AR HB1179

State Procurement Director must issue written delegation orders to designees or state agencies that include an expiration date, are publicly posted on the Office of State Procurement website, and do not exceed two (2) years in term.

Written delegation orders must be narrowly tailored if based on the type of commodity or service being procured, and persons receiving delegated authority must complete state procurement law training before the order is issued.

Protest deadline changed to fourteen (14) calendar days after an aggrieved person knows or should have known of the facts giving rise to the grievance award or notice of anticipation to award has been posted.

State cannot proceed with a solicitation or contract award upon timely protest unless the director or procurement agency head makes a written determination that contract execution without delay is necessary to protect substantial state interests.

Actual or prospective bidders, offerors, or contractors may bring a private cause of action for tortious interference with business expectancy against persons who submit protests without merit or intended purely to delay contract awards.