Arkansas House Bill HB1380

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/3/25
• Refer: 2/3/25

Caption

To Transfer The Review Of Planning And Technical Requirements For Information Technology Contracts From The Office Of Intergovernmental Services To The Division Of Information Systems.

Impact

The bill, if enacted, would directly amend Arkansas Code § 19-11-269, which outlines the requirements for the review of information technology plans. By transferring the responsibility to the Division of Information Systems, the bill seeks to centralize this function and potentially improve the oversight of IT contracts. This could lead to more specialized scrutiny and reduce the administrative burden on the Office of Intergovernmental Services, leading to more timely and effective contract management.

Summary

House Bill 1380 aims to streamline the review process for planning and technical requirements related to information technology contracts in Arkansas. The bill proposes a shift in responsibility for this review from the Office of Intergovernmental Services to the Division of Information Systems. This change intends to enhance efficiency and accountability in managing information technology procurements, particularly for contracts exceeding $100,000 and those made under cooperative purchase agreements.

Contention

While the bill appears to have the intent of simplifying and enhancing the procurement process, there may be concerns regarding the adequacy of resources and expertise within the Division of Information Systems to handle the increased responsibility. Stakeholders might also raise questions about the implications of such a transfer for the transparency and competition in the procurement process, particularly from agencies that rely on these contracts for essential services. Safeguards may need to be considered to ensure that the shift does not lead to reduced oversight or limited access for smaller vendors.