Texas House Bill HB3823

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to authorizing a vendor to provide certain consultation to a state agency regarding the agency's purchase of goods and services.

Impact

The bill is expected to streamline the procurement process for state agencies by allowing them greater flexibility in engaging with vendors and experts. This could lead to improved decision-making based on current trends and technologies, which is particularly important in fast-evolving fields such as security and emergency response. Through this amendment, state agencies will be better positioned to handle complex procurement scenarios and potentially enhance operational efficiencies, thereby serving the public good more effectively.

Summary

House Bill 3823 seeks to amend existing provisions within the Government Code concerning the procurement processes of state agencies. Specifically, it introduces a new section that allows state agencies to consult with external experts or vendors in relation to their purchases of goods and services. This consultation can focus on areas critical to state security and public safety, including counterterrorism, border security, law enforcement officer safety, and emergency responses. By enabling state agencies to seek expert advice and feedback, the bill aims to enhance the effectiveness of procurement processes, particularly in sectors that directly affect public security and safety.

Contention

While the bill presents several advantages, there may also be some contention around its implementation. Critics could express concerns regarding the transparency and accountability of vendor consultations, particularly considering the potential for conflicts of interest. The provision that permits a vendor to enter into a contract after consultation raises questions about the fairness of the bidding process. Stakeholders may argue that such flexibility could lead to favoritism or undermine competitive bidding practices, thereby affecting the integrity of state procurement processes.