The bill amends sections 5A-3-4 and 5A-3-12 of the Code of West Virginia to terminate the authority of the Director of the Purchasing Division to impose an annual fee on vendors. Specifically, it removes the requirement for vendors to pay an annual fee in order to receive notifications of bid solicitations for commodities and services. The bill states that the authority to charge such a fee is terminated upon the effective date of the amendments enacted in 2025. This change aims to simplify the process for vendors and eliminate financial barriers to participation in state procurement.

Additionally, the bill modifies the prequalification disclosure requirements for vendors by removing the stipulation that vendors must have paid the annual fee to have their bids accepted. Instead, it focuses on the necessity for vendors to file a certificate disclosing relevant information about their business. The bill maintains the requirement for transparency and accountability in vendor disclosures while easing the financial obligations previously imposed on them. Overall, the amendments are designed to enhance vendor participation in state procurement processes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 5A-3-4, 5A-3-12
Engrossed Version: 5A-3-4, 5A-3-12