Bill Caption

Relating to state agency contracting and state employees, officers, contractors, and other persons involved with the contracting.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. 

Bill Analysis

HB 3658 would update regulations regarding state agency contracting in a number of ways designed to improve the contracting process to obtain the best value (which may not always necessarily be the best price) and to implement certain best practices to achieve those aims. A number of specific provisions of the bill follow.

HB 3658 would prohibit certain former contractors or subcontractors of a state agency from representing any person or receiving compensation for services rendered on behalf of any person regarding any procurement that began at the regulatory agency while the contractor or subcontractor was employed by, or performed work for the agency.

HB 3658 would require contract manager training to include training on how to determine the best value for the state through the exercise of informed business judgment based on price and non-price factors expected to result in best value. Other training for contract managers would be required based on the value of the contract.

HB 3658 would establish a procedure and requirements for determining the eligibility for a salary increase for a contract evaluator. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action supports HB 3658 which is in alignment with limited government and will likely result in better contracting processes at state agencies which will benefit taxpayers of this state.