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Committee tables bill on advisory and consulting engagements after OPA concerns
Summary
House Bill 24-66, which would require procurement compliance, public-auditor oversight and a $50,000 cap for advisory/consulting engagements and prioritize CNMI scholars, was tabled while the author and counsel address Office of Public Auditor recommendations on registration, reporting and oversight language.
Rep. Marissa Flores presented House Bill 24-66 to regulate advisory and consulting engagements with the Commonwealth, proposing procurement compliance, attorney-general approval, public auditor oversight, a $50,000 cap per engagement and a five-year sunset. Flores emphasized prioritizing CNMI scholars and specifying scopes, deliverables, duration and performance standards so consultants are contracted with clear expectations.
Members raised concerns after reviewing comments from the Office of Public Auditor (OPA). Committee discussion flagged OPA recommendations such as creating a public register of advisors with contact information, defining where agencies should post that register, and requiring confirmation from finance that an agency self-reported to OPA prior to the first payment for a new advisory engagement. Member questions also focused on whether OPA review would create duplicative contract reviews or conflict with existing AG review requirements.
The author asked for time to work with legal staff to make technical changes addressing OPA’s comments and moved to table the bill for at least one week so counsel could prepare amendments. The committee approved tabling HB24-66 pending technical edits and further committee consideration.
