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 a bidders list for government procurement opportunities. The bill clarifies that bids and proposals received by public entities are considered exempt records until certain conditions are met. Additionally, it modifies the procurement process to allow for multiple award vendor pool contracts, which are designed to enhance competition and efficiency in state purchasing. The bill also outlines specific exemptions from competitive procurement requirements, emphasizing the use of environmentally preferable products and mandating the Office of Management and Budget to maintain a bidders list.

Moreover, 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 decisions within seven calendar days. It establishes a new appeals process based on the jurisdiction of the procurement officer and introduces provisions for cooperative purchasing contracts among institutions of higher education. The bill also creates guidelines for multiple award vendor pool contracts, setting thresholds for direct purchases and secondary competition among vendors. Additionally, it mandates the Office of Management and Budget to adopt rules regarding personal purchases by state officials and employees from state contracts, ensuring these purchases align with the state's best interests. Overall, the amendments aim to streamline procurement processes, enhance competition, and improve the efficiency of state purchasing practices.

Statutes affected:
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
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
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