School Law Bulletin #2002/12

The most important pieces of legislation affecting public purchasing and contracting this session (1) authorize the use of the “reverse auction” bidding method for purchase contracts, (2) allow public agencies to receive formal bids electronically for most types of purchase contracts, and (3) revise the law governing the use of competitive specifications for materials used in public construction projects. The first two changes continue the trend established over the past several sessions of expanding and updating public agencies’ choices of contracting methods and approaches. The third reflects the constant tension between the government’s desire for flexibility and the legal requirements for competition in public contracting.