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January 28, 2015      5:09 PM

Gov. Abbott wants competitive bidding for state agency contracts whenever possible

New governor outlines reforms he wants implemented immediately while legislation is worked out

With the 21CT scandal and the resignation of former Health and Human Services Commission general counsel Jack Stick as the backdrop, Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday told the heads of all state agencies that they need to avoid no-bid contracts whenever possible. If agencies do approve a no-bid contract, they had better publicly state why from now on, Abbott said.

In a letter to state agency leaders, Abbott said he supports a bill by Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, aimed at “strengthening oversight of state government contracts through reforms that will also allow for greater transparency.”

“One simple, effective way state agencies can both maximize value for the taxpayers-and improve the public's confidence in their government-is to utilize a competitive bidding process to purchase goods and services whenever that is possible," Abbott said in his letter. "I must ensure that all state agencies are committed to maximizing value and utilizing open and transparent contracting processes."

The governor's office said that even though Nelson's legislation is "pending and remains a work in progress, state agency heads will be expected to comply with the reforms outlined in Governor Abbott’s letter.” Sen. Nelson said she was glad Abbott is treating this with urgency. "I appreciate his leadership in implementing these reforms as soon as possible to ensure fair and ethical contracts while SB 353 works through the legislative process," Nelson said.

Agencies are expected to start adhering to the following reforms next week: