MS HB1453

Defines "net-of-fee contract" as a contract requiring no expenditure of state funds from any source (state, federal, or other), excluding contracts related to Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind.

Requires the Office of Purchasing, Travel, and Fleet Management to identify all state agency employees involved in procurement and mandate their completion of the Mississippi Certified Purchasing Program within 24 months, with non-compliance resulting in loss of purchasing authority.

Establishes rules and regulations for procurement and oversight of net-of-fee contracts, requiring consideration of vendor qualifications, pricing expectations, and quality assurance before approval.

Requires institutions of higher learning to submit all net-of-fee contracts to the Board of Trustees for prior approval and compliance with established bid procedures.

Mandates the Department of Finance and Administration, Department of Information Technology Services, and Personal Service Contract Review Board to compile and report to the Legislative PEER Committee by September 15, 2017, on legislative impacts including compliance costs, contract types, and vendor protests.