HB5313 Summary

• Expands procurement code exemptions for public institutions of higher education to allow contracts for educational services with independent contractors selected by negotiation without competitive bidding.

• Requires public institutions of higher education to make written determinations when procurement decisions relate to fulfilling academic and research missions, and allows them to accept modified vendor qualifications if needed to adequately fulfill these missions.

• Modifies sole source procurement and emergency purchase procedures to require public hearings only when objections are filed, rather than in all cases.

• Allows public institutions of higher education to accept bids from vendors not authorized to do business in Illinois if necessary to fulfill academic and research missions, provided authorization is obtained before contract execution.

• Amends the Governmental Joint Purchasing Act to permit joint purchases by competitive selection (rather than competitive bids) and authorizes Illinois public institutions of higher education to jointly purchase with governmental, educational, medical, research, or similar entities where in their best interests.