AR HB1976

Amends Arkansas Code § 19-11-209 to clarify that the procurement law subchapter shall be construed liberally and preempt any conflicting state statutes and principles of common law or equity.

Grants the State Procurement Director authority to declare administrative interpretations and issue advisory opinions regarding the construction and application of procurement law provisions upon written request from state agencies or actual or prospective bidders, offerors, or contractors.

Modifies protest procedures under Arkansas Code § 19-11-244(a)(2) to allow actual bidders, offerors, or contractors to protest to either the Director or the Head of a procurement agency, and requires notice to the person named in the anticipation to award a contract via electronic mail and regular mail.

Adds new subdivision (a)(4) requiring persons named in an anticipation to award a contract to submit written responses to protests within five (5) days of receiving notice of the protest.