Bill > SB77

This bill requires conservation districts to comply with state procurement laws when spending state-funded grants and loans, and updates existing regulations for purchasing and contracting. Specifically, the bill mandates that conservation districts follow state procurement requirements for architectural, engineering, and land surveying services, and establishes clear guidelines for different contract values. For contracts less than $10,000, districts can use flexible purchasing techniques; for contracts between $10,000 and $100,000, they must obtain at least three quotations and select the lowest responsible bid; and for contracts over $100,000, they must advertise for bids and use a formal request for proposal or invitation to bid process. The bill also clarifies emergency purchasing provisions, allows for direct negotiation in certain circumstances, and limits contract durations to a maximum of seven years. Additionally, the bill requires that contract advertisements include evaluation criteria and be published in a newspaper of general circulation, with specific timing requirements for publication. These changes aim to standardize and improve the procurement processes for conservation districts by aligning them more closely with broader state procurement regulations.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Government Affairs

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC0537