NY A02499

Requires state agencies to conduct cost comparison reviews before entering consultant service contracts anticipated to cost over $750,000 in a twelve-month period, unless specific exceptions apply.

Mandates the cost comparison review determine whether services can be performed at equal or lower cost by state employees, including all salary, benefit, equipment, facility, and overhead costs for both options.

Requires development of a detailed business plan if cost savings of 10% or more are identified, or if savings are less than 10% but significant public policy reasons exist, with submission to the State Comptroller for review within 60 days (extendable 30 days).

Requires state agencies to notify and allow affected bargaining units an opportunity to submit competitive bids if a contract would result in layoff, transfer, or reassignment of 50 or more employees.

Exempts certain consultant contracts from cost comparison requirements, including those incidental to property purchases, necessary to avoid conflicts of interest, highly specialized, urgent in nature, short-term, or offering quantifiable service improvements.