OK HB3357

Creates a new standalone Department of Central Purchasing as a state agency, separating all purchasing functions from the Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) Central Purchasing Division, effective November 1, 2026

Director appointed by the Governor with Senate confirmation, serving at the pleasure of the Governor with salary set by the Governor; Director hires the State Purchasing Director who must have either a college degree plus 5+ years purchasing experience or 10+ years experience

Transfers all statutory powers, duties, contractual responsibilities, records, property, equipment, assets, monies, liabilities, and pending matters from OMES Central Purchasing Division to the new Department, with transfer expenses paid by OMES

Employees transferred to the new Department retain their grade, salary, leave time, sick time, annual time, retirement benefits, and longevity benefits accrued during OMES tenure

Director of Department of Central Purchasing assumes sole and exclusive authority for all state acquisitions, including rulemaking for requisition procedures, bid submissions, contract conditions, training requirements, and audit procedures

Maintains acquisition thresholds of up to $25,000 for fair and reasonable determinations and up to $250,000 for certified procurement officers, with training and certification administered by the Department

Transfers administration of the State Purchase Card Program, State Travel Office, State Use Program, Supplier Diversity Initiative, and Registration of State Vendors Revolving Fund ($25.00 vendor registration fee) to the new Department

State Use Advisory Council relocated within Department of Central Purchasing; Director must transmit a strategic plan for the State Use Program within 60 days after each fiscal year to legislative leadership and the Governor

Transfers authority over blanket bonds, surplus property (including appointment of Surplus Property Agent with $50,000 bond), and child care center administration to the Department

Existing rules promulgated by OMES Central Purchasing Division are immediately adopted and enforced by the new Department, which retains authority to promulgate additional rules