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:
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