MD HB261

Establishes competitive proof of concept procurement as a formal procurement method allowing state agencies to test goods, services, or technology in real-world environments before full implementation or deployment

Requires state units to obtain approval from the Chief Procurement Officer before conducting proof of concept procurements, with additional approval from the Secretary of Information Technology required for IT-related procurements

Mandates that all competitive proof of concept solicitations be posted on eMaryland Marketplace Advantage and include scope of work, evaluation factors for each phase, and anticipated number of awards

Allows units to issue contracts to multiple offerors for product testing or demonstrations, with successful vendors eligible to participate in subsequent phases including full implementation contracts

Permits the Governor's Office of Small, Minority, and Women Business Affairs to exempt proof of concept procurements from the small business reserve designation when not practicable, with minority and veteran-owned business participation goals established at specified phases