The bill amends the Procurement Code in New Mexico to enhance the efficiency of public works projects by increasing the monetary thresholds for various procurement categories. Specifically, it raises the threshold for projects requiring professional services from $50,000 to $100,000 and modifies the small purchase threshold from $60,000 to $100,000. Additionally, it allows state agencies to procure items valued up to $60,000 through direct purchase orders, increasing the previous limit of $20,000. The bill also introduces new definitions, such as "public-private partnership agreement" and "best obtainable price," and requires state agencies and local public bodies to provide up to two names for chief procurement officers.

Moreover, the bill mandates the maintenance of a chief procurement officer certification program and allows for the use of approved continuing education units for recertification. It increases exemption maximum amounts for certain purchases, permits the Early Childhood Education and Care Department to contract for child care services, and exempts contracts for digitizing state or federal records and for appraisals and surveys related to real property purchases. The bill also updates procedures for bid modifications and withdrawals, allowing electronic notice to procurement managers, and specifies that contracts for professional services may not exceed eight years, with certain exceptions. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 13-1-66.1, 13-1-95.2, 13-1-99, 13-1-104, 13-1-106, 13-1-118, 13-1-122, 13-1-125, 13-1-126.1, 13-1-138, 13-1-150