AR HB1853

Amends Arkansas Code § 19-11-209 to clarify that the procurement 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 issue advisory opinions upon written request from state agencies or actual or prospective bidders, offerors, or contractors regarding the construction and application of procurement law provisions.

Allows actual bidders, offerors, or contractors aggrieved by contract awards to protest to either the State Procurement Director or the head of a procurement agency, with requirement to notify the person named in the award anticipation by electronic and regular mail.

Establishes that persons named in an award anticipation that is protested may file a written response to the protest within five (5) days of receiving notice of the protest.