HB1724 Summary

• Reduces the Procurement Policy Board's objection period for contract extensions or renewals from 30 calendar days to 14 calendar days for contracts exceeding $249,999 in cost.

• Allows the Department of Innovation and Technology to enter into dark fiber network leases for up to 20 years for services to state offices and agencies or anchor institutions as defined by the Illinois Century Network Act.

• Defines "dark fiber network" as unused fiber optic cables laid by a third party that are leased for use as network infrastructure.

• Requires dark fiber network lease contracts to comply with all other provisions of the Illinois Procurement Code, including publication of lease solicitations, use of standard contracting terms, and approval of vendor certifications.

• Maintains existing contract duration limits of 10 years for general state contracts, subject to appropriation by the General Assembly.