Provides for certain bid evaluation criteria relative to the procurement of certain medical products and services. (7/1/12)
Impact
If enacted, SB 541 would enhance the inclusion of local businesses in the public contracting sphere by mandating that public entities document their outreach and efforts to involve Louisiana companies. This shift could significantly impact state laws related to public contracts, ensuring that local entrepreneurial entities, especially those classified as small or veteran-owned, gain fair chances in publicly funded procurements. The measure is intended to support local economies by retaining public spending within the state.
Summary
Senate Bill 541, proposed by Senator Mills, focuses on the procurement process for certain medical products and services. The bill amends existing laws regarding contracts for group insurance policies and introduces criteria that require public entities to demonstrate their efforts in ensuring Louisiana companies, particularly small enterprises and veteran-owned businesses, have opportunities to participate in procurement processes. This aims to prioritize local businesses in the bidding processes for medical goods and services exceeding $15,000.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment towards SB 541 appears to be favorable among proponents who see it as a crucial step for economic growth in Louisiana by reducing reliance on out-of-state bidders. Supporters argue that it fosters local business development and job creation. However, there are concerns regarding implementation challenges and whether smaller businesses can meet the demands of public contracts, indicating a cautious optimism among stakeholders.
Contention
A notable point of contention surrounding the bill is its potential implications for the procurement market. Critics may argue that while the intention to support local businesses is valid, the requirements for demonstrating good faith efforts could create additional bureaucratic burdens for public entities. Moreover, there are worries that stringent criteria may inadvertently limit competition and inflate costs, as involvement of a broader range of suppliers could lead to more favorable pricing.
Provides relative to the merging of the Professional, Personal, Consulting and Social Services Procurement Code with the Louisiana Procurement Code. (See Act) (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)
Provides relative to Medicaid and certain managed health care organizations providing health care services to Medicaid beneficiaries. (1/1/14) (RR1 See Note)
Relating to state government; to amend Sections 41-4-114, 41-4-120, 41-4-122 as last amended by Act 2022-357 of the 2022 Regular Session, 41-4-124, 41-4-125, Section 41-4-126 as last amended by Act 2022-357 of the 2022 Regular Session, 41-4-139, 41-4-172, 29-2-41.1 Code of Alabama 1975, to further provide exemptions to the state procurement code; to further provide for the authority to make emergency procurements and the review of those procurements by the Contract Review Legislative Oversight Committee; to provide for the procurement of certain health professionals who provide services to the Medicaid Agency under certain conditions; to further provide for the definition of professional services to include the management and administration of occupational licensing boards; to provide for the procurement of supplies, services, and professional services by district attorneys or sheriffs; to provide for the change of the name of the Office of the Chief Procurement Officer to the Division of Procurement; and to add Section 41-4-125.01 to the Code of Alabama 1975, to provide for the procurement of physicians retained to provide medical services to the State of Alabama.
Requires the commissioner of administration to develop policies and procedures for notification of the Louisiana Procurement Technical Assistance Center regarding public bid and other competitive opportunities for state procurements and public contracts (EN NO IMPACT See Note)
Request that the Department of Economic Development notify companies with which it has entered into cooperative endeavor agreements of the goals of the Hudson and Veteran Initiatives and that these companies provide the department with information on their use of Hudson Initiative and Veteran Initiative vendors
Request that the Department of Economic Development notify companies with which it has entered into cooperative endeavor agreements of the goals of the Hudson and Veteran Initiatives and that these companies provide the department with information on their use of Hudson Initiative and Veteran Initiative vendors
Requests that the Department of Economic Development notify companies with which it has entered into cooperative endeavor agreements of the goals of the Hudson and Veteran initiatives and that these companies provide the department with information on their use of Hudson Initiative and Veteran Initiative vendors.