ND SB2339

Amends North Dakota Century Code section 54-44.4-05 to allow state agencies to waive or limit competitive bidding for research services contracts worth at least $50,000 from higher education institutions under the state board of higher education.

Requires purchasing agencies to notify the commissioner of higher education of research service needs, and the commissioner must forward contract details to all eligible institutions.

Allows any institution capable of fulfilling the contract to express interest, and if multiple institutions respond, the purchasing agency must request competing bids and award to the lowest responsible bidder.

Permits use of criteria beyond lowest cost (such as specifications, delivery terms, quality, and serviceability) when evaluating bids if determined advantageous to the state.

Modifies subsection 2(e) to clarify that the exemption for government agency procurement applies "except as provided in subsection 3," establishing the new research services procurement process.