Committee amends and advances A2100 to broaden procurement options for educational research and services corporations

Assembly Bill A2100, which would change the statute governing educational research and services corporations to broaden procurement authority, was amended and released by the Assembly Higher Education Committee.

The clerk read that the bill “permits educational research and service corporations to act as the lead agency or contracting unit for procurement of any goods or services,” and noted committee amendments in the packet that remove a provision permitting such corporations to act as the lead agency for public works procurement.

Witnesses spoke in favor of the change. Christine Shipley (Stevens & Lee Public Affairs) introduced the testimony and turned the floor over to Adam Scarzafava of NJEDGE, who said the bill would let NJEDGE provide a fuller range of purchasing options for member institutions and help colleges and universities leverage economies of scale. "Ultimately, the goal of this bill is to provide more quality and lower cost purchasing opportunities to the education institutions that are part of the NJ EDGE consortium," Scarzafava said.

After discussion and a motion to amend and release, the committee voted by roll call; the clerk recorded yes votes from the committee members present and announced that the bill was released. The transcript records multiple higher-education organizations and vendors as registered in favor or seeking amendments; no formal amendments were offered on the floor during the hearing.

The committee action advances A2100 for further legislative consideration.