This bill amends various sections of the New Mexico Procurement Code to enhance the procurement process for resident businesses and contractors. Key changes include reducing the number of taxpaying years required for certification, allowing businesses to demonstrate compliance by showing they have paid property taxes or rent and at least one other state-administered tax in the year prior to their application, excluding the motor vehicle excise tax. The definition of "small business" is updated to align with federal standards, and new definitions for terms such as "best obtainable price" and "notice of invitation for solicitation" are introduced to improve clarity. Additionally, the bill raises the thresholds for small purchases from $60,000 to $100,000 and for exempt purchases from $10,000 to $100,000, while limiting sole source contracts to a maximum term of four years.

Further amendments include extending the maximum duration for multi-term contracts from four to eight years for both tangible personal property and professional services, and allowing for the procurement of multiple architectural or engineering services contracts under a single request for proposals, capped at $7.5 million over eight years for a single contractor. The bill also clarifies that only certified chief procurement officers may make certain procurement determinations and outlines procedures for competitive sealed bids, including public notice requirements. Additionally, it updates late payment charge provisions and establishes an effective date for the changes, set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 13-1-22, 13-1-88, 13-1-95.1, 13-1-95.2, 13-1-99, 13-1-104, 13-1-110, 13-1-118, 13-1-125, 13-1-126, 13-1-126.1, 13-1-138, 13-1-150, 13-1-154.1, 13-1-155