SB2371: Purchasing law; revise threshold for bid requirement and clarify use of reverse auction.

Legislative Summary

An Act To Amend Section 31-7-13, Mississippi Code Of 1972, As Amended By Senate Bill No. 2806 And Senate Bill No. 2818, 2022 Regular Session, To Increase The Threshold For Bid Requirement Under The Public Purchasing Law; To Provide That Reverse Auctions Shall Only Be Required For Individual Public Schools, Charter Schools And School Districts, When Purchasing Copyrighted Educational Supplemental Materials And Software As A Service Product; To Allow Local School Boards To Authorize A Purchasing Entity In Its Jurisdiction To Use A Request For Qualifications Which Promotes Open Competition And Meets The Requirements Of The Office Of Purchasing And Travel For Such Purchases; To Clarify That A Purchasing Entity May, In Its Discretion, Use Reverse Auction For Term Contract Purchases; To Clarify Under The Public Purchasing Law That Reverse Auction Shall Not Be Used For The Improvement, Repair Or Remodeling Of Any Public Facilities, Including The Purchase Of Materials, Supplies, Equipment Or Goods For Same; To Provide That Certain Purchases Made By The Department Of Health And/or The Department Of Revenue Solely For The Purpose Of Fulfilling Their Respective Responsibilities Under The Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act To Be Exempt From Certain Bidding Requirements; And For Related Purposes.