The bill amends 19 O.S. 2021, Section 1500.1, to enhance the authority of county purchasing agents by allowing them to establish an online bidding process with vendors. This change aims to modernize procurement practices by enabling electronic commerce for various purchasing processes, including solicitations and bid submissions. The bill also grants boards of county commissioners the authority to conduct procurement transactions electronically and to require online bidders to register and prequalify before participating in the bidding process.
Additionally, the bill removes the requirement for vendors to be authorized by a state contract as provided by the Office of Management and Enterprise Services, thereby broadening the scope of potential vendors for county procurement. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and includes an emergency clause to ensure its immediate implementation upon passage and approval.