NC S931

Establishes price-match preference for North Carolina resident bidders in state agency and local government (county/city) purchasing of goods and services, requiring resident bids to match the lowest nonresident bid if within 5% or $10,000 (whichever is less) of the nonresident bid.

Applies the price-match preference to contracts for apparatus, supplies, materials, or equipment at all threshold levels for state agencies and to informal bid contracts for counties and cities.

Appropriates $5,000,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Commerce for fiscal year 2012-2013 to provide grants to small businesses engaged in manufacturing goods for export.

Requires grant-eligible small businesses to meet wage standards, health insurance, environmental impact, and safety and health program requirements under G.S. 105-129.83; grants cannot exceed actual exportation costs incurred.

Effective July 1, 2012, with preference provisions applying to bids received on or after that date.