Bill > S1735

This bill establishes the Commonwealth Competition Council, a new body within the executive branch tasked with examining and promoting methods for providing government programs and services through the private sector via a competitive contracting program. The Council will advise the governor and legislature, develop a framework for a statewide competitive program to foster innovation and competition within state government, and establish a system to encourage feasibility studies and innovation to reduce government costs without negatively impacting the public. It will also monitor state agency products and services to introduce competition and innovation, advocate for and accelerate the implementation of competitive programs for state entities, and establish necessary approval, planning, and reporting processes. The Council will determine the potential for "privatization," which means using various techniques to increase private sector involvement in providing services traditionally handled by the government, and will conduct cost-benefit and performance analyses, with the Secretary for Administration and Finance independently certifying the results. The Council will consist of thirteen members, including legislative representatives, executive branch employees, and private sector members, and will be responsible for developing evaluation criteria for programs recommended for privatization. All state "agencies," defined as various executive offices, departments, and authorities, will be required to cooperate with and assist the Council.