Bill > SB538

This bill amends the Arkansas Procurement Law with several key provisions aimed at improving state procurement processes. The bill requires the State Procurement Director to review and update procurement materials within 120 days of any new procurement-related statute or rule. It introduces new guidelines for competitive sealed bidding and proposals, including provisions to determine when a bid or proposal is "unrealistic" or "unreasonable" based on its cost. The legislation mandates that negotiations be conducted by trained and certified personnel, and establishes new rules for how state agencies should evaluate and score technical and cost proposals. The bill also modifies protest procedures, specifying timeframes for responses and allowing contract negotiations to proceed during protests. Additionally, it requires state procurement personnel to undergo annual training and certification, with the director mandated to report on the progress of this training program. The bill further requires state agencies to notify the Office of State Procurement at least seven days before issuing an invitation for bids or proposals, and provides more flexibility for political subdivisions in competitive bidding requirements. Lastly, it instructs the State Procurement Director to repromulgate rules within 120 days to align with the bill's intent and to submit monthly progress reports to the Legislative Council.

Government Affairs

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=sb538&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R