This bill amends sections 73-101 and 73-813 of the Revised Statutes Cumulative Supplement, 2024, concerning the Department of Natural Resources. It introduces an exception for public lettings and bidding, specifically stating that the provisions of sections 73-101 to 73-106 do not apply to the State Park System Construction Alternatives Act, the Public Water and Natural Resources Project Contracting Act, or certain specified sections. Additionally, it clarifies that officials in charge of bid openings may award contracts as bids are opened if deemed advisable, and it mandates that bids be opened simultaneously in the presence of bidders or their representatives.

Furthermore, the bill outlines limited exceptions to the requirements of sections 73-807, 73-815, and 73-816, including sole source contracts and emergency contracts. It specifies that certain types of contracts, such as those for professional services, grant agreements, and contracts with a value of fifteen million dollars or less for direct providers of health services, are not subject to these sections. Notably, it adds that contracts for all water infrastructure projects by the Department of Natural Resources are also exempt from these requirements. The original sections 73-101 and 73-813 are repealed as part of this legislative update.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 73-101, 73-813