 and modifies existing language to enhance compliance with state procurement standards. It specifies that contracts for architectural, engineering, and land surveying services must also follow public procurement requirements. The amendments aim to streamline the procurement process, ensure transparency, and promote effective competition within conservation districts, ultimately serving the public interest.

Statutes affected:
SB0077_2(1): 76-15-1005, 76-15-1006, 76-15-1011, 76-15-1012
SB0077_2(2): 76-15-1005, 76-15-1006, 76-15-1011, 76-15-1012
SB0077_2(3): 76-15-1005, 76-15-1006, 76-15-1011, 76-15-1012
SB0077_2(4): 76-15-1005, 76-15-1006, 76-15-1011, 76-15-1012
SB0077_2: 76-15-1005, 76-15-1006, 76-15-1011, 76-15-1012
SB0077_X(1): 76-15-1005, 76-15-1006, 76-15-1011, 76-15-1012
SB0077_X(10): 76-15-1005, 76-15-1006, 76-15-1011, 76-15-1012
SB0077_X(11): 76-15-1005, 76-15-1006, 76-15-1011, 76-15-1012
SB0077_X(12): 76-15-1005, 76-15-1006, 76-15-1011, 76-15-1012
SB0077_X(13): 76-15-1005, 76-15-1006, 76-15-1011, 76-15-1012
SB0077_X(2): 76-15-1005, 76-15-1006, 76-15-1011, 76-15-1012
SB0077_X(3): 76-15-1005, 76-15-1006, 76-15-1011, 76-15-1012
SB0077_X(4): 76-15-1005, 76-15-1006, 76-15-1011, 76-15-1012
SB0077_X(5): 76-15-1005, 76-15-1006, 76-15-1011, 76-15-1012
SB0077_X(6): 76-15-1005, 76-15-1006, 76-15-1011, 76-15-1012
SB0077_X(7): 76-15-1005, 76-15-1006, 76-15-1011, 76-15-1012
SB0077_X(8): 76-15-1005, 76-15-1006, 76-15-1011, 76-15-1012
SB0077_X(9): 76-15-1005, 76-15-1006, 76-15-1011, 76-15-1012
SB0077_X: 76-15-1005, 76-15-1006, 76-15-1011, 76-15-1012