CT SB00080

Repeals and replaces Section 10a-151b to expand purchasing authority for chief executive officers of higher education constituent units, exempting them from standard state procurement approval requirements.

Allows chief executive officers to purchase equipment, supplies, contractual services, and lease personal property without Comptroller or Commissioner approval, provided purchases follow board-adopted policies and competitive bidding rules.

Exempts purchases of $50,000 or less from competitive bidding if based on at least three competitive quotations, and exempts minor purchases of $10,000 or less and emergency purchases from competitive bidding requirements.

Permits chief executive officers to purchase, test, or develop new technologies, products, or processes on a trial basis if they are research-related, have commercialization potential, pose no safety risks, and receive recommendation from a constituent unit committee including the chief purchasing officer, chief academic officer, and chief economic development officer.

Requires annual reporting by January 1st to legislative committees on test bed technology purchases made during the previous 12 months or expected in the following 12 months.