Bill > HB261

This bill establishes "competitive proof of concept procurements" as an authorized method for state agencies to acquire goods, services, or technologies, allowing for multi-phase evaluations to test and demonstrate a product's viability before full implementation. Before initiating such a procurement, a state agency must obtain approval from the Chief Procurement Officer (or their designee), demonstrating that the process is in the State's best interest, and if the procurement involves information technology, approval from the Secretary of Information Technology is also required. The bill also modifies the requirements for solicitations, mandating that they clearly outline the scope of work, statement of need, intended use, quantity, timeframe, and the evaluation factors and their importance at each phase. Additionally, it allows for discussions with offerors, requests for product samples or demonstrations, and permits vendors deemed likely to be selected to participate in all subsequent phases, including submitting best and final offers. The bill also clarifies that contracts can be awarded for full implementation or deployment following a successful proof of concept if it serves the State's best interests, and it addresses how minority business enterprise, small business reserve, and veteran-owned small business enterprise participation goals are established for these specific types of procurements.

Government Affairs

Government, Labor, and Elections (House)

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0261?ys=2026RS