SB 6572 - DIGEST

(SUBSTITUTED FOR - SEE 1ST SUB)

     Provides that, after competitive bids have been opened, an agency must award the contract to the responsible bidder who submitted the lowest responsive bid and that only in limited compelling circumstances may the agency reject all bids and cancel the solicitation.

     Prohibits the agency from rejecting all bids and entering into direct negotiations with the bidders to complete the acquisition.

     Declares an intent of the legislature to ensure that the counting of the dollar value of an agency's or educational institution's expenditures to certified minority and women's business enterprises meaningfully reflects the actual financial participation of the certified businesses.