This bill amends sections 73-101 and 73-813 of the Revised Statutes Cumulative Supplement, 2024, to modify the requirements for public lettings and biddings related to contracts under the Department of Natural Resources. It introduces new provisions that allow for exceptions to the standard bidding process for certain contracts, including those related to the State Park System Construction Alternatives Act and the Public Water and Natural Resources Project Contracting Act. Specifically, it mandates that bids must be opened simultaneously in the presence of bidders and allows for the immediate awarding of contracts as bids are opened if deemed advisable by the officials in charge.

Additionally, the bill outlines various types of contracts that are exempt from certain sections of the procurement law, including contracts for professional services, agreements with educational institutions, and contracts for water infrastructure projects under the Department of Natural Resources. The bill also clarifies that the division responsible for procurement can grant limited exceptions for sole source contracts and emergency contracts, provided a written rationale is maintained. The original sections 73-101 and 73-813 are repealed as part of this legislative update.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 73-101, 73-813
Final Reading: 73-101, 73-813
Slip Law: 73-101, 73-813