Should HB 913 be enacted, it will alter current procurement laws by allowing Calvert County to prioritize local businesses in government contracting opportunities. The implications of this bill could lead to more significant local economic activity, as local firms would potentially gain more contracts and revenue from county-funded projects. Moreover, it is expected this would foster job creation within the county. However, while encouraging local businesses, this shift may raise concerns among nonresident companies about fair competition, as their ability to compete for contracts could be undermined.
Summary
House Bill 913, titled 'Calvert County - Procurement - Local Preference', seeks to empower the County Commissioners of Calvert County to enact ordinances establishing a local preference for certain procurement contracts. The principal aim of this bill is to provide a competitive advantage to local businesses bidding on contracts within the county. This local preference would allow qualifying resident businesses that submit a bid exceeding the lowest bid from a nonresident business by a specific percentage to still be awarded the contract. This legislative move is designed to bolster the local economy by encouraging the use of local services and products in public contracts.
Contention
As with many local preference policies, HB 913 is likely to face scrutiny regarding the potential trade-offs between supporting local businesses and ensuring open, competitive bidding for government contracts. Supporters argue that the bill helps stimulate the local economy, while critics may contend that it could limit competition and ultimately lead to higher costs for the county. The effectiveness and fairness of establishing such local preferences in procurement might also raise questions about compliance with broader state or federal laws governing fair trade practices.