This bill seeks to amend and reenact various sections of the North Dakota Century Code concerning state purchasing practices, particularly the procurement processes for state officials and employees. It introduces new definitions, such as "information technology," and establishes requirements for multiple award vendor pool contracts. The bill clarifies the confidentiality of bids and proposals, stating that bids remain exempt until opened and proposals until a notice of intent to award is issued. It also emphasizes fair competition and outlines conditions under which competitive bidding may be waived or limited. Significant deletions include the removal of specific language regarding bid openings and the classification of certain records as open.

Additionally, the bill addresses the resolution of protested solicitations and awards, allowing protests to be submitted via electronic mail and requiring procurement officers to provide written notice of resolutions. It establishes a timeline for decisions on protests and appeals and introduces provisions for cooperative purchasing contracts among higher education institutions. New sections are added to regulate personal purchases by state officials from state contracts and to set guidelines for multiple award vendor pool contracts, which will facilitate indefinite-delivery and indefinite-quantity agreements with service providers. Overall, the bill aims to improve the efficiency, transparency, and collaboration of the state's procurement processes.

Statutes affected:
PREFILED: 12-48-03.1, 44-04-18.4, 54-44.4-01, 54-44.4-02, 54-44.4-05, 54-44.4-05.1, 54-44.4-07, 54-44.4-09, 54-44.4-09.1, 54-44.4-12, 54-44.4-13, 54-44.4-14
Adopted by the House Government and Veterans Affairs Committee: 44-04-18.4, 54-44.4-01, 54-44.4-02, 54-44.4-05, 54-44.4-07, 54-44.4-09, 54-44.4-09.1, 54-44.4-12, 54-44.4-13, 54-44.4-14
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 44-04-18.4, 54-44.4-01, 54-44.4-02, 54-44.4-05, 54-44.4-07, 54-44.4-09, 54-44.4-09.1, 54-44.4-12, 54-44.4-13, 54-44.4-14
Enrollment: 44-04-18.4, 54-44.4-01, 54-44.4-02, 54-44.4-05, 54-44.4-07, 54-44.4-09, 54-44.4-09.1, 54-44.4-12, 54-44.4-13, 54-44.4-14
INTRODUCED: 12-48-03.1, 44-04-18.4, 54-44.4-01, 54-44.4-02, 54-44.4-05, 54-44.4-05.1, 54-44.4-07, 54-44.4-09, 54-44.4-09.1, 54-44.4-12, 54-44.4-13, 54-44.4-14