HI HR131

Requests University of Hawaii West Oahu to collaborate with the State Procurement Office to explore the viability of a Workforce Development Pilot Program in procurement.

Directs the university and State Procurement Office to determine educational requirements for a robust procurement certification program.

Calls for exploration of a potential partnership between UH West Oahu and the State Procurement Office for workforce development.

Requires submission of findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2017 Regular Session.

Notes the State Procurement Office currently has a 43 percent vacancy rate in purchasing positions and over $1 billion in annual Executive Branch expenditures requiring strategic procurement attention.