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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to authorizing a vendor to provide certain consultation to |
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a state agency regarding the agency's purchase of goods and |
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services. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Section 2155.004(a), Government Code, is amended |
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to read as follows: |
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(a) Except as provided by Section 2155.0041, a [A] state |
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agency may not accept a bid or award a contract that includes |
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proposed financial participation by a person who received |
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compensation from the agency to participate in preparing the |
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specifications or request for proposals on which the bid or |
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contract is based. |
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SECTION 2. Subchapter A, Chapter 2155, Government Code, is |
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amended by adding Section 2155.0041 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 2155.0041. AUTHORIZED CONSULTATION WITH CERTAIN |
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VENDORS. (a) A state agency may consult with an expert, |
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consultant, manufacturer, service provider, or public or private |
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research institution to determine trends in technology and markets, |
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to perform pilot and proof of concept projects, to perform testing |
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and evaluation, to develop solutions to potential threats and |
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problems, and to determine options for the procurement of goods or |
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services in the following areas: |
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(1) counterterrorism; |
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(2) border security; |
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(3) law enforcement officer safety; and |
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(4) emergency response. |
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(b) A person who consults with a state agency as authorized |
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by Subsection (a) is not prohibited from entering into a contract |
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with that state agency to provide a good or service that relates to |
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the consultation unless the consultation relates to a pending |
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request for proposal. |
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(c) A state agency may make a purchase relating to a topic |
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described by Subsection (a) under the procedures prescribed for an |
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emergency purchase by the agency under Section 2155.137, except |
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that the state agency is not required to prepare a letter of |
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justification for the emergency purchase as required by comptroller |
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rule. |
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SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017. |