Committee advances bill easing procurement between state agencies and Idaho public universities

The Senate State Affairs Committee voted to send House Bill 34 to the Senate floor with a recommendation that it pass. The bill would amend Idaho Code §67-2332A to make it easier for state agencies to contract with Idaho public universities by allowing agencies to work directly with in-state institutions without completing a formal Division of Purchasing solicitation.

Senator Kevin Cook, sponsor of HB 34, told the committee the bill “levels the playing field” between Idaho public institutions and out-of-state universities. Under current law, Cook said, agencies must follow the Division of Purchasing full-solicitation process to contract. HB 34 would permit agencies to contact Idaho’s four public universities and, if interested, contract without a formal solicitation through the Division of Purchasing. Cook said agencies would still be required to contact all four universities to determine interest, and the bill “maintains a competition among the Idaho institutions.” He said Division of Purchasing experience shows that often only one university responds to solicitations, and the bill would speed the process.

Senator Burt moved to send HB 34 to the floor with a due-pass recommendation; Senator Taves seconded. No members of the public registered to speak on the measure in the committee record. The committee voice vote carried with no recorded opposition.

The bill sponsor told the committee the measure previously passed unanimously in this committee and on the Senate floor in the prior session but stalled in the House committee across the rotunda. The committee advanced the bill to the floor for further consideration.