House Bill 1851 Summary

• Increases the Secretary of Administration's authority to oversee contract review and award processes across all state agencies and institutions to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

• Requires all state agencies and institutions exempt from Article 3 of Chapter 143 to submit proposed contracts to the Attorney General for review, include audit clauses allowing the State Auditor access to contractor records, and prohibits cost plus percentage of cost contracts.

• Establishes new Attorney General contract review requirements for all statewide term contracts exceeding $1,000,000 and all agency term contractual services contracts exceeding $1,000,000 to ensure legal compliance and adequate performance monitoring.

• Mandates the Secretary of Administration work with the Office of State Personnel and UNC School of Government to develop contract management training programs, establish a Contracting Specialist career path, and study improvements to procurement laws.

• Becomes effective October 1, 2010, and applies to all contracts proposed or awarded on or after that date.