The bill amends West Virginia Code 5A-3-10 to mandate that the director shall purchase commodities and services from nonprofit workshops without competitive bidding, provided that these goods are of fair market price and comparable quality to other available options. This change emphasizes the importance of supporting nonprofit workshops, which are defined in the code, and requires the director to consult with the Committee on the Purchase of Commodities and Services from the Handicapped when making purchasing decisions. Additionally, the bill stipulates that the director must employ a dedicated individual to identify available commodities and services from these workshops and facilitate their integration into state procurement processes.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the responsibilities of spending units regarding procurement limits and reporting requirements when multiple contracts are awarded for similar commodities or services. It establishes a framework for ensuring compliance with procurement regulations and mandates that the director report findings to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance biannually. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the procurement process by promoting the use of nonprofit workshops while ensuring accountability and transparency in state purchasing practices.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 5A-3-10