Amends the effective date of chapter 1 of the laws of 2005 amending the state finance law and other laws relating to restricting contacts in the procurement process

Title of bill

An act to amend chapter 1 of the laws of 2005 amending the state finance law and other laws relating to restricting contacts in the procurement process and the recording of contacts relating thereto, in relation to the effectiveness of certain provisions thereof

Purpose

This bill extends the expiration date of the procurement lobbying law from July 31, 2009 to July 31, 2011.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 of the bill amends section 16 of Chapter 1 of the Laws of 2005 to extend the expiration date of State Finance Law (SFL)§§ 139-j and 139-k.

Section 2 of the bill provides for an immediate effective date.

Existing law

SFL §§ 139-j and 139-k set forth restrictions on contacts during the procurement process and provide for recording of such contacts. These statutes were originally subject to a December 31, 2007 expiration date, but were extended to July 31, 2009 by Chapter 501 of the laws of 2007. These two statutory provisions are set to expire on July 31, 2009.

Legislative history

This is a new proposal.

Statement in support

Concerns about ensuring that the public procurement process is competitive, open and transparent, with a level playing field for obtaining contract awards by participating vendors, resulted in the enactment in 2005 of the procurement lobbying law set forth in SFL §. 139-j and 139-k. These two provisions restrict contacts during the procurement process and provide for the recording of such contacts. Without an extender; these requirements would be eliminated. Such provisions are important to maintain the integrity of the public procurement infrastructure and to continue with best practices in the establishment and administration of State contracts.

Budget implications

Minimal.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.