CHAPTER 440
An Act concerning public procurement and amending, supplementing and repealing various parts of the statutory law.
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
C.40A:11-4.1 Purposes for which competitive contracting may be used by local units.
1. Notwithstanding the provisions of any law, rule or regulation to the contrary, competitive contracting may be used by local contracting units in lieu of public bidding for procurement of specialized goods and services the price of which exceeds the bid threshold, for the following purposes:
a. The purchase or licensing of proprietary computer software designed for contracting unit purposes, which may include hardware intended for use with the proprietary software. This subsection shall not be utilized for the purpose of acquiring general purpose computer hardware or software;
b. The hiring of a for-profit entity or a not-for-profit entity incorporated under Title 15A of the New Jersey Statutes for the purpose of:
(1) the operation and management of a wastewater treatment system or a water supply or distribution facility of the type described in subsection (37) of section 15 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-15), provided that competitive contracting shall not be used as a means of awarding contracts pursuant to P.L.1985, c.37 (C.58:26-1 et seq.) and P.L.1985, c.72 (C.58:27-1 et seq.);
(2) the operation, management or administration of recreation or social service facilities or programs, which shall not include the administration of benefits under the Work First New Jersey program established pursuant to P.L.1997, c.38 (C.44:10-55 et seq.), or under General Assistance; or
(3) the operation, management or administration of data processing services;
c. Services performed by an energy services company, including the design, measurement, financing and maintenance of energy savings equipment or renovations, which result in payment derived, in whole or in part, from the sale of verified energy savings over the term of an agreement with a public utility or subsidiary, but not the provision or performance of the physical improvements that result in energy savings, provided that such savings are calculated pursuant to guidelines promulgated by the Board of Public Utilities and further provided that the Local Finance Board shall find that the terms and conditions of any financing agreement are reasonable;
d. Homemaker--home health services;
e. Laboratory testing services;
f. Emergency medical services;
g. Contracted food services;
h. Performance of patient care services by contracted medical staff at county hospitals, correctional facilities and long-term care facilities;
i. At the option of the governing body of the contracting unit, any good or service that is exempt from bidding pursuant to section 5 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-5);
j. Concessions;
k. The operation, management or administration of other services, with the approval of the Director of the Division of Local Government Services.
Any purpose included herein shall not be considered by a contracting unit as an extraordinary unspecifiable service pursuant to paragraph (a)(ii) of subsection (1) of section 5 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-5).
C.40A:11-4.2 Term of contract; exceptions.
2. Unless an exception is provided for under section 15 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-15) permitting a longer contract duration, contracts awarded pursuant to section 5 of PL.1999, c.440 (C.40A:11-4.5) may be for a term not to exceed five years.
C.40A:11-4.3 Competitive contracting process; resolution, administration.
3. a. In order to initiate competitive contracting, the governing body shall pass a resolution authorizing the use of competitive contracting each time specialized goods or services enumerated in section 1 of PL.1999, c.440 (C.40A:11-4.1) are desired to be contracted. If the desired goods or services have previously been contracted for using the competitive contracting process then the original resolution of the governing body shall suffice.
b. The competitive contracting process shall be administered by a purchasing agent qualified pursuant to subsection b. of section 9 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-9), or, by legal counsel of the contracting unit, or by an administrator of the contracting unit. Any contracts awarded under this process shall be made by resolution of the governing body of the contracting unit, subject to the provisions of subsection e. of section 5 of P.L.1999, c.440 (C.40A:11-4.5).
C.40A:11-4.4 Request for proposals; documentation; provisions.
4. The competitive contracting process shall utilize request for proposals documentation in accordance with the following provisions:
a. The purchasing agent or counsel or administrator shall prepare or have prepared a request for proposal documentation, which shall include: all requirements deemed appropriate and necessary to allow for full and free competition between vendors; information necessary for potential vendors to submit a proposal; and a methodology by which the contracting unit will evaluate and rank proposals received from vendors.
b. The methodology for the awarding of competitive contracts shall be based on an evaluation and ranking, which shall include technical, management, and cost related criteria, and may include a weighting of criteria, all developed in a way that is intended to meet the specific needs of the contracting unit, and where such criteria shall not unfairly or illegally discriminate against or exclude otherwise capable vendors. When an evaluation methodology uses a weighting of criteria, at the option of the contracting unit the weighting to be accorded to each criterion may be disclosed to vendors prior to receipt of the proposals. The methodology for awarding competitive contracts shall comply with such rules and regulations as the director may adopt, after consultation with the Commissioner of Education, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.).
c. At no time during the proposal solicitation process shall the purchasing agent or counsel or administrator convey information, including price, to any potential vendor which could confer an unfair advantage upon that vendor over any other potential vendor. If a purchasing agent or counsel or administrator desires to change proposal documentation, the purchasing agent or counsel or administrator shall notify only those potential vendors who received the proposal documentation of any and all changes in writing and all existing documentation shall be changed appropriately.
d. All proposals and contracts shall be subject to the provisions of section 1 of P.L.1977, c.33 (C.52:25-24.2) requiring submission of a statement of corporate ownership and the provisions of P.L.1975, c.127(C.10:5-31 et seq.) concerning equal employment opportunity and affirmative action.
C.40A:11-4.5 Competitive contracting proposal solicitation.
5. Competitive contracting proposals shall be solicited in the following manner:
a. A notice of the availability of request for proposal documentation shall be published in an official newspaper of the contracting unit at least 20 days prior to the date established for the submission of proposals. The contracting unit shall promptly reply to any request by an interested vendor by providing a copy of the request for proposals. The contracting unit may charge a fee for the proposal documentation that shall not exceed $50.00 or the cost of reproducing the documentation, whichever is greater.
b. Each interested vendor shall submit a proposal which shall include all the information required by the request for proposals. Failure to meet the requirements of the request for proposals may result in the contracting unit disqualifying the vendor from further consideration. Under no circumstances shall the provisions of a proposal be subject to negotiation by the contracting unit.
c. If the contracting unit, at the time of solicitation, utilizes its own employees to provide the goods or perform the services, or both, considered for competitive contracting, the governing body shall, at any time prior to, but no later than the time of solicitation for competitive contracting proposals, notify affected employees of the governing body's intention to solicit competitive contracting proposals. Employees or their representatives shall be permitted to submit recommendations and proposals affecting wages, hours, and terms and conditions of employment in such a manner as to meet the goals of the competitive contract. If employees are represented by an organization that has negotiated a contract with the contracting unit, only the bargaining unit shall be authorized to submit such recommendations or proposals. When requested by such employees, the governing body shall provide such information regarding budgets and the costs of performing the services by such employees as may be available. Nothing shall prevent such employees from making recommendations that may include modifications to existing labor agreements in order to reduce such costs in lieu of award of a competitive contract, and agreements implementing such recommendations may be considered as cause for rejecting all other proposals.
d. The purchasing agent or counsel or administrator shall evaluate all proposals only in accordance with the methodology described in the request for proposals. After proposals have been evaluated, the purchasing agent or counsel or administrator shall prepare a report evaluating and recommending the award of a contract or contracts. The report shall list the names of all potential vendors who submitted a proposal and shall summarize the proposals of each vendor. The report shall rank vendors in order of evaluation, shall recommend the selection of a vendor or vendors, as appropriate, for a contract, shall be clear in the reasons why the vendor or vendors have been selected among others considered, and shall detail the terms, conditions, scope of services, fees, and other matters to be incorporated into a contract. The report shall be made available to the public at least 48 hours prior to the awarding of the contract, or when made available to the governing body, whichever is sooner. The governing body shall have the right to reject all proposals for any of the reasons set forth in section 21 of PL.1999, c.440 (C.40A:11-13.2).
e. Award of a contract shall be made by resolution of the governing body of the contracting unit within 60 days of the receipt of the proposals, except that the proposals of any vendors who consent thereto, may, at the request of the contracting unit, be held for consideration for such longer period as may be agreed.
f. The report prepared pursuant to subsection d. of this section shall become part of the public record and shall reflect the final action of the governing body. Contracts shall be executed pursuant to section 14 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-14).
g. The clerk or secretary of the contracting unit shall publish a notice in the official newspaper of the contracting unit summarizing the award of a contract, which shall include but not be limited to, the nature, duration, and amount of the contract, the name of the vendor and a statement that the resolution and contract are on file and available for public inspection in the office of the clerk or secretary of the municipality, county, local public authority or special district of the governing body.
h. All contract awards shall be subject to rules concerning certification of availability of funds adopted pursuant to section 3 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-3) and section 15 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-15).
i. The director, after consultation with the Commissioner of Education, may adopt additional rules and regulations, in accordance with the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), as may be necessary to effectuate the provisions of sections 1 through 5 of P.L.1999, c.440 (C.40A:11-4.1 through C.40A:11-4.5).
6. Section 2 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-2) is amended to read as follows:
C.40A:11-2 Definitions.
2. As used herein the following words have the following definitions, unless the context otherwise indicates:
(1) "Contracting unit" means:
(a) Any county; or
(b) Any municipality; or
(c) Any board, commission, committee, authority or agency, which is not a State board, commission, committee, authority or agency, and which has administrative jurisdiction over any district other than a school district, project, or facility, included or operating in whole or in part, within the territorial boundaries of any county or municipality which exercises functions which are appropriate for the exercise by one or more units of local government, and which has statutory power to make purchases and enter into contracts awarded by a contracting agent for the provision or performance of goods or services.
The term shall not include a private firm that has entered into a contract with a public entity for the provision of water supply services pursuant to P.L.1995, c.101 (C.58:26-19 et al.).
"Contracting unit" shall not include a private firm or public authority that has entered into a contract with a public entity for the provision of wastewater treatment services pursuant to P.L.1995, c.216 (C.58:27-19 et al.).
(2) "Governing body" means:
(a) The governing body of the county, when the purchase is to be made or the contract is to be entered into by, or in behalf of, a county; or
(b) The governing body of the municipality, when the purchase is to be made or the contract is to be entered into by, or on behalf of, a municipality; or
(c) Any board, commission, committee, authority or agency of the character described in subsection (1) (c) of this section.
(3) "Contracting agent" means the governing body of a contracting unit, or its authorized designee, which has the power to prepare the advertisements, to advertise for and receive bids and, as permitted by this act, to make awards for the contracting unit in connection with contracts.
(4) "Purchase" means a transaction, for a valuable consideration, creating or acquiring an interest in goods, services and property, except real property or any interest therein.
(5) (Deleted by amendment, P.L.1999, c.440.)
(6) "Professional services" means services rendered or performed by a person authorized by law to practice a recognized profession, whose practice is regulated by law, and the performance of which services requires knowledge of an advanced type in a field of learning acquired by a prolonged formal course of specialized instruction and study as distinguished from general academic instruction or apprenticeship and training. Professional services may also mean services rendered in the provision or performance of goods or services that are original and creative in character in a recognized field of artistic endeavor.
(7) "Extraordinary unspecifiable services" means services which are specialized and qualitative in nature requiring expertise, extensive training and proven reputation in the field of endeavor.
(8) (Deleted by amendment, P.L.1999, c.440.)
(9) "Work" means any task, program, undertaking, or activity, related to any development, redevelopment, construction or reconstruction performed or provided pursuant to a contract with a contracting unit.
(10) "Homemaker--home health services" means at home personal care and home management provided to an individual or members of the individual's family who reside with the individual, or both, necessitated by the individual's illness or incapacity. "Homemaker--home health services" includes, but is not limited to, the services of a trained homemaker.
(11) "Recyclable material" means those materials which would otherwise become municipal solid waste, and which may be collected, separated or processed and returned to the economic mainstream in the form of raw materials or products.
(12) "Recycling" means any process by which materials which would otherwise become solid waste are collected, separated or processed and returned to the economic mainstream in the form of raw materials or products.
(13) "Marketing" means the sale, disposition, assignment, or placement of designated recyclable materials with, or the granting of a concession to, a reseller, processor, materials recovery facility, or end-user of recyclable material, in accordance with a district solid waste management plan adopted pursuant to P.L.1970, c.39 (C.13:1E-1 et seq.) and shall not include the collection of such recyclable material when collected through a system of routes by local government unit employees or under a contract administered by a local government unit.
(14) "Municipal solid waste" means, as appropriate to the circumstances, all residential, commercial and institutional solid waste generated within the boundaries of a municipality; or the formal collection of such solid wastes or recyclable material in any combination thereof when collected through a system of routes by local government unit employees or under a contract administered by a local government unit.
(15) "Distribution" (when used in relation to electricity) means the process of conveying electricity from a contracting unit that is a generator of electricity or a wholesale purchaser of electricity to retail customers or other end users of electricity.
(16) "Transmission" (when used in relation to electricity) means the conveyance of electricity from its point of generation to a contracting unit that purchases it on a wholesale basis for resale.
(17) "Disposition" means the transportation, placement, reuse, sale, donation, transfer or temporary storage of recyclable materials for all possible uses except for disposal as municipal solid waste.
(18) "Cooperative marketing" means the joint marketing by two or more contracting units of the source separated recyclable materials designated in a district recycling plan required pursuant to section 3 of P.L.1987, c.102 (C.13:1E-99.13) pursuant to a written cooperative agreement entered into by the participating contracting units thereof.
(19) "Aggregate" means the sums expended or to be expended for the provision or performance of any goods or services in connection with the same immediate purpose or task, or the furnishing of similar goods or services, during the same contract year through a contract awarded by a contracting agent.
(20) "Bid threshold" means the dollar amount set in section 3 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-3), above which a contracting unit shall advertise for and receive sealed bids in accordance with procedures set forth in P.L.1999, c.440 (C.40A:11-4.1 et al.).
(21) "Contract" means any agreement, including but not limited to a purchase order or a formal agreement, which is a legally binding relationship enforceable by law, between a vendor who agrees to provide or perform goods or services and a contracting unit which agrees to compensate a vendor, as defined by and subject to the terms and conditions of the agreement. A contract also may include an arrangement whereby a vendor compensates a contracting unit for the vendor's right to perform a service, such as, but not limited to, operating a concession.
(22) "Contract year" means the period of 12 consecutive months following the award of a contract.
(23) "Competitive contracting" means the method described in sections 1 through 5 of P.L.1999, c.440 (C.40A:11-4.1 through C.40A:11-4.5) of contracting for specialized goods and services in which formal proposals are solicited from vendors; formal proposals are evaluated by the purchasing agent or counsel or administrator; and the governing body awards a contract to a vendor or vendors from among the formal proposals received.
(24) "Goods and services" or "goods or services" means any work, labor, commodities, equipment, materials, or supplies of any tangible or intangible nature, except real property or any interest therein, provided or performed through a contract awarded by a contracting agent, including goods and property subject to N.J.S.12A:2-101 et seq.
(25) "Library and educational goods and services" means textbooks, copyrighted materials, student produced publications and services incidental thereto, including but not limited to books, periodicals, newspapers, documents, pamphlets, photographs, reproductions, microfilms, pictorial or graphic works, musical scores, maps, charts, globes, sound recordings, slides, films, filmstrips, video and magnetic tapes, other printed or published matter and audiovisual and other materials of a similar nature, necessary binding or rebinding of library materials, and specialized computer software used as a supplement or in lieu of textbooks or reference material.
(26) "Lowest price" means the least possible amount that meets all requirements of the request of a contracting agent.
(27) "Lowest responsible bidder or vendor" means the bidder or vendor: (a) whose response to a request for bids offers the lowest price and is responsive; and (b) who is responsible.
(28) "Official newspaper" means any newspaper designated by the contracting unit pursuant to R.S.35:1-1 et seq.
(29) "Purchase order" means a document issued by the contracting agent authorizing a purchase transaction with a vendor to provide or perform goods or services to the contracting unit, which, when fulfilled in accordance with the terms and conditions of a request of a contracting agent and other provisions and procedures that may be established by the contracting unit, will result in payment by the contracting unit.
(30) "Purchasing agent" means the individual duly assigned the authority, responsibility, and accountability for the purchasing activity of the contracting unit, and who has such duties as are defined by an authority appropriate to the form and structure of the contracting unit, and P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-1 et seq.).
(31) "Quotation" means the response to a formal or informal request made by a contracting agent by a vendor for provision or performance of goods or services, when the aggregate cost is less than the bid threshold. Quotations may be in writing, or taken verbally if a record is kept by the contracting agent.
(32) "Responsible" means able to complete the contract in accordance with its requirements, including but not limited to requirements pertaining to experience, moral integrity, operating capacity, financial capacity, credit, and workforce, equipment, and facilities availability.
(33) "Responsive" means conforming in all material respects to the terms and conditions, specifications, legal requirements, and other provisions of the request.
(34) "Public works" means building, altering, repairing, improving or demolishing any public structure or facility constructed or acquired by a contracting unit to house local government functions or provide water, waste disposal, power, transportation, and other public infrastructures.
(35) "Director" means the Director of the Division of Local Government Services in the Department of Community Affairs.
(36) "Administrator" means a municipal administrator appointed pursuant to N.J.S.40A:9-136 and N.J.S.40A:9-137; a business administrator, a municipal manager or a municipal administrator appointed pursuant to the "Optional Municipal Charter Law," P.L.1950, c.210 (C.40:69A-1 et seq.); a municipal manager appointed pursuant to "the municipal manager form of government law," R.S.40:79-1 et seq.; or the person holding responsibility for the overall operations of an authority that falls under the "Local Authorities Fiscal Control Law," P.L.1983, c.313 (C.40A:5A-1 et seq.).
(37) "Concession" means the granting of a license or right to act for or on behalf of the contracting unit, or to provide a service requiring the approval or endorsement of the contracting unit, and which may or may not involve a payment or exchange, or provision of services by or to the contracting unit.
(38) "Index rate" means the rate of annual percentage increase, rounded to the nearest half-percent, in the Implicit Price Deflator for State and Local Government Purchases of Goods and Services, computed and published quarterly by the United States Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis.
(39) "Proprietary" means goods or services of a specialized nature, that may be made or marketed by a person or persons having the exclusive right to make or sell them, when the need for such goods or services has been certified in writing by the governing body of the contracting unit to be necessary for the conduct of its affairs.
(40) "Service or services" means the performance of work, or the furnishing of labor, time, or effort, or any combination thereof, not involving or connected to the delivery or ownership of a specified end product or goods or a manufacturing process. Service or services may also include an arrangement in which a vendor compensates the contracting unit for the vendor's right to operate a concession.
7. Section 3 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-3) is amended to read as follows:
C.40A:11-3 Bid threshold; period of contracts.
3. Bid threshold; period of contracts. a. When the cost or price of any contract awarded by the contracting agent in the aggregate does not exceed in a contract year the total sum of $17,500, the contract may be awarded by a purchasing agent when so authorized by ordinance or resolution, as appropriate to the contracting unit, of the governing body of the contracting unit without public advertising for bids, except that the governing body of any contracting unit may adopt an ordinance or resolution to set a lower threshold for the receipt of public bids or the solicitation of competitive quotations. If the purchasing agent is qualified pursuant to subsection b. of section 9 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-9), the governing body of the contracting unit may establish that the bid threshold may be up to $25,000. Such authorization may be granted for each contract or by a general delegation of the power to negotiate and award such contracts pursuant to this section.
b. Any contract made pursuant to this section may be awarded for a period of 24 consecutive months, except that contracts for professional services pursuant to subparagraph (i) of paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of section 5 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-5) may be awarded for a period not exceeding 12 consecutive months. The Division of Local Government Services shall adopt and promulgate rules and regulations concerning the methods of accounting for all contracts that do not coincide with the contracting unit's fiscal year.
c. The Governor, in consultation with the Department of the Treasury, shall, no later than March 1 of every fifth year beginning in the fifth year after the year in which P.L.1999, c.440 takes effect, adjust the threshold amount and the higher threshold amount which the governing body is permitted to establish, as set forth in subsection a. of this section, or the threshold amount resulting from any adjustment under this subsection, in direct proportion to the rise or fall of the index rate as that term is defined in section 2 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-2), and shall round the adjustment to the nearest $1,000. The Governor shall, no later than June 1 of every fifth year, notify each governing body of the adjustment. The adjustment shall become effective on July 1 of the year in which it is made.
8. Section 4 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-4) is amended to read as follows:
C.40A:11-4 Contracts required to be advertised, disqualification of bidder.
4. a. Every contract awarded by the contracting agent for the provision or performance of any goods or services, the cost of which in the aggregate exceeds the bid threshold, shall be awarded only by resolution of the governing body of the contracting unit to the lowest responsible bidder after public advertising for bids and bidding therefor, except as is provided otherwise in this act or specifically by any other law. The governing body of a contracting unit may, by resolution approved by a majority of the governing body and subject to subsections b. and c. of this section, disqualify a bidder who would otherwise be determined to be the lowest responsible bidder, if the governing body finds that it has had prior negative experience with the bidder.
b. As used in this section, "prior negative experience" means any of the following:
(1) the bidder has been found, through either court adjudication, arbitration, mediation, or other contractually stipulated alternate dispute resolution mechanism, to have: failed to provide or perform goods or services; or failed to complete the contract in a timely manner; or otherwise performed unsatisfactorily under a prior contract with the contracting unit;
(2) the bidder defaulted on a contract, thereby requiring the local unit to utilize the services of another contractor to provide the goods or perform the services or to correct or complete the contract;
(3) the bidder defaulted on a contract, thereby requiring the local unit to look to the bidder's surety for completion of the contract or tender of the costs of completion; or
(4) the bidder is debarred or suspended from contracting with any of the agencies or departments of the executive branch of the State of New Jersey at the time of the contract award, whether or not the action was based on experience with the contracting unit.
c. The following conditions apply if the governing body of a contracting unit is contemplating a disqualification based on prior negative experience:
(1) The existence of any of the indicators of prior negative experience set forth in this section shall not require that a bidder be disqualified. In each instance, the decision to disqualify shall be made within the discretion of the governing body and shall be rendered in the best interests of the contracting unit.
(2) All mitigating factors shall be considered in determining the seriousness of the prior negative experience and in deciding whether disqualification is warranted.
(3) The bidder shall be furnished by the governing body with a written notice (a) stating that a disqualification is being considered; (b) setting forth the reason for the disqualification; and (c) indicating that the bidder shall be accorded an opportunity for a hearing before the governing body if the bidder so requests within a stated period of time. At the hearing, the bidder shall show good cause why the bidder should not be disqualified by presenting documents and testimony. If the governing body determines that good cause has not been shown by the bidder, it may vote to find the bidder lacking in responsibility and, thus, disqualified.
(4) Disqualification shall be for a reasonable, defined period of time which shall not exceed five years.
(5) A disqualification, other than a disqualification pursuant to which a governing body is prohibited by law from entering into a contract with a bidder, may be voided or the period thereof may be reduced, in the discretion of the governing body, upon the submission of a good faith application under oath, supported by documentary evidence, setting forth substantial and appropriate grounds for the granting of relief, such as reversal of a judgment, or actual change of ownership, management or control of the bidder.
(6) An opportunity for a hearing need not be offered to a bidder whose disqualification is based on its suspension or debarment by an agency or department of the executive branch of the State of New Jersey. The term of such a disqualification shall be concurrent with the term of the suspension or debarment by the State agency or department.
9. Section 5 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-5) is amended to read as follows:
C.40A:11-5 Exceptions.
5. Exceptions. Any contract the amount of which exceeds the bid threshold, may be negotiated and awarded by the governing body without public advertising for bids and bidding therefor and shall be awarded by resolution of the governing body if:
(1) The subject matter thereof consists of:
(a) (i) Professional services. The governing body shall in each instance state supporting reasons for its action in the resolution awarding each contract and shall forthwith cause to be printed once, in the official newspaper, a brief notice stating the nature, duration, service and amount of the contract, and that the resolution and contract are on file and available for public inspection in the office of the clerk of the county or municipality, or, in the case of a contracting unit created by more than one county or municipality, of the counties or municipalities creating such contracting unit; or (ii) Extraordinary unspecifiable services. The application of this exception shall be construed narrowly in favor of open competitive bidding, where possible, and the Division of Local Government Services is authorized to adopt and promulgate rules and regulations after consultation with the Commissioner of Education limiting the use of this exception in accordance with the intention herein expressed. The governing body shall in each instance state supporting reasons for its action in the resolution awarding each contract and shall forthwith cause to be printed, in the manner set forth in subsection (1) (a) (i) of this section, a brief notice of the award of such contract;
(b) The doing of any work by employees of the contracting unit;
(c) The printing of legal briefs, records and appendices to be used in any legal proceeding in which the contracting unit may be a party;
(d) The furnishing of a tax map or maps for the contracting unit;
(e) The purchase of perishable foods as a subsistence supply;
(f) The supplying of any product or the rendering of any service by a public utility, which is subject to the jurisdiction of the Board of Public Utilities or the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission or its successor, in accordance with tariffs and schedules of charges made, charged or exacted, filed with the board or commission;
(g) The acquisition, subject to prior approval of the Attorney General, of special equipment for confidential investigation;
(h) The printing of bonds and documents necessary to the issuance and sale thereof by a contracting unit;
(i) Equipment repair service if in the nature of an extraordinary unspecifiable service and necessary parts furnished in connection with such service, which exception shall be in accordance with the requirements for extraordinary unspecifiable services;
(j) The publishing of legal notices in newspapers as required by law;
(k) The acquisition of artifacts or other items of unique intrinsic, artistic or historical character;
(l) Those goods and services necessary or required to prepare and conduct an election;
(m) Insurance, including the purchase of insurance coverage and consultant services, which exception shall be in accordance with the requirements for extraordinary unspecifiable services;
(n) The doing of any work by handicapped persons employed by a sheltered workshop;
(o) The provision of any goods or services including those of a commercial nature, attendant upon the operation of a restaurant by any nonprofit, duly incorporated, historical society at or on any historical preservation site;
(p) (Deleted by amendment, P.L.1999, c.440.)
(q) Library and educational goods and services;
(r) On-site inspections undertaken by private agencies pursuant to the "State Uniform Construction Code Act," P.L.1975, c.217 (C.52:27D-119 et seq.) and the regulations adopted pursuant thereto;
(s) The marketing of recyclable materials recovered through a recycling program, or the marketing of any product intentionally produced or derived from solid waste received at a resource recovery facility or recovered through a resource recovery program, including, but not limited to, refuse-derived fuel, compost materials, methane gas, and other similar products;
(t) (Deleted by amendment, P.L.1999, c.440.)
(u) Contracting unit towing and storage contracts, provided that all such contracts shall be pursuant to reasonable non-exclusionary and non-discriminatory terms and conditions, which may include the provision of such services on a rotating basis, at the rates and charges set by the municipality pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1979, c.101 (C.40:48-2.49). All contracting unit towing and storage contracts for services to be provided at rates and charges other than those established pursuant to the terms of this paragraph shall only be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder in accordance with the provisions of the "Local Public Contracts Law" and without regard for the value of the contract therefor;
(v) The purchase of steam or electricity from, or the rendering of services directly related to the purchase of such steam or electricity from a qualifying small power production facility or a qualifying cogeneration facility as defined pursuant to 16 U.S.C.s.796;
(w) The purchase of electricity or administrative or dispatching services directly related to the transmission of such purchased electricity by a contracting unit engaged in the generation of electricity;
(x) The printing of municipal ordinances or other services necessarily incurred in connection with the revision and codification of municipal ordinances;
(y) An agreement for the purchase of an equitable interest in a water supply facility or for the provision of water supply services entered into pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1993, c.381 (C.58:28-2), or an agreement entered into pursuant to P.L.1989, c.109 (N.J.S.40A:31-1 et al.), so long as such agreement is entered into no later than six months after the effective date of P.L.1993, c.381;
(z) A contract for the provision of water supply services entered into pursuant to P.L.1995, c.101 (C.58:26-19 et al.);
(aa) The cooperative marketing of recyclable materials recovered through a recycling program;
(bb) A contract for the provision of wastewater treatment services entered into pursuant to P.L.1995, c.216 (C.58:27-19 et al.);
(cc) Expenses for travel and conferences;
(dd) The provision or performance of goods or services for the support or maintenance of proprietary computer hardware and software, except that this provision shall not be utilized to acquire or upgrade non-proprietary hardware or to acquire or update non-proprietary software;
(ee) The management or operation of an airport owned by the contracting unit pursuant to R.S.40:8-1 et seq.;
(ff) Purchases of goods and services at rates set by the Universal Service Fund administered by the Federal Communications Commission.
(2) It is to be made or entered into with the United States of America, the State of New Jersey, county or municipality or any board, body, officer, agency or authority thereof or any other state or subdivision thereof.
(3) Bids have been advertised pursuant to section 4 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-4) on two occasions and (a) no bids have been received on both occasions in response to the advertisement, or (b) the governing body has rejected such bids on two occasions because it has determined that they are not reasonable as to price, on the basis of cost estimates prepared for or by the contracting agent prior to the advertising therefor, or have not been independently arrived at in open competition, or (c) on one occasion no bids were received pursuant to (a) and on one occasion all bids were rejected pursuant to (b), in whatever sequence; any such contract may then be negotiated and may be awarded upon adoption of a resolution by a two-thirds affirmative vote of the authorized membership of the governing body authorizing such contract; provided, however, that:
(i) A reasonable effort is first made by the contracting agent to determine that the same or equivalent goods or services, at a cost which is lower than the negotiated price, are not available from an agency or authority of the United States, the State of New Jersey or of the county in which the contracting unit is located, or any municipality in close proximity to the contracting unit;
(ii) The terms, conditions, restrictions and specifications set forth in the negotiated contract are not substantially different from those which were the subject of competitive bidding pursuant to section 4 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-4); and
(iii) Any minor amendment or modification of any of the terms, conditions, restrictions and specifications, which were the subject of competitive bidding pursuant to section 4 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-4), shall be stated in the resolution awarding such contract; provided further, however, that if on the second occasion the bids received are rejected as unreasonable as to price, the contracting agent shall notify each responsible bidder submitting bids on the second occasion of its intention to negotiate, and afford each bidder a reasonable opportunity to negotiate, but the governing body shall not award such contract unless the negotiated price is lower than the lowest rejected bid price submitted on the second occasion by a responsible bidder, is the lowest negotiated price offered by any responsible vendor, and is a reasonable price for such goods or services.
Whenever a contracting unit shall determine that a bid was not arrived at independently in open competition pursuant to subsection (3) of this section it shall thereupon notify the county prosecutor of the county in which the contracting unit is located and the Attorney General of the facts upon which its determination is based, and when appropriate, it may institute appropriate proceedings in any State or federal court of competent jurisdiction for a violation of any State or federal antitrust law or laws relating to the unlawful restraint of trade.
(4) The contracting unit has solicited and received at least three quotations on materials, supplies or equipment for which a State contract has been issued pursuant to section 12 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-12), and the lowest responsible quotation is at least 10% less than the price the contracting unit would be charged for the identical materials, supplies or equipment, in the same quantities, under the State contract. Any such contract entered into pursuant to this subsection may be awarded only upon adoption of a resolution by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the full membership of the governing body of the contracting unit at a meeting thereof authorizing such a contract. A copy of the purchase order relating to any such contract, the requisition for purchase order, if applicable, and documentation identifying the price of the materials, supplies or equipment under the State contract and the State contract number shall be filed with the director within five working days of the award of any such contract by the contracting unit. The director shall notify the contracting unit of receipt of the material and shall make the material available to the State Treasurer. The contracting unit shall make available to the director upon request any other documents relating to the solicitation and award of the contract, including, but not limited to, quotations, requests for quotations, and resolutions. The director periodically shall review material submitted by contracting units to determine the impact of such contracts on local contracting and shall consult with the State Treasurer on the impact of such contracts on the State procurement process. The director may, after consultation with the State Treasurer, adopt rules in accordance with the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.) to limit the use of this subsection, after considering the impact of contracts awarded under this subsection on State and local contracting, or after considering the extent to which the award of contracts pursuant to this subsection is consistent with and in furtherance of the purposes of the public contracting laws.
(5) Notwithstanding any provision of law, rule or regulation to the contrary, the subject matter consists of the combined collection and marketing, or the cooperative combined collection and marketing of recycled material recovered through a recycling program, or any product intentionally produced or derived from solid waste received at a resource recovery facility or recovered through a resource recovery program including, but not limited to refuse-derived fuel, compost materials, methane gas, and other similar products, provided that in lieu of engaging in such public advertising for bids and the bidding therefor, the contracting unit shall, prior to commencing the procurement process, submit for approval to the Director of the Division of Local Government Services, a written detailed description of the process to be followed in securing said services. Within 30 days after receipt of the written description the director shall, if the director finds that the process provides for fair competition and integrity in the negotiation process, approve, in writing, the description submitted by the contracting unit. If the director finds that the process does not provide for fair competition and integrity in the negotiation process, the director shall advise the contracting unit of the deficiencies that must be remedied. If the director fails to respond in writing to the contracting unit within 30 days, the procurement process as described shall be deemed approved. As used in this section, "collection" means the physical removal of recyclable materials from curbside or any other location selected by the contracting unit.
10. Section 6 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-6) is amended to read as follows:
C.40A:11-6 Emergency contracts.
6. Emergency contracts. Any contract may be negotiated or awarded for a contracting unit without public advertising for bids and bidding therefor, notwithstanding that the contract price will exceed the bid threshold, when an emergency affecting the public health, safety or welfare requires the immediate delivery of goods or the performance of services; provided that the awarding of such contracts is made in the following manner:
a. The official in charge of the agency wherein the emergency occurred, or such other officer or employee as may be authorized to act in place of that official, shall notify the purchasing agent, a supervisor of the purchasing agent, or a designated representative of the governing body, as may be appropriate to the form of government, of the need for the performance of a contract, the nature of the emergency, the time of its occurrence and the need for invoking this section. If that person is satisfied that an emergency exists, that person shall be authorized to award a contract or contracts for such purposes as may be necessary to respond to the emergent needs. Such notification shall be reduced to writing and filed with the purchasing agent as soon as practicable.
b. Upon the furnishing of such goods or services, in accordance with the terms of the contract, the contractor furnishing such goods or services shall be entitled to be paid therefor and the contracting unit shall be obligated for said payment. The governing body of the contracting unit shall take such action as shall be required to provide for the payment of the contract price.
c. The Director of the Division of Local Government Services in the Department of Community Affairs shall prescribe rules and procedures to implement the requirements of this section.
d. The governing body of the contracting unit may prescribe additional rules and procedures to implement the requirements of this section.
11. Section 6 of P.L.1975, c.353 (C.40A:11-6.1) is amended to read as follows:
C.40A:11-6.1 Award of contracts.
6. All contracts enumerated in this section shall be awarded as follows:
a. For all contracts that in the aggregate are less than the bid threshold but 15 percent or more of that amount, and for those contracts that are for subject matter enumerated in subsection (1) of section 5 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-5), except for paragraph (a) of that subsection concerning professional services and paragraph (b) of that subsection concerning work by employees of the contracting unit, the contracting agent shall award the contract after soliciting at least two competitive quotations, if practicable. The award shall be made to a vendor whose response is most advantageous, price and other factors considered. The contracting agent shall retain the record of the quotation solicitation and shall include a copy of the record with the voucher used to pay the vendor.
b. When in excess of the bid threshold, and after documented effort by the contracting agent to secure competitive quotations, a contract for extraordinary unspecifiable services may be awarded upon a determination in writing by the contracting agent that the solicitation of competitive quotations is impracticable. Any such contract shall be awarded by resolution of the governing body.
c. If authorized by the governing body by resolution or ordinance, all contracts that are in the aggregate less than 15 percent of the bid threshold may be awarded by the contracting agent without soliciting competitive quotations.
d. Whenever two or more responses to a request of a contracting agent offer equal prices and are the lowest responsible bids or proposals, the contracting unit may award the contract to the vendor whose response, in the discretion of the contracting unit, is the most advantageous, price and other factors considered. In such a case, the award resolution or purchase order documentation shall explain why the vendor selected is the most advantageous.
12. Section 7 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-7) is amended to read as follows:
C.40A:11-7 Contracts not to be divided.
7. Contracts not to be divided. a. No contract in the aggregate which is single in character or which necessarily or by reason of the quantities required to effectuate the purpose of the contract includes the provision or performance of additional goods or services, shall be divided, so as to bring it or any of the parts thereof under the bid threshold, for the purpose of dispensing with the requirement of public advertising and bidding therefor.
b. In contracting for the provision or performance of any goods or services included in or incidental to the provision or performance of any work which is single in character or inclusive of the provision or performance of additional goods or services, all of the goods or services requisite for the completion of such contract shall be included in one contract.
C.40A:11-7.1 Rules concerning determinations of aggregation.
13. For the purpose of ensuring consistency between the "Local Public Contracts Law," P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-1 et seq.), and the "Public School Contracts Law," N.J.S.18A:18A-1 et seq., the Director of the Division of Local Government Services in the Department of Community Affairs, after consultation with the Commissioner of Education and pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), shall adopt rules concerning determinations of aggregation for the purposes of whether a contract is subject to public bidding as set forth in sections 3, 4 and 7 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-3, 40A:11-4 and 40A:11-7) and N.J.S.18A:18A-3, N.J.S.18A:18A-4, and N.J.S.18A:18A-8.
14. Section 8 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-8) is amended to read as follows:
C.40A:11-8 Bids for provision or performance of goods or services.
8. Every contracting agent shall, at intervals to be fixed by the governing body, solicit by public advertisement the submission of bids for the provision or performance of goods or services which are and which under section 4 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-4) can be contracted to be provided or performed only after public advertisement for bids and bidding therefor and all contracts for the provision or performance of such goods or services shall be awarded only in that manner.
15. Section 9 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-9) is amended to read as follows:
C.40A:11-9 Purchasing agent, department or board; establishment; powers.
9. Purchasing agent, department or board; establishment; powers.
a. The governing body of any contracting unit may by ordinance, in the case of a municipality, by ordinance or resolution, as the case may be, in the case of a county, or by resolution in all other cases, establish the office of purchasing agent, or a purchasing department or a purchasing board, with the authority, responsibility, and accountability as its contracting agent, for the purchasing activity for the contracting unit, to prepare public advertising for bids and to receive bids for the provision or performance of goods or services on behalf of the contracting unit and to award contracts permitted pursuant to subsection a. of section 3 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-3) in the name of the contracting unit, and conduct any activities as may be necessary or appropriate to the purchasing function of the contracting unit.
b. The Director of the Division of Local Government Services, after consultation with the Commissioner of Education, shall establish criteria to qualify individuals who have completed appropriate training and possess such purchasing experience as deemed necessary to exercise such supplemental authority as may be set forth in subsection a. of section 3 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-3). These criteria also shall authorize county purchasing agents certified pursuant to P.L.1981, c.380 (C.40A:9-30.1 et seq.) to exercise such supplemental authority.
16. Section 10 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-10) is amended to read as follows:
C.40A:11-10 Joint agreements for provision and performance of goods and services; cooperative marketing; authorization.
10. Joint agreements for provision and performance of goods and services; cooperative marketing; authorization.
(a) (1) The governing bodies of two or more contracting units may provide by joint agreement for the provision and performance of goods and services for use by their respective jurisdictions.
(2) The governing bodies of two or more contracting units providing sewerage services pursuant to the "sewerage authorities law," P.L.1946, c.138 (C.40:14A-1 et seq.), the "municipal and county utilities authorities law," P.L.1957, c.183 (C.40:14B-1 et seq.), R.S.58:14-1 et seq. or R.S.40:63-68 et seq. may provide by joint agreement for the purchase of goods and services related to sewage sludge disposal.
(3) The governing body of two or more contracting units providing electrical distribution services pursuant to and in accordance with R.S.40:62-12 through R.S.40:62-25, may provide by joint agreement for the provision or performance of goods or services related to the distribution of electricity.
(4) The governing bodies of two or more contracting units may provide for the cooperative marketing of recyclable materials recovered through a recycling program.
(b) The governing body of any contracting unit may provide by joint agreement with the board of education of any school district for the provision and performance of goods and services for use by their respective jurisdictions.
(c) Such agreement shall be entered into by resolution adopted by each of the participating bodies and boards, which shall set forth the categories of goods or services to be provided or performed, the manner of advertising for bids and of awarding of contracts, the method of payment by each participating body and board, and other matters deemed necessary to carry out the purposes of the agreement.
(d) Each participating body's and board's share of expenditures for purchases under any such agreement shall be appropriated and paid in the manner set forth in the agreement and in the same manner as for other expenses of the participating body and board.
17. Section 11 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-11) is amended to read as follows:
C.40A:11-11 Additional matters regarding contracts for the provision and performance of goods and services.
11. Additional matters regarding contracts for the provision and performance of goods and services.
(1) The contracting units entering into a joint agreement pursuant to section 10 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-10) may designate a joint contracting agent.
(2) Contracts made pursuant to a joint purchasing agreement shall be subject to all of the terms and conditions of this act.
(3) Any contracting unit serving as a joint contracting agent pursuant to this section, may make an appropriation to enable it to perform any such contract and may anticipate as revenue payments to be made and received by it from any other party to the agreement. Any items so included in a local budget shall be subject to the approval of the Director, Division of Local Government Services, who shall consider the matter in conjunction with the requirements of chapter 4 of Title 40A of the New Jersey Statutes. The agreement and any subsequent amendment or revisions thereto shall be filed with the Director of the Division of Local Government Services in the Department of Community Affairs.
(4) Any joint contracting agent so designated pursuant to a joint purchasing agreement shall have the sole responsibility to comply with the provisions of section 23 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-23).
(5) The governing bodies of two or more contracting units or boards of education or for purposes related to the distribution of electricity, the governing bodies of two or more contracting units providing electrical distribution services pursuant to R.S.40:62-12 through R.S.40:62-25, may by resolution establish a cooperative pricing system as hereinafter provided. Any such resolution shall establish procedures whereby one participating contracting unit in the cooperative pricing system shall be empowered to advertise and receive bids to provide prices for all other participating contracting units in such system for the provision or performance of goods or services; provided, however, that no contract shall be awarded by any participating contracting unit for a price which exceeds any other price available to the participating contracting unit, or for a purchase of goods or services in deviation from the specifications, price or quality set forth by the participating contracting unit.
(6) The governing body of a county government may establish a cooperative pricing system for the voluntary use of contracting units within the county.
No vendor shall be required or permitted to extend bid prices to participating contracting units in a cooperative pricing system unless so specified in the bids.
No cooperative pricing system and agreements entered into pursuant to such system, or joint purchase agreements established pursuant to this act, the "Interlocal Services Act," P.L.1973, c.208 (C.40:8A-1 et seq.) or any other provision of law, shall become effective without prior approval of the Director of the Division of Local Government Services and said approval shall be valid for a period not to exceed five years.
The director's approval shall be based on the following:
(a) Provision for maintaining adequate records and orderly procedures to facilitate audit and efficient administration, and
(b) Adequacy of public disclosure of such actions as are taken by the participants, and
(c) Adequacy of procedures to facilitate compliance with all provisions of the "Local Public Contracts Law" and corresponding regulations, and
(d) Clarity of provisions to assure that the responsibilities of the respective parties are understood.
Failure of the Director of the Division of Local Government Services to approve or disapprove a properly executed and completed application to establish a cooperative pricing system and agreements entered into pursuant to such system or other joint purchase agreement within 45 days from the date of receipt of said application by the director shall constitute approval of said application, which shall be valid for a period of five years, commencing from the date of receipt of said application by the director.
The Director of the Division of Local Government Services is hereby authorized to promulgate rules and regulations specifying procedures pertaining to cooperative pricing systems and joint purchase agreements entered into pursuant to this act, the "Interlocal Services Act," P.L.1973, c.208 (C.40:8A-1 et seq.) and any other provision of law.
18. Section 12 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-12) is amended to read as follows:
C.40A:11-12 Contracting unit purchases through State agency; procedure.
12. a. Any contracting unit under this act may without advertising for bids, or having rejected all bids obtained pursuant to advertising therefor, purchase any goods or services under any contract or contracts for such goods or services entered into on behalf of the State by the Division of Purchase and Property in the Department of the Treasury.
b. A contracting unit may also use, without advertising for bids, or having rejected all bids obtained pursuant to advertising, the Federal Supply Schedules of the General Services Administration promulgated by the Director of the Division of Purchase and Property in the Department of the Treasury pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1996, c.16 (C.52:34-6.1), subject to the following conditions:
(1) the price of the goods or services being procured is no greater than the price offered to federal agencies;
(2) the Federal Supply Schedules may be used only for purchases of up to $500,000 per year or for one product unit at any price and only for reprographic equipment or services, including digital copiers, used by the contracting unit;
(3) the contracting unit receives the benefit of federally mandated price reductions during the term of the contract and is protected from price increases during that time;
(4) the price of the goods or services being procured is no greater than the price of the same or equivalent goods or services under the State contract, unless the contracting unit determines that because of factors other than price, selection of a vendor from the Federal Supply Schedules would be more advantageous to the contracting unit;
(5) a copy of the purchase order relating to any such contract, the requisition or request for purchase order, if applicable, and documentation identifying the price of the goods or services under the Federal Supply Schedules shall be filed with the director within five working days of the award of any such contract by the contracting unit. The director shall notify the contracting unit of the receipt of the material and shall make the material available to the State Treasurer. The contracting unit shall make available to the director upon request any other documents relating to the solicitation and award of the contract.
c. Whenever a purchase is made, the contracting unit shall place its order with the vendor offering the lowest price, including delivery charges, that best meets the requirements of the contracting unit. Prior to placing such an order, the contracting unit shall document with specificity that the goods or services selected best meet the requirements of the contracting unit.
19. Section 13 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-13) is amended to read as follows:
C.40A:11-13 Specifications.
13. Specifications. Any specifications for the provision or performance of goods or services under this act shall be drafted in a manner to encourage free, open and competitive bidding. In particular, no specifications under this act may:
(a) Require any standard, restriction, condition or limitation not directly related to the purpose, function or activity for which the contract is awarded; or
(b) Require that any bidder be a resident of, or that the bidder's place of business be located in, the county or municipality in which the contract will be awarded or performed, unless the physical proximity of the bidder is requisite to the efficient and economical performance of the contract; except that no specification for a contract for the collection and disposal of municipal solid waste shall require any bidder to be a resident of, or that the bidder's place of business be located in, the county or municipality in which the contract will be performed; or
(c) Discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, national origin , creed, color, ancestry, age, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, familial status, liability for service in the Armed Forces of the United States, or nationality; or
(d) Require, with regard to any contract, the furnishing of any "brand name," but may in all cases require "brand name or equivalent," except that if the goods or services to be provided or performed are proprietary, such goods or services may be purchased by stipulating the proprietary goods or services in the bid specification in any case in which the resolution authorizing the contract so indicates, and the special need for such proprietary goods or services is directly related to the performance, completion or undertaking of the purpose for which the contract is awarded; or
(e) Fail to include any option for renewal, extension, or release which the contracting unit may intend to exercise or require; or any terms and conditions necessary for the performance of any extra work; or fail to disclose any matter necessary to the substantial performance of the contract.
Any specification which knowingly excludes prospective bidders by reason of the impossibility of performance, bidding or qualification by any but one bidder, except as provided herein, shall be null and void and of no effect and shall be readvertised for receipt of new bids, and the original contract shall be set aside by the governing body.
Any specification for a contract for the collection and disposal of municipal solid waste shall conform to the uniform bid specifications for municipal solid waste collection contracts established pursuant to section 22 of P.L.1991, c.381 (C.48:13A-7.22).
Any specification may include an item for the cost, which shall be paid by the contractor, of creating a file to maintain the notices of the delivery of labor or materials required by N.J.S.2A:44-128.
Any prospective bidder who wishes to challenge a bid specification shall file such challenges in writing with the contracting agent no less than three business days prior to the opening of the bids. Challenges filed after that time shall be considered void and having no impact on the contracting unit or the award of a contract.
C.40A:11-13.1 Payment from bequest, legacy or gift; conditions.
20. Goods or services, the payment for which utilizes only funds received by a contracting unit from a bequest, legacy or gift, shall be subject to the provisions of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-1 et seq.), except that if such bequest, legacy or gift contains written instructions as to the specifications, manufacturer or vendor, or source of supply of the goods or services to be provided or performed, such instructions shall be honored, provided that the bequest, legacy or gift is used in a manner consistent with N.J.S.40A:5-29.
C.40A:11-13.2 Rejection of bids; reasons.
21. A contracting unit may reject all bids for any of the following reasons:
a. The lowest bid substantially exceeds the cost estimates for the goods or services;
b. The lowest bid substantially exceeds the contracting unit's appropriation for the goods or services;
c. The governing body of the contracting unit decides to abandon the project for provision or performance of the goods or services;
d. The contracting unit wants to substantially revise the specifications for the goods or services;
e. The purposes or provisions or both of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-1 et seq.) are being violated;
f. The governing body of the contracting unit decides to use the State authorized contract pursuant to section 12 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-12).
22. Section 14 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-14) is amended to read as follows:
C.40A:11-14 Form of contracts.
14. All contracts for the provision or performance of goods or services shall be in writing. The governing body of any contracting unit may, subject to the requirements of law, prescribe the form and manner in which contracts shall be made and executed, and the form and manner of execution and approval of all guarantee, indemnity, fidelity and other bonds.
23. Section 15 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-15) is amended to read as follows:
C.40A:11-15 Duration of certain contracts.
15. All contracts for the provision or performance of goods or services shall be awarded for a period not to exceed 24 consecutive months, except that contracts for professional services pursuant to subparagraph (i) of paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of section 5 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-5) shall be awarded for a period not to exceed 12 consecutive months. Contracts may be awarded for longer periods of time as follows:
(1) Supplying of:
(a) (Deleted by amendment, P.L.1996, c.113.)
(b) (Deleted by amendment, P.L.1996, c.113.)
(c) Thermal energy produced by a cogeneration facility, for use for heating or air conditioning or both, for any term not exceeding 40 years, when the contract is approved by the Board of Public Utilities. For the purposes of this paragraph, "cogeneration" means the simultaneous production in one facility of electric power and other forms of useful energy such as heating or process steam;
(2) (Deleted by amendment, P.L.1977, c.53.)
(3) The collection and disposal of municipal solid waste, the collection and disposition of recyclable material, or the disposal of sewage sludge, for any term not exceeding in the aggregate, five years;
(4) The collection and recycling of methane gas from a sanitary landfill facility, for any term not exceeding 25 years, when such contract is in conformance with a district solid waste management plan approved pursuant to P.L.1970, c.39 (C.13:1E-1 et seq.), and with the approval of the Division of Local Government Services in the Department of Community Affairs and the Department of Environmental Protection. The contracting unit shall award the contract to the highest responsible bidder, notwithstanding that the contract price may be in excess of the amount of any necessarily related administrative expenses; except that if the contract requires the contracting unit to expend funds only, the contracting unit shall award the contract to the lowest responsible bidder. The approval by the Division of Local Government Services of public bidding requirements shall not be required for those contracts exempted therefrom pursuant to section 5 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-5);
(5) Data processing service, for any term of not more than seven years;
(6) Insurance, including the purchase of insurance coverages, insurance consulting or administrative services, claims administration services and including participation in a joint self-insurance fund, risk management program or related services provided by a contracting unit insurance group, or participation in an insurance fund established by a local unit pursuant to N.J.S.40A:10-6, or a joint insurance fund established pursuant to P.L.1983, c.372 (C.40A:10-36 et seq.), for any term of not more than three years;
(7) Leasing or servicing of automobiles, motor vehicles, machinery and equipment of every nature and kind, for a period not to exceed five years; provided, however, such contracts shall be awarded only subject to and in accordance with the rules and regulations promulgated by the Director of the Division of Local Government Services of the Department of Community Affairs;
(8) The supplying of any product or the rendering of any service by a company providing voice, data, transmission or switching services for a term not exceeding five years;
(9) Any single project for the construction, reconstruction or rehabilitation of any public building, structure or facility, or any public works project, including the retention of the services of any architect or engineer in connection therewith, for the length of time authorized and necessary for the completion of the actual construction;
(10) The providing of food services for any term not exceeding three years;
(11) On-site inspections and plan review services undertaken by private agencies pursuant to the "State Uniform Construction Code Act," P.L.1975, c.217 (C.52:27D-119 et seq.) for any term of not more than three years;
(12) The provision or performance of goods or services for the purpose of conserving energy in buildings owned by, or operations conducted by, the contracting unit, the entire price of which to be established as a percentage of the resultant savings in energy costs, for a term not to exceed 15 years; provided, however, that such contracts shall be entered into only subject to and in accordance with guidelines promulgated by the Board of Public Utilities establishing a methodology for computing energy cost savings;
(13) (Deleted by amendment, P.L.1999, c.440.)
(14) (Deleted by amendment, P.L.1999, c.440.)
(15) Leasing of motor vehicles, machinery and other equipment primarily used to fight fires, for a term not to exceed ten years, when the contract includes an option to purchase, subject to and in accordance with rules and regulations promulgated by the Director of the Division of Local Government Services of the Department of Community Affairs;
(16) The provision of water supply services or the designing, financing, construction, operation, or maintenance, or any combination thereof, of a water supply facility, or any component part or parts thereof, including a water filtration system, for a period not to exceed 40 years, when the contract for these services is approved by the Division of Local Government Services in the Department of Community Affairs, the Board of Public Utilities, and the Department of Environmental Protection pursuant to P.L.1985, c.37 (C.58:26-1 et al.), except for those contracts otherwise exempted pursuant to subsection (30), (31), (34) or (35) of this section. For the purposes of this subsection, "water supply services" means any service provided by a water supply facility; "water filtration system" means any equipment, plants, structures, machinery, apparatus, or land, or any combination thereof, acquired, used, constructed, rehabilitated, or operated for the collection, impoundment, storage, improvement, filtration, or other treatment of drinking water for the purposes of purifying and enhancing water quality and insuring its potability prior to the distribution of the drinking water to the general public for human consumption, including plants and works, and other personal property and appurtenances necessary for their use or operation; and "water supply facility" means and refers to the real property and the plants, structures, interconnections between existing water supply facilities, machinery and equipment and other property, real, personal and mixed, acquired, constructed or operated, or to be acquired, constructed or operated, in whole or in part by or on behalf of a political subdivision of the State or any agency thereof, for the purpose of augmenting the natural water resources of the State and making available an increased supply of water for all uses, or of conserving existing water resources, and any and all appurtenances necessary, useful or convenient for the collecting, impounding, storing, improving, treating, filtering, conserving or transmitting of water and for the preservation and protection of these resources and facilities and providing for the conservation and development of future water supply resources;
(17) The provision of resource recovery services by a qualified vendor, the disposal of the solid waste delivered for disposal which cannot be processed by a resource recovery facility or the residual ash generated at a resource recovery facility, including hazardous waste and recovered metals and other materials for reuse, or the design, financing, construction, operation or maintenance of a resource recovery facility for a period not to exceed 40 years when the contract is approved by the Division of Local Government Services in the Department of Community Affairs, and the Department of Environmental Protection pursuant to P.L.1985, c.38 (C.13:1E-136 et al.); and when the resource recovery facility is in conformance with a district solid waste management plan approved pursuant to P.L.1970, c.39 (C.13:1E-1 et seq.). For the purposes of this subsection, "resource recovery facility" means a solid waste facility constructed and operated for the incineration of solid waste for energy production and the recovery of metals and other materials for reuse; or a mechanized composting facility, or any other facility constructed or operated for the collection, separation, recycling, and recovery of metals, glass, paper, and other materials for reuse or for energy production; and "residual ash" means the bottom ash, fly ash, or any combination thereof, resulting from the combustion of solid waste at a resource recovery facility;
(18) The sale of electricity or thermal energy, or both, produced by a resource recovery facility for a period not to exceed 40 years when the contract is approved by the Department of Environmental Protection, and when the resource recovery facility is in conformance with a district solid waste management plan approved pursuant to P.L.1970, c.39 (C.13:1E-1 et seq.). For the purposes of this subsection, "resource recovery facility" means a solid waste facility constructed and operated for the incineration of solid waste for energy production and the recovery of metals and other materials for reuse; or a mechanized composting facility, or any other facility constructed or operated for the collection, separation, recycling, and recovery of metals, glass, paper, and other materials for reuse or for energy production;
(19) The provision of wastewater treatment services or the designing, financing, construction, operation, or maintenance, or any combination thereof, of a wastewater treatment system, or any component part or parts thereof, for a period not to exceed 40 years, when the contract for these services is approved by the Division of Local Government Services in the Department of Community Affairs and the Department of Environmental Protection pursuant to P.L.1985, c.72 (C.58:27-1 et al.), except for those contracts otherwise exempted pursuant to subsection (36) of this section. For the purposes of this subsection, "wastewater treatment services" means any services provided by a wastewater treatment system, and "wastewater treatment system" means equipment, plants, structures, machinery, apparatus, or land, or any combination thereof, acquired, used, constructed, or operated for the storage, collection, reduction, recycling, reclamation, disposal, separation, or other treatment of wastewater or sewage sludge, or for the final disposal of residues resulting from the treatment of wastewater, including, but not limited to, pumping and ventilating stations, facilities, plants and works, connections, outfall sewers, interceptors, trunk lines, and other personal property and appurtenances necessary for their operation;
(20) The supplying of goods or services for the purpose of lighting public streets, for a term not to exceed five years;
(21) The provision of emergency medical services for a term not to exceed five years;
(22) Towing and storage contracts, awarded pursuant to paragraph u. of subsection (1) of section 5 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-5) for any term not exceeding three years;
(23) Fuel for the purpose of generating electricity for a term not to exceed eight years;
(24) The purchase of electricity or administrative or dispatching services related to the transmission of such electricity, from a public utility company subject to the jurisdiction of the Board of Public Utilities, a similar regulatory body of another state, or a federal regulatory agency, or from a qualifying small power producing facility or qualifying cogeneration facility, as defined by 16 U.S.C. s.796, by a contracting unit engaged in the generation of electricity for retail sale, as of May 24,1991, for a term not to exceed 40 years;
(25) Basic life support services, for a period not to exceed five years. For the purposes of this subsection, "basic life support" means a basic level of prehospital care, which includes but need not be limited to patient stabilization, airway clearance, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, hemorrhage control, initial wound care and fracture stabilization;
(26) (Deleted by amendment, P.L.1999, c.440.)
(27) The provision of transportation services to elderly, disabled or indigent persons for any term of not more than three years. For the purposes of this subsection, "elderly persons" means persons who are 60 years of age or older. "Disabled persons" means persons of any age who, by reason of illness, injury, age, congenital malfunction, or other permanent or temporary incapacity or disability, are unable, without special facilities or special planning or design to utilize mass transportation facilities and services as effectively as persons who are not so affected. "Indigent persons" means persons of any age whose income does not exceed 100 percent of the poverty level, adjusted for family size, established and adjusted under section 673(2) of subtitle B, the "Community Services Block Grant Act," Pub.L.97-35 (42 U.S.C. s.9902 (2));
(28) The supplying of liquid oxygen or other chemicals, for a term not to exceed five years, when the contract includes the installation of tanks or other storage facilities by the supplier, on or near the premises of the contracting unit;
(29) The performance of patient care services by contracted medical staff at county hospitals, correction facilities and long term care facilities, for any term of not more than three years;
(30) The acquisition of an equitable interest in a water supply facility pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1993, c.381 (C.58:28-2), or a contract entered into pursuant to the "County and Municipal Water Supply Act," N.J.S.40A:31-1 et seq., if the contract is entered into no later than January 7, 1995, for any term of not more than forty years;
(31) The provision of water supply services or the financing, construction, operation or maintenance or any combination thereof, of a water supply facility or any component part or parts thereof, by a partnership or copartnership established pursuant to a contract authorized under section 2 of P.L.1993, c.381 (C.58:28-2), for a period not to exceed 40 years;
(32) Laundry service and the rental, supply and cleaning of uniforms for any term of not more than three years;
(33) The supplying of any product or the rendering of any service, including consulting services, by a cemetery management company for the maintenance and preservation of a municipal cemetery operating pursuant to the "New Jersey Cemetery Act," N.J.S.8A:1-1 et seq., for a term not exceeding 15 years;
(34) A contract between a public entity and a private firm pursuant to P.L.1995, c.101 (C.58:26-19 et al.) for the provision of water supply services may be entered into for any term which, when all optional extension periods are added, may not exceed 40 years;
(35) A contract for the purchase of a supply of water from a public utility company subject to the jurisdiction of the Board of Public Utilities in accordance with tariffs and schedules of charges made, charged or exacted or contracts filed with the Board of Public Utilities, for any term of not more than 40 years;
(36) A contract between a public entity and a private firm or public authority pursuant to P.L.1995, c.216 (C.58:27-19 et al.) for the provision of wastewater treatment services may be entered into for any term of not more than 40 years, including all optional extension periods;
(37) The operation and management of a facility under a license issued or permit approved by the Department of Environmental Protection, including a wastewater treatment system or a water supply or distribution facility, as the case may be, for any term of not more than ten years. For the purposes of this subsection, "wastewater treatment system" refers to facilities operated or maintained for the storage, collection, reduction, disposal, or other treatment of wastewater or sewage sludge, remediation of groundwater contamination, stormwater runoff, or the final disposal of residues resulting from the treatment of wastewater; and "water supply or distribution facility" refers to facilities operated or maintained for augmenting the natural water resources of the State, increasing the supply of water, conserving existing water resources, or distributing water to users;
(38) Municipal solid waste collection from facilities owned by a contracting unit, for any term of not more than three years;
(39) Fuel for heating purposes, for any term of not more than three years;
(40) Fuel or oil for use in motor vehicles for any term of not more than three years;
(41) Plowing and removal of snow and ice for any term of not more than three years;
(42) Purchases made under a contract awarded by the Director of the Division of Purchase and Property in the Department of the Treasury for use by counties, municipalities or other contracting units pursuant to section 3 of P.L.1969, c.104 (C.52:25-16.1), for a term not to exceed the term of that contract.
Any contract for services other than professional services, the statutory length of which contract is for three years or less, may include provisions for no more than one two-year, or two one-year, extensions, subject to the following limitations: a. The contract shall be awarded by resolution of the governing body upon a finding by the governing body that the services are being performed in an effective and efficient manner; b. No such contract shall be extended so that it runs for more than a total of five consecutive years; c. Any price change included as part of an extension shall be based upon the price of the original contract as cumulatively adjusted pursuant to any previous adjustment or extension and shall not exceed the change in the index rate for the 12 months preceding the most recent quarterly calculation available at the time the contract is renewed; and d. The terms and conditions of the contract remain substantially the same.
All multiyear leases and contracts entered into pursuant to this section, including any two-year or one-year extensions, except contracts involving the supplying of electricity for the purpose of lighting public streets and contracts for thermal energy authorized pursuant to subsection (1) above, construction contracts authorized pursuant to subsection (9) above, contracts for the provision or performance of goods or services or the supplying of equipment to promote energy conservation authorized pursuant to subsection (12) above, contracts for water supply services or for a water supply facility, or any component part or parts thereof authorized pursuant to subsection (16), (30), (31), (34), (35) or (37) above, contracts for resource recovery services or a resource recovery facility authorized pursuant to subsection (17) above, contracts for the sale of energy produced by a resource recovery facility authorized pursuant to subsection (18) above, contracts for wastewater treatment services or for a wastewater treatment system or any component part or parts thereof authorized pursuant to subsection (19), (36) or (37) above, and contracts for the purchase of electricity or administrative or dispatching services related to the transmission of such electricity authorized pursuant to subsection (24) above, shall contain a clause making them subject to the availability and appropriation annually of sufficient funds as may be required to meet the extended obligation, or contain an annual cancellation clause.
The Division of Local Government Services in the Department of Community Affairs shall adopt and promulgate rules and regulations concerning the methods of accounting for all contracts that do not coincide with the fiscal year.
All contracts shall cease to have effect at the end of the contracted period and shall not be extended by any mechanism or provision, unless in conformance with the "Local Public Contracts Law," P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-1 et seq.), except that a contract may be extended by mutual agreement of the parties to the contract when a contracting unit has commenced rebidding prior to the time the contract expires or when the awarding of a contract is pending at the time the contract expires.
24. Section 16 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-16) is amended to read as follows:
C.40A:11-16 Separate plans for various types of work; bids; contracts.
16. Separate plans for various types of work; bids; contracts. In the preparation of plans and specifications for the construction, alteration or repair of any public building by any contracting unit, when the entire cost of the work will exceed the bid threshold, the architect, engineer or other person preparing the plans and specifications may prepare separate plans and specifications for
(1) The plumbing and gas fitting and all kindred work;
(2) Steam power plants, steam and hot water heating and ventilating apparatus and all kindred work;
(3) Electrical work;
(4) Structural steel and ornamental iron work; and
(5) All other work required for the completion of the project.
The contracting agent shall advertise for and receive, in the manner provided by law, either (a) separate bids for each of said branches of work, or (b) bids for all the work, goods and services required to complete the building to be included in a single overall contract, or (c) both. In the case of a single bid under (b) or (c), there shall be set forth in the bid the name or names of all subcontractors to whom the bidder will subcontract the furnishing of plumbing and gas fitting, and all kindred work, and of the steam and hot water heating and ventilating apparatus, steam power plants and kindred work, and electrical work, structural steel and ornamental iron work, each of which subcontractors shall be qualified in accordance with P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-1 et seq.). The contracting unit shall require evidence of performance security to be submitted simultaneously with the list of the subcontractors. Evidence of performance security may be supplied by the bidder on behalf of himself and any or all subcontractors, or by each respective subcontractor, or by any combination thereof which results in evidence of performance security equaling, but in no event exceeding, the total amount bid.
Whenever a bid sets forth more than one subcontractor for any of the specialty trade categories (1) through (4) specified hereinabove in this section, the bidder shall submit to the contracting unit a certificate signed by the bidder listing each subcontractor named in the bid for that category. The certificate shall set forth the scope of work, goods and services for which the subcontractor has submitted a price quote and which the bidder has agreed to award to each subcontractor should the bidder be awarded the contract. The certificate shall be submitted to the contracting unit simultaneously with the list of the subcontractors. The certificate may take the form of a single certificate listing all subcontractors or, alternatively, a separate certificate may be submitted for each subcontractor. If a bidder does not submit a certificate or certificates to the contracting unit, the contracting unit shall award the contract to the next lowest responsible bidder.
Contracts shall be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder. In the event that a contract is advertised in accordance with (c) above said contract shall be awarded in the following manner: If the sum total of the amounts bid by the lowest responsible bidder for each branch is less than the amount bid by the lowest responsible bidder for all the work, goods and services, the contracting unit shall award separate contracts for each of such branches to the lowest responsible bidder therefor, but if the sum total of the amounts bid by the lowest responsible bidder for each branch is not less than the amount bid by the lowest responsible bidder for all the work, goods and services, the contracting unit shall award a single overall contract to the lowest responsible bidder for all of such work, goods and services. In every case in which a contract is awarded under (b) above, all payments required to be made under such contract for work, goods and services supplied by a subcontractor shall, upon the certification of the contractor of the amount due to the subcontractor, be paid directly to the subcontractor.
25. Section 1 of P.L.1979, c.464 (C.40A:11-16.2) is amended to read as follows:
C.40A:11-16.2 Partial payments; deposit bonds.
1. Any contract, the total price of which exceeds $100,000.00, entered into by a contracting unit involving the construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair or maintenance of any building, structure, facility or other improvement to real property, shall provide for partial payments to be made at least once each month as the work progresses, unless the contractor shall agree to deposit bonds with the contracting unit pursuant to P.L.1979, c.152 (C.40A:11-16.1).
26. Section 2 of P.L.1979, c.464 (C.40A:11-16.3) is amended to read as follows:
C.40A:11-16.3 Withholding of payments.
2. a. With respect to any contract entered into by a contracting unit pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1979, c.464 (C.40A:11-16.2) for which the contractor shall agree to the withholding of payments pursuant to P.L.1979, c.152 (C.40A:11-16.1), 2% of the amount due on each partial payment shall be withheld by the contracting unit pending completion of the contract.
b. Upon acceptance of the work performed pursuant to the contract for which the contractor has agreed to the withholding of payments pursuant to subsection a. of this section, all amounts being withheld by the contracting unit shall be released and paid in full to the contractor within 45 days of the final acceptance date agreed upon by the contractor and the contracting unit, without further withholding of any amounts for any purpose whatsoever, provided that the contract has been completed as indicated. If the contracting unit requires maintenance security after acceptance of the work performed pursuant to the contract, such security shall be obtained in the form of a maintenance bond. The maintenance bond shall be no longer than two years and shall be no more than 100% of the project costs.
27. Section 3 of P.L.1979, c.464 (C.40A:11-16.4) is amended to read as follows:
C.40A:11-16.4 Partial payments for materials.
3. Any contract entered into by a contracting unit pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1979, c.464 (C.40A:11-16.2) may also provide for partial payments at least once in each month with respect to all materials placed along or upon the site, or stored at secured locations, which are suitable for use in the execution of the contract, if the person providing the materials furnishes releases of liens for the materials at the time each estimate of work is submitted for payment. The total of all the partial payments shall not exceed the cost of the materials.
28. Section 19 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-19) is amended to read as follows:
C.40A:11-19 Liquidated damages.
19. Any contract made pursuant to P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-1 et seq.) may include liquidated damages for the violation of any of the terms and conditions thereof or the failure to perform said contract in accordance with its terms and conditions, or the terms and conditions of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-1 et seq.).
29. Section 21 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-21) is amended to read as follows:
C.40A:11-21 Guarantee to be furnished with bid.
21. A person bidding on a contract for the erection, alteration or repair of a public building, structure, facility or other improvement to real property, the total price of which exceeds $100,000, shall furnish a guarantee as provided for herein. A contracting unit may provide that a person bidding on any other contract, advertised in accordance with law, shall furnish a guarantee as provided for herein. The guarantee shall be payable to the contracting unit so that if the contract is awarded to the bidder, the bidder will enter into a contract therefor and will furnish any performance bond or other security required as a guarantee or indemnification. The guarantee shall be in the amount of 10% of the bid, but not in excess of $20,000.00, except as otherwise provided herein, and may be given, at the option of the bidder, by certified check, cashier's check or bid bond. In the event that any law or regulation of the United States imposes any condition upon the awarding of a monetary grant to any contracting unit, which condition requires the depositing of a guarantee in an amount other than 10% of the bid or in excess of $20,000.00 the provisions of this section shall not apply and the requirements of the law or regulation of the United States shall govern.
30. Section 22 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-22) is amended to read as follows:
C.40A:11-22 Surety company certificate.
22. a. A person bidding on a contract for the erection, alteration or repair of a building, structure, facility or other improvement to real property, the total price of which exceeds $100,000, shall furnish a certificate from a surety company, as provided for herein. A contracting unit may provide that a person bidding on any other contract shall furnish a certificate from a surety company, as provided for herein.
b. When a surety company bond is required in the advertisement or specifications for a contract, every contracting unit shall require from any bidder submitting a bid in accordance with plans, specifications and advertisements, as provided for by law, a certificate from a surety company stating that it will provide the contractor with a bond in such sum as is required in the advertisement or in the specifications.
This certificate shall be obtained for a bond--
(1) For the faithful performance of all provisions of the specifications or for all matters which may be contained in the notice to bidders, relating to the performance of the contract, and
(2) If any be required, for a guarantee bond for the faithful performance of the contract provisions relating to the repair and maintenance of any work, project or facility and its appurtenances and keeping the same in good and serviceable condition during the term of the bond as provided for in the notice to bidders or in the specifications, or
(3) In such other form as may be provided in the notice to bidders or in the specifications.
If a bidder desires to offer the bond of an individual instead of that of a surety company, the bidder shall submit with the bid a certificate signed by such individual similar to that required of a surety company.
The contracting unit may reject any such bid if it is not satisfied with the sufficiency of the individual surety offered.
31. Section 23 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-23) is amended to read as follows:
C.40A:11-23 Advertisements for bids; bids; general requirements.
23. Advertisements for bids; bids; general requirements. a. All advertisements for bids shall be published in an official newspaper of the contracting unit sufficiently in advance of the date fixed for receiving the bids to promote competitive bidding, but in no event less than 10 days prior to such date; except that all advertisements for bids on contracts for the collection and disposal of municipal solid waste shall be published in an official newspaper of the contracting unit circulating in the county or municipality, and in at least one newspaper of general circulation published in the State, sufficiently in advance of the date fixed for receiving the bids to promote competitive bidding, but not less than 60 days prior to that date.
b. The advertisement shall designate the manner of submitting and the method of receiving the bids and the time and place at which the bids will be received. If the published specifications provide for receipt of bids by mail, those bids which are mailed to the contracting unit shall be sealed and shall only be opened for examination at such time and place as all bids received are unsealed and announced. At such time and place the contracting agent of the contracting unit shall publicly receive the bids, and thereupon immediately proceed to unseal them and publicly announce the contents, which announcement shall be made in the presence of any parties bidding or their agents, who are then and there present, and shall also make proper record of the prices and terms, upon the minutes of the governing body, if the award is to be made by the governing body of the contracting unit, or in a book kept for that purpose, if the award is to be made by other than the governing body, and in such latter case it shall be reported to the governing body of the contracting unit for its action thereon, when such action thereon is required. No bids shall be received after the time designated in the advertisement.
c. Notice of revisions or addenda to advertisements or bid documents shall be provided as follows:
1) For all contracts except those for construction work and municipal solid waste collection and disposal service, notice shall be published no later than five days, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays excepted, prior to the date for acceptance of bids, in an official newspaper of the contracting unit and be provided to any person who has submitted a bid or who has received a bid package, in one of the following ways: i) in writing by certified mail or ii) by certified facsimile transmission, meaning that the sender's facsimile machine produces a receipt showing date and time of transmission and that the transmission was successful or iii) by a delivery service that provides certification of delivery to the sender.
2) For all contracts for construction work, notice shall be provided no later than seven days, Saturdays, Sundays, or holidays excepted, prior to the date for acceptance of bids, to any person who has submitted a bid or who has received a bid package in any of the following ways: i) in writing by certified mail or ii) by certified facsimile transmission, meaning that the sender's facsimile machine produces a receipt showing date and time of transmission and that the transmission was successful or iii) by a delivery service that provides certification of delivery to the sender.
3) For municipal solid waste collection and disposal contracts, notice shall be published in an official newspaper of the contracting unit and in at least one newspaper of general circulation published in the State no later than five days, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays excepted, prior to the date for acceptance of bids.
d. Failure of the contracting unit to advertise for the receipt of bids or to provide proper notification of revisions or addenda to advertisements or bid documents related to bids as prescribed by this section shall prevent the contracting unit from accepting the bids and require the readvertisement for bids pursuant to subsection a. of this section. Failure to obtain a receipt when good faith notice is sent or delivered to the address or telephone facsimile number on file with the contracting unit shall not be considered failure by the contracting unit to provide notice.
32. Section 25 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-25) is amended to read as follows:
C.40A:11-25 General power to provide qualification for bidders.
25. The governing body of any contracting unit may establish reasonable regulations appropriate for controlling the qualifications of prospective bidders upon contracts to be awarded on behalf of the contracting unit, by the class or category of goods or services to be provided or performed, which may fix the qualifications required according to the financial ability and experience of the bidders and the capital and equipment available to them pertinent to and reasonably related to the class or category of goods or services to be provided or performed in the performance of any such contract, and may require each bidder to furnish a statement thereof; and if such governing body is not satisfied with the qualifications of any bidder as founded upon such statement, it may refuse to furnish the bidder with any plans or specifications for any public contract or consider any bid made by the bidder for any contract.
Prior to the adoption of any such regulations, a contracting unit shall submit them to a public hearing. Notice of the hearing and a general description of the subject matter of the regulations to be adopted shall be published in not less than two newspapers circulating in the county or municipality in which the contracting unit is located. Publication shall precede by at least 20 days the date set in the notice for the hearing. The clerk or secretary of the governing body of the contracting unit shall keep a record of the proceedings and of the testimony of any citizen or prospective bidder. Within 10 days after the completion of the hearings, the proposed regulations and a true copy of the hearings shall be forwarded to the Director of the Division of Local Government Services for the director's approval. This approval shall be indicated by a letter from the director to the governing body of the contracting unit. If the director fails to approve or disapprove the regulations within 30 days of their receipt by the director, they shall take effect without the director's approval. The director may disapprove such proposed regulations only if the director finds that:
(a) They are written in a manner which will unnecessarily discourage full, free and open competition; or
(b) They unnecessarily restrict the participation of small businesses in the public bidding process; or
(c) They create undue preferences; or
(d) They violate any other provision of this act, or any other law.
If the director disapproves such proposed regulations within the 30-day period prescribed, they shall be of no force and effect and may not be required as a condition to the acceptance of a bid on any public contract by the contracting unit. Any appeal from a decision of the director to the Local Finance Board shall be subject to the provisions of the "Local Government Supervision Act (1947)", P.L.1947, c.151 (C.52:27BB-1 et seq.).
No qualification rating of any bidder shall be influenced by the bidder's race, religion, sex, national origin, nationality or place of residence or business.
Nothing contained in this act shall limit the right of any court to review a refusal to furnish any such plans or specifications or to consider any bid on any contract advertised.
Any such governing body may adopt a standard form of statement or questionnaire for bidders on public works contracts, and in such case their action shall be governed as provided herein.
33. Section 26 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-26) is amended to read as follows:
C.40A:11-26 Standard questionnaire; effect of unsatisfactory answers.
26. The governing body of any contracting unit may adopt a standard form of statement or questionnaire for bidders and may require from any person proposing to bid upon any such contract a statement or answers showing the bidder's financial ability and experience in performing public sector work and describing the equipment available to such bidder in the performance of such contract, and if not satisfied with the sufficiency of this statement or answers may refuse to furnish plans and specifications to the bidder.
34. Section 27 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-27) is amended to read as follows:
C.40A:11-27 Standard statements and questionnaires; prospective bidders; responses.
27. Such statements and questionnaires shall be standardized for like classes of goods or services to be submitted to prospective bidders who may be required to respond to questions under oath. The statement or answer shall disclose fully the financial ability, adequacy of plant and equipment, organization and prior experience of the prospective bidder, and such other pertinent and material facts as may be required.
35. Section 28 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-28) is amended to read as follows:
C.40A:11-28 Classification of prospective bidders; notice.
28. Prospective bidders shall be classified as to the character and amount of goods or services contracts as to which they shall be qualified to submit bids, and bids shall be accepted only from persons so qualified. The classification shall be made and an immediate notice thereof shall be sent to the prospective bidders by certified or registered mail within eight days after the date of receipt of the responsive statement or answers.
36. Section 29 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-29) is amended to read as follows:
C.40A:11-29 Reclassification of prospective bidders; request for; time limit.
29. If any person, after being notified of a classification, shall be dissatisfied therewith or with the classification of other bidders, that person may request in writing a hearing before such governing body, and may present such further evidence with respect to the financial responsibility, organization, plant and equipment, or experience of that person or other prospective bidders as might tend to justify a different classification.
Where a request is made for the change of classification of another prospective bidder, the applicant therefor shall notify such other bidder by certified or registered mail of the time and place of hearing, as fixed by the governing body, and at the hearing shall present satisfactory evidence that the notice was served as herein required, before any matters pertaining to a change of classification of such other bidder shall be taken up. After hearing such evidence the governing body may, in its discretion, by appropriate action, change or retain the classification of any bidder.
No change in classification to be effective for any contract where bidding therefor has been duly advertised, shall be made unless the written request therefor shall have been received at least 20 days before the final day for submission of bids.
All requests for change in classification and notice of any action sent by certified or registered mail to the parties directly affected thereby, shall be acted upon by the governing body concerned at least eight days prior to the date fixed for the next opening of bids on any contract or contracts for which such persons might be qualified to bid as a result of the reclassification.
37. Section 31 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-31) is amended to read as follows:
C.40A:11-31 Reconsideration by board of review; request for; time limit.
31. Any prospective bidder who is dissatisfied with an original classification or reclassification may upon receipt of notice thereof, request in writing a hearing of the matter before the board of review. The request shall be filed with the contracting agent and the secretary of the board.
The board shall hold a hearing at which the prospective bidder shall be entitled to be heard and to submit additional information.
The board shall review the responsibility of all prospective bidders who have filed statements or answers, considering both the statement, answers and any additional information given at the hearing, and shall certify to the contracting unit concerned, its decision as to the original classifications or reclassifications, if any. The decisions shall be made by a majority vote.
In order for any change in classification by the board to be effective for a contract previously advertised, the request shall be filed not less than five days prior to the final day for submission of bids, and the board shall hold a hearing and act upon the request not less than two days prior to the date fixed for the next opening of bids on any public works contract for which such prospective bidders might be qualified to bid as a result of the reclassification.
38. Section 32 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-32) is amended to read as follows:
C.40A:11-32 Rejection of bids after qualification of bidder; hearing.
32. Nothing herein contained shall be construed as depriving any governing body of the right to reject a bid at any time prior to the actual award of a contract, where the circumstances of the prospective bidder have changed subsequent to the qualification and classification of the bidder, which in the opinion of the awarding contracting unit would adversely affect the responsibility of the bidder. Before taking final action on any such bid, the contracting agent concerned shall notify the bidder and afford the bidder an opportunity to present any additional information which might tend to sustain the existing classification.
No person shall be qualified to bid on any contract unless that person shall have submitted a statement or answers as herein required within a period of six months preceding the date of opening of bids for the contract, if the bidders thereon are required to be classified hereunder. In any case where the contracting unit shall require classification of the bidders in compliance with these sections, each bidder on any contract shall be required to submit a statement listing the changes in the statement or answers herein required as part of the bidder's bid submission.
39. Section 36 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-36) is amended to read as follows:
C.40A:11-36 Sale or other disposition of personal property.
36. Any contracting unit by resolution of its governing body may authorize by sealed bid or public auction the sale of its personal property not needed for public use.
(1) If the estimated fair value of the property to be sold exceeds 15 percent of the bid threshold in any one sale and it is neither livestock nor perishable goods, it shall be sold at public sale to the highest bidder.
(2) The contracting unit need not advertise for bids when it makes any such sale to the United States, the State of New Jersey, another contracting unit, any body politic to which it contributes tax raised funds, any foreign nation which has diplomatic relations with the United States, or any governmental unit in the United States.
(3) Notice of the date, time and place of the public sale together with a description of the items to be sold and the conditions of sale shall be published in an official newspaper. Such sale shall be held not less than seven nor more than 14 days after the latest publication of the notice thereof.
(4) If no bids are received the property may then be sold at private sale without further publication or notice thereof, but in no event at less than the estimated fair value; or the contracting unit may if it so elects reoffer the property at public sale. As used herein, "estimated fair value" means the market value of the property between a willing seller and a willing buyer less the cost to the contracting unit to continue storage or maintenance of any personal property not needed for public use to be sold pursuant to this section.
(5) A contracting unit may reject all bids if it determines such rejection to be in the public interest. In any case in which the contracting unit has rejected all bids, it may readvertise such personal property for a subsequent public sale. If it elects to reject all bids at a second public sale, pursuant to this section, it may then sell such personal property without further publication or notice thereof at private sale, provided that in no event shall the negotiated price at private sale be less than the highest price of any bid rejected at the preceding two public sales and provided further that in no event shall the terms or conditions of sale be changed or amended.
(6) If the estimated fair value of the property to be sold does not exceed the applicable bid threshold in any one sale or is either livestock or perishable goods, it may be sold at private sale without advertising for bids.
(7) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, by resolution of the governing body, a contracting agent may include the sale of personal property no longer needed for public use as part of specifications to offset the price of a new purchase.
40. Section 37 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-37) is amended to read as follows:
C.40A:11-37 Division of Local Government Services to assist contracting units.
37. The Division of Local Government Services in the Department of Community Affairs is hereby authorized to assist contracting units in all matters affecting the administration of this law.
41. R.S.40:8-2 is amended to read as follows:
Municipal airports; general powers.
40:8-2. The governing body of any municipality may acquire, establish, construct, own, control, lease, equip, improve, maintain, operate and regulate airports or landing fields for the use of airplanes and other aircraft within or without the limits of such municipality and may use for such purpose or purposes any property, owned or controlled by such municipality, suitable therefor, provided that the provision or performance of goods or services in connection with the operation, management or administration of an airport shall be done pursuant to the "Local Public Contracts Law," P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-1 et seq.) and any supplements thereto.
42. R.S.40:8-3 is amended to read as follows:
County airports; general powers.
40:8-3. The governing body of any county may acquire, by lease or purchase, and establish, construct, own, control, lease, equip, improve, maintain, operate and regulate airports or landing fields for the use of airplanes and other aircraft within the limits of such counties, and may use for such purpose or purposes any property, owned or controlled by such county, suitable therefor, provided that the provision or performance of goods or services in connection with the operation, management or administration of an airport shall be done pursuant to the "Local Public Contracts Law," P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-1 et seq.) and any supplements thereto.
43. R.S.40:8-6 is amended to read as follows:
Control of airports; regulations; fees.
40:8-6. The governing body of a municipality or county which has established an airport or landing field and acquired, leased or set apart real property for such purpose may construct, improve, equip, maintain and operate the same, or may vest jurisdiction for the construction, improvement, equipment, maintenance and operation thereof, in any suitable officer, board or body of such municipality or county. Provision or performance of goods or services in connection with the operation, management or administration of an airport shall be done pursuant to the "Local Public Contracts Law," P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-1 et seq.) and any supplements thereto. The expenses of such construction, improvement, equipment, maintenance and operation shall be a municipal or county charge, as the case may be.
The governing body of any municipality or county may adopt regulations and establish fees or charges for the use of such airport or landing field, or may authorize an officer, board or body of such municipality or county having jurisdiction to adopt such regulations and establish such fees or charges, subject, however, to the approval of such governing body before they shall take effect.
C.40A:11-37.1 Rules.
44. Pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), the Director of the Division of Local Government Services after consultation with the Commissioner of Education may adopt rules implementing the provisions of the "Local Public Contracts Law," P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-1 et seq.) and the "Public School Contracts Law," N.J.S.18A:18A-1 et seq.
C.18A:18A-4.1 Use of competitive contracting by boards of education; purposes.
45. Notwithstanding the provisions of any law, rule or regulation to the contrary, competitive contracting may be used by boards of education in lieu of public bidding for procurement of specialized goods and services the price of which exceeds the bid threshold, for the following purposes:
a. The purchase or licensing of proprietary computer software designed for board of education purposes, which may include hardware intended for use with the proprietary software. This subsection shall not be utilized for the purpose of acquiring general purpose computer hardware or software;
b. The hiring of a for-profit entity or a not-for-profit entity incorporated under Title 15A of the New Jersey Statutes for the purpose of:
(1) the operation, management or administration of recreation or social service facilities or programs; or
(2) the operation, management or administration of data processing services;
c. Services performed by an energy services company, including the design, measurement, financing and maintenance of energy savings equipment or renovations, which result in payment derived, in whole or in part, from the sale of verified energy savings over the term of an agreement with a public utility or subsidiary, but not the provision or performance of the physical improvements that result in energy savings, provided that such savings are calculated pursuant to guidelines promulgated by the Board of Public Utilities and further provided that the Local Finance Board, in consultation with the State Board of Education, shall find that the terms and conditions of any financing agreement are reasonable;
d. Telecommunications transmission or switching services that are not part of a tariff or schedule of charges filed with the Board of Public Utilities;
e. The purchase of specialized machinery or equipment of a technical nature, or servicing thereof, which will not reasonably permit the drawing of specifications;
f. Food services provided by food service management companies when not part of programs administered by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Child Nutrition Programs;
g. Driver education courses provided by licensed driver education schools;
h. At the option of the board of education, any good or service that is exempt from bidding pursuant to N.J.S.18A:18A-5;
i. Laboratory testing services;
j. Concessions;
k. The operation, management or administration of other services, with the approval of the Division of Local Government Services in the Department of Community Affairs.
Any purpose included herein shall not be considered by a board of education as an extraordinary unspecifiable service pursuant to paragraph (2) of subsection a. of N.J.S.18A:18A-5.
C.18A:18A-4.2 Five-year contract term limit; exceptions.
46. Unless an exception is provided for under N.J.S.18A:18A-42 permitting a longer contract duration, contracts awarded pursuant to section 49 of P.L.1999, c.440 (C.18A:18A-4.5) may be for a term not to exceed five years.
C.18A:18A-4.3 Competitive contracting initiated by board of education resolution; process administration.
47. a. In order to initiate competitive contracting, the board of education shall pass a resolution authorizing the use of competitive contracting each time specialized goods or services enumerated in section 45 of P.L.1999, c.440 (C.18A:18A-4.1) are desired to be contracted. If the desired goods or services have previously been contracted for using the competitive contracting process then the original resolution of the board of education shall suffice.
b. The competitive contracting process shall be administered by a purchasing agent qualified pursuant to subsection b. of section 9 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-9) or by legal counsel of the board of education, or by the school business administrator of the board of education. Any contracts awarded under this process shall be made by resolution of the board of education subject to the provisions of subsection e. of section 49 of P.L.1999, c.440 (C.18A:18A-4.5).
C.18A:18A-4.4 Request for proposals; documentation; provisions.
48. The competitive contracting process shall utilize a request for proposals documentation in accordance with the following provisions:
a. The purchasing agent or counsel or school business administrator shall prepare or have prepared request for proposal documentation, which shall include: all requirements deemed appropriate and necessary to allow for full and free competition between vendors; information necessary for potential vendors to submit a proposal; and a methodology by which the board of education will evaluate and rank proposals received from vendors.
b. The methodology for the awarding of competitive contracts shall be based on an evaluation and ranking, which shall include technical, management, and cost related criteria, and may include a weighting of criteria, all developed in a way that is intended to meet the specific needs of the contracting unit, and where such criteria shall not unfairly or illegally discriminate against or exclude otherwise capable vendors. When an evaluation methodology uses a weighting of criteria, at the option of the board of education the weighting to be accorded to each criterion may be disclosed to vendors prior to receipt of the proposals. The methodology for awarding competitive contracts shall comply with such rules and regulations as the Director of the Division of Local Government Services in the Department of Community Affairs, after consultation with the Commissioner of Education may adopt pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.).
c. At no time during the proposal solicitation process shall the purchasing agent or counsel or school business administrator convey information, including price, to any potential vendor which could confer an unfair advantage upon that vendor over any other potential vendor. If a purchasing agent or counsel or school business administrator desires to change proposal documentation, the purchasing agent or counsel or school business administrator shall notify only those potential vendors who received the proposal documentation of any and all changes in writing and all existing documentation shall be changed appropriately.
d. All proposals and contracts shall be subject to the provisions of section 1 of P.L.1977, c.33 (C.52:25-24.2) requiring submission of a statement of corporate ownership and the provisions of P.L.1975, c.127 (C.10:5-31 et seq.) concerning equal employment opportunity and affirmative action.
C.18A:18A-4.5 Competitive contracting proposal solicitation.
49. Competitive contracting proposals shall be solicited in the following manner:
a. A notice of the availability of request for proposal documentation shall be published in an official newspaper of the board of education at least 20 days prior to the date established for the submission of proposals. The board of education shall promptly reply to any request by an interested vendor by providing a copy of the request for proposals. The board of education may charge a fee for the proposal documentation that shall not exceed $50.00 or the cost of reproducing the documentation, whichever is greater.
b. Each interested vendor shall submit a proposal which shall include all the information required by the request for proposals. Failure to meet the requirements of the request for proposals may result in the board of education disqualifying the vendor from further consideration. Under no circumstances shall the provisions of a proposal be subject to negotiation by the board of education.
c. If the board of education, at the time of solicitation, utilizes its own employees to provide the goods or perform the services, or both considered for competitive contracting, the board of education shall, at any time prior to, but no later than the time of solicitation for competitive contracting proposals, notify affected employees of the board of educations's intention to solicit competitive contracting proposals. Employees or their representatives shall be permitted to submit recommendations and proposals affecting wages, hours, and terms and conditions of employment in such a manner as to meet the goals of the competitive contract. If employees are represented by an organization that has negotiated a contract with the board of education, only the bargaining unit shall be authorized to submit such recommendations or proposals. When requested by such employees, the board of education shall provide such information regarding budgets and the costs of performing the services by such employees as may be available. Nothing shall prevent such employees from making recommendations that may include modifications to existing labor agreements in order to reduce such costs in lieu of award of a competitive contract, and agreements implementing such recommendations may be considered as cause for rejecting all other proposals.
d. The purchasing agent or counsel or school business administrator shall evaluate all proposals only in accordance with the methodology described in the request for proposals. After proposals have been evaluated, the purchasing agent or counsel or school business administrator shall prepare a report evaluating and recommending the award of a contract or contracts. The report shall list the names of all potential vendors who submitted a proposal and shall summarize the proposals of each vendor. The report shall rank vendors in order of evaluation, shall recommend the selection of a vendor or vendors, as appropriate, for a contract, shall be clear in the reasons why the vendor or vendors have been selected among others considered, and shall detail the terms, conditions, scope of services, fees, and other matters to be incorporated into a contract. The report shall be made available to the public at least 48 hours prior to the awarding of the contract, or when made available to the board of education, whichever is sooner. The board of education shall have the right to reject all proposals for any of the reasons set forth in N.J.S.18A:18A-22.
e. Award of a contract shall be made by resolution of the board of education within 60 days of the receipt of the proposals, except that the proposals of any vendors who consent thereto, may, at the request of the board of education, be held for consideration for such longer period as may be agreed.
f. The report prepared pursuant to subsection d. of this section shall become part of the public record and shall reflect the final action of the board of education. Contracts shall be executed pursuant to N.J.S.18A:18A-40.
g. The secretary of the board of education shall publish a notice in the official newspaper of the board of education summarizing the award of a contract, which shall include but not be limited to, the nature, duration, and amount of the contract, the name of the vendor and a statement that the resolution and contract are on file and available for public inspection in the office of the secretary of the board of education.
h. The Director of the Division of Local Government Services in the Department of Community Affairs, after consultation with the Commissioner of Education, may adopt additional rules and regulations, in accordance with the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), as may be necessary to effectuate the provisions of sections 45 through 49 of P.L.1999, c.440 (C.18A:18A-4.1 through C.18A:18A-4.5).
50. N.J.S.18A:18A-2 is amended to read as follows:
Definitions.
18A:18A-2. As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates:
a. "Board of education" means and includes the board of education of any local school district, consolidated school district, regional school district, county vocational school and any other board of education or other similar body other than the State Board of Education, the Commission on Higher Education or the Presidents' Council, established and operating under the provisions of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes and having authority to make purchases and to enter into contracts for the provision or performance of goods or services. The term "board of education" also shall include the board of trustees of a charter school established under P.L.1995, c.426 (C.18A:36A-1 et seq.).
b. "Purchasing agent" means the secretary, business administrator or the business manager of the board of education duly assigned the authority, responsibility and accountability for the purchasing activity of the board of education and having the power to prepare advertisements, to advertise for and receive bids and to award contracts as permitted by this chapter, but if there be no secretary, business administrator or business manager, such officer, committees or employees to whom such power has been delegated by the board of education.
c. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.1999, c.440.)
d. "District" means and includes any local school district, consolidated school district, regional school district, county vocational school and any other board of education or other similar body other than the State board, established under the provisions of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes.
e. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.1999, c.440.)
f. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.1999, c.440.)
g. "Extraordinary unspecifiable services" means services which are specialized and qualitative in nature requiring expertise, extensive training and proven reputation in the field of endeavor.
h. "Professional services" means services rendered or performed by a person authorized by law to practice a recognized profession and whose practice is regulated by law and the performance of which services requires knowledge of an advanced type in a field of learning acquired by a prolonged formal course of specialized instruction and study as distinguished from general academic instruction or apprenticeship and training. Professional services may also mean services rendered in the provision or performance of goods or services that are original and creative in character in a recognized field of artistic endeavor.
i. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.1999, c.440.)
j. "Purchases" means transactions, for a valuable consideration, creating or acquiring an interest in goods, services and property, except real property or any interest therein.
k. "Work" means any task, program, undertaking, or activity, related to any development, redevelopment, construction or reconstruction performed or provided pursuant to a contract with a board of education.
l. "Aggregate" means the sums expended or to be expended for the provision or performance of any goods or services in connection with the same immediate purpose or task, or the furnishing of similar goods or services, during the same contract year through a contract awarded by a purchasing agent.
m. "Bid threshold" means the dollar amount set in N.J.S.18A:18A-3, above which a board of education shall advertise for and receive sealed bids in accordance with procedures set forth in N.J.S.18A:18A-1 et seq.
n. "Contract" means any agreement, including but not limited to a purchase order or a formal agreement, which is a legally binding relationship enforceable by law, between a vendor who agrees to provide or perform goods or services and a board of education which agrees to compensate a vendor, as defined by and subject to the terms and conditions of the agreement. A contract also may include an arrangement whereby a vendor compensates a board of education for the vendor's right to perform a service, such as, but not limited to, operating a concession.
o. "Contract year" means the period of 12 consecutive months following the award of a contract.
p. "Competitive contracting" means the method described in sections 45 through 49 of P.L.1999, c.440 (C.18A:18A-4.1 through C.18A:18A-4.5) of contracting for specialized goods and services in which formal proposals are solicited from vendors; formal proposals are evaluated by the purchasing agent or counsel or school business administrator; and the board of education awards a contract to a vendor or vendors from among the formal proposals received.
q. "Goods and services" or "goods or services" means any work, labor, commodities, equipment, materials, or supplies of any tangible or intangible nature, except real property or any interest therein, provided or performed through a contract awarded by a purchasing agent, including goods and property subject to N.J.S.12A:2-101 et seq.
r. "Library and educational goods and services" means textbooks, copyrighted materials, student produced publications and services incidental thereto, including but not limited to books, periodicals, newspapers, documents, pamphlets, photographs, reproductions, microfilms, pictorial or graphic works, musical scores, maps, charts, globes, sound recordings, slides, films, filmstrips, video and magnetic tapes, other printed or published matter and audiovisual and other materials of a similar nature, necessary binding or rebinding of library materials, and specialized computer software used as a supplement or in lieu of textbooks or reference material.
s. "Lowest price" means the least possible amount that meets all requirements of the request of a purchasing agent.
t. "Lowest responsible bidder or vendor" means the bidder or vendor: (1) whose response to a request for bids offers the lowest price and is responsive; and (2) who is responsible.
u. "Official newspaper" means any newspaper designated by the board of education pursuant to R.S.35:1-1 et seq.
v. "Purchase order" means a document issued by the purchasing agent authorizing a purchase transaction with a vendor to provide or perform goods or services to the board of education, which, when fulfilled in accordance with the terms and conditions of a request of a purchasing agent and other provisions and procedures that may be established by the board of education, will result in payment by the board of education.
w. "Quotation" means the response to a formal or informal request made by a purchasing agent to a vendor for provision or performance of goods or services, when the aggregate cost is less than the bid threshold. Quotations may be in writing, or taken verbally if a record is kept by the purchasing agent.
x. "Responsible" means able to complete the contract in accordance with its requirements, including but not limited to requirements pertaining to experience, moral integrity, operating capacity, financial capacity, credit, and workforce, equipment, and facilities availability.
y. "Responsive" means conforming in all material respects to the terms and conditions, specifications, legal requirements, and other provisions of the request.
z. "Public works" means building, altering, repairing, improving or demolishing any public structure or facility constructed or acquired by a board of education to house school district functions or provide water, waste disposal, power, transportation and other public infrastructures.
aa. "Concession" means the granting of a license or right to act for or on behalf of the board of education, or to provide a service requiring the approval or endorsement of the board of education, and which may or may not involve a payment or exchange, or provision of services by or to the board of education, provided that the term concession shall not include vending machines.
bb. "Index rate" means the rate of annual percentage increase, rounded to the nearest half-percent, in the Implicit Price Deflator for State and Local Government Purchases of Goods and Services, computed and published quarterly by the United States Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis.
cc. "Proprietary" means goods or services of a specialized nature, that may be made or marketed by a person or persons having the exclusive right to make or sell them, when the need for such goods or services has been certified in writing by the board of education to be necessary for the conduct of its affairs.
dd. "Service or services" means the performance of work, or the furnishing of labor, time, or effort, or any combination thereof, not involving or connected to the delivery or ownership of a specified end product or goods or a manufacturing process. Service or services may also include an arrangement in which a vendor compensates the board of education for the vendor's right to operate a concession.
51. N.J.S.18A:18A-3 is amended to read as follows:
Bid threshold.
18A:18A-3. a. When the cost or price of any contract awarded by the purchasing agent in the aggregate, does not exceed in a contract year the total sum of $17,500, the contract may be awarded by a purchasing agent when so authorized by resolution of the board of education without public advertising for bids and bidding therefor, except that the board of education may adopt a resolution to set a lower threshold for the receipt of public bids or the solicitation of competitive quotations. If the purchasing agent is qualified pursuant to subsection b. of section 9 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-9) the board of education may establish that the bid threshold may be up to $25,000. Such authorization may be granted for each contract or by a general delegation of the power to negotiate and award such contracts pursuant to this section.
b. Commencing in the fifth year after the year in which P.L.1999, c.440 takes effect, and every five years thereafter, the Governor, in consultation with the Department of the Treasury, shall adjust the threshold amount and the higher threshold amount which the board of education is permitted to establish as set forth in subsection a. of this section or the threshold amount resulting from any adjustment under this subsection, in direct proportion to the rise or fall of the index rate as that term is defined in N.J.S.18A:18A-2, and shall round the adjustment to the nearest $1,000. The Governor shall notify all local school districts of the adjustment no later than June 1 of every fifth year. The adjustment shall become effective on July 1 of the year in which it is made.
Any contract made pursuant to this section may be awarded for a period of 24 consecutive months, except that contracts for professional services pursuant to paragraph (1) of subsection a. of N.J.S.18A:18A-5 may be awarded for a period not exceeding 12 consecutive months.
52. N.J.S.18A:18A-4 is amended to read as follows:
Contract awarded by board of education resolution; disqualification conditions.
18A:18A-4. a. Every contract for the provision or performance of any goods or services, the cost of which in the aggregate exceeds the bid threshold, shall be awarded only by resolution of the board of education to the lowest responsible bidder after public advertising for bids and bidding therefor, except as is provided otherwise in this chapter or specifically by any other law.
The board of education may, by resolution approved by a majority of the board of education and subject to subsections b. and c. of this section, disqualify a bidder who would otherwise be determined to be the lowest responsible bidder, if the board of education finds that it has had prior negative experience with the bidder.
b. As used in this section, "prior negative experience" means any of the following:
(1) the bidder has been found, through either court adjudication, arbitration, mediation, or other contractually stipulated alternate dispute resolution mechanism, to have: failed to provide or perform goods or services; or failed to complete the contract in a timely manner; or otherwise performed unsatisfactorily under a prior contract with the board of education;
(2) the bidder defaulted on a contract, thereby requiring the board of education to utilize the services of another contractor to provide the goods or perform the services or to correct or complete the contract;
(3) the bidder defaulted on a contract, thereby requiring the board of education to look to the bidder's surety for completion of the contract or tender of the costs of completion; or
(4) the bidder is debarred or suspended from contracting with any of the agencies or departments of the executive branch of the State of New Jersey at the time of the contract award, whether or not the action was based on experience with the board of education.
c. The following conditions apply if the board of education is contemplating a disqualification based on prior negative experience:
(1) The existence of any of the indicators of prior negative experience set forth in this section shall not require that a bidder be disqualified. In each instance, the decision to disqualify shall be made within the discretion of the board of education and shall be rendered in the best interests of the board of education.
(2) All mitigating factors shall be considered in determining the seriousness of the prior negative experience and in deciding whether disqualification is warranted.
(3) The bidder shall be furnished by the board of education with a written notice (a) stating that a disqualification is being considered; (b) setting forth the reason for the disqualification; and (c) indicating that the bidder shall be accorded an opportunity for a hearing before the board of education if the bidder so requests within a stated period of time. At the hearing, the bidder shall show good cause why the bidder should not be disqualified by presenting documents and testimony. If the board of education determines that good cause has not been shown by the bidder, it may vote to find the bidder lacking in responsibility and, thus, disqualified.
(4) Disqualification shall be for a reasonable, defined period of time which shall not exceed five years.
(5) A disqualification, other than a disqualification pursuant to which a board of education is prohibited by law from entering into a contract with a bidder, may be voided or the period thereof may be reduced, in the discretion of the board of education, upon the submission of a good faith application under oath, supported by documentary evidence, setting forth substantial and appropriate grounds for the granting of relief, such as reversal of a judgment, or actual change of ownership, management or control of the bidder.
(6) An opportunity for a hearing need not be offered to a bidder whose disqualification is based on its suspension or debarment by an agency or department of the executive branch of the State of New Jersey. The term of such a disqualification shall be concurrent with the term of the suspension or debarment by the State agency or department.
d. The purchase of text books and materials that exceed the bid threshold and are approved by a board of education pursuant to N.J.S.18A-34-1 shall not require the further adoption of a resolution for purchase.
53. N.J.S.18A:18A-5 is amended to read as follows:
Exceptions to requirement for advertising.
18A:18A-5. Exceptions to requirement for advertising. Any contract, the amount of which exceeds the bid threshold, shall be negotiated and awarded by the board of education by resolution at a public meeting without public advertising for bids and bidding therefor if
a. The subject matter thereof consists of:
(1) Professional services. The board of education shall in each instance state supporting reasons for its action in the resolution awarding each contract and shall forthwith cause to be printed once, in an official newspaper, a brief notice stating the nature, duration, service and amount of the contract, and that the resolution and contract are on file and available for public inspection in the office of the board of education;
(2) Extraordinary unspecifiable services which cannot reasonably be described by written specifications. The application of this exception as to extraordinary unspecifiable services shall be construed narrowly in favor of open competitive bidding where possible and the Director of the Division of Local Government Services in the Department of Community Affairs is authorized to establish rules and regulations after consultation with the Commissioner of Education limiting its use in accordance with the intention herein expressed; and the board of education shall in each instance state supporting reasons for its action in the resolution awarding the contract for extraordinary unspecifiable services and shall forthwith cause to be printed, in the manner set forth in paragraph (1) of this subsection, a brief notice of the award of such contract;
(3) The doing of any work by employees of the board of education;
(4) The printing of all legal notices; and legal briefs, records and appendices to be used in any legal proceeding in which the board of education may be a party;
(5) Library and educational goods and services;
(6) Food supplies, including food supplies for home economics classes, when purchased pursuant to rules and regulations of the State board and in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.18A:18A-6;
(7) The supplying of any product or the rendering of any service by a public utility, which is subject to the jurisdiction of the Board of Public Utilities, in accordance with the tariffs and schedules of charges made, charged and exacted, filed with said board;
(8) The printing of bonds and documents necessary to the issuance and sale thereof by a board of education;
(9) Equipment repair service if in the nature of an extraordinary unspecifiable service and necessary parts furnished in connection with such services, which exception shall be in accordance with the requirements for extraordinary unspecifiable services;
(10) Insurance, including the purchase of insurance coverage and consultant services, which exception shall be in accordance with the requirements for extraordinary unspecifiable services;
(11) Publishing of legal notices in newspapers as required by law;
(12) The acquisition of artifacts or other items of unique intrinsic, artistic or historic character;
(13) Those goods and services necessary or required to prepare and conduct an election;
(14) (Deleted by amendment, P.L.1999,c.440.)
(15) (Deleted by amendment, P.L.1999, c.270).
(16) (Deleted by amendment, P.L.1999,c.440.)
(17) The doing of any work by persons with disabilities employed by a sheltered workshop;
(18) Expenses for travel and conferences;
(19) The provision or performance of goods or services for the support or maintenance of proprietary computer hardware and software, except that this provision shall not be utilized to acquire or upgrade non-proprietary hardware or acquire or update non-proprietary software;
(20) Purchases of goods and services at rates set by the Universal Service Fund administered by the Federal Communications Commission;
(21) Goods and services paid with funds that: are raised by or collected from students to support the purchase of student oriented items or materials, such as yearbooks, class rings, and a class gift; and are deposited in school or student activity accounts; and require no budget appropriation from the board of education;
(22) Food services provided by food service management companies pursuant to procedures established by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Child Nutrition Programs;
(23) Vending machines providing food or drink.
b. It is to be made or entered into with the United States of America, the State of New Jersey, county or municipality or any board, body, officer, agency, authority or board of education or any other state or subdivision thereof.
c. Bids have been advertised pursuant to N.J.S.18A:18A-4 on two occasions and (1) no bids have been received on both occasions in response to the advertisement, or (2) the board of education has rejected such bids on two occasions because it has determined that they are not reasonable as to price, on the basis of cost estimates prepared for or by the board of education prior to the advertising therefor, or have not been independently arrived at in open competition, or (3) on one occasion no bids were received pursuant to (1) and on one occasion all bids were rejected pursuant to (2), in whatever sequence; any such contract may then be negotiated and may be awarded upon adoption of a resolution by a two-thirds affirmative vote of the authorized membership of the board of education authorizing such a contract; provided, however, that:
(a) A reasonable effort is first made by the board of education to determine that the same or equivalent goods or services, at a cost which is lower than the negotiated price, are not available from an agency or authority of the United States, the State of New Jersey or of the county in which the board of education is located, or any municipality in close proximity to the board of education;
(b) The terms, conditions, restrictions and specifications set forth in the negotiated contract are not substantially different from those which were the subject of competitive bidding pursuant to N.J.S.18A:18A-4; and
(c) Any minor amendment or modification of any of the terms, conditions, restrictions and specifications which were the subject of competitive bidding pursuant to N.J.S.18A:18A-4 shall be stated in the resolution awarding the contract; provided further, however, that if on the second occasion the bids received are rejected as unreasonable as to price, the board of education shall notify each responsible bidder submitting bids on the second occasion of its intention to negotiate, and afford each bidder a reasonable opportunity to negotiate, but the board of education shall not award such contract unless the negotiated price is lower than the lowest rejected bid price submitted on the second occasion by a responsible bidder, is the lowest negotiated price offered by any responsible vendor, and is a reasonable price for such goods or services.
d. Whenever a board of education shall determine that a bid was not arrived at independently in open competition pursuant to subsection c.(2) of N.J.S.18A:18A-5, it shall thereupon notify the county prosecutor of the county in which the board of education is located and the Attorney General of the facts upon which its determination is based, and when appropriate, it may institute appropriate proceedings in any State or federal court of competent jurisdiction for a violation of any State or federal antitrust law or laws relating to the unlawful restraint of trade.
e. The board of education has solicited and received at least three quotations on materials, supplies or equipment for which a State contract has been issued pursuant to N.J.S.18A:18A-10, and the lowest responsible quotation is at least 10% less than the price the board would be charged for the identical materials, supplies or equipment, in the same quantities, under the State contract. Any such contract or agreement entered into pursuant to subsection d. or subsection e. may be made, negotiated or awarded only upon adoption of a resolution by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the full membership of the board of education at a meeting thereof authorizing such a contract or agreement. A copy of the purchase order relating to any such contract, the requisition for purchase order, if applicable, and documentation identifying the price of the materials, supplies or equipment under the State contract and the State contract number shall be filed with the Director of the Division of Local Government Services in the Department of Community Affairs within five working days of the award of any such contract by the board of education. The director shall notify the board of education of receipt of the material and shall make the material available to the State Treasurer. The board of education shall make available to the director upon request any other documents relating to the solicitation and award of the contract, including, but not limited to, quotations, requests for quotations, and resolutions.
54. N.J.S.18A:18A-7 is amended to read as follows:
Emergency contracts.
18A:18A-7. Emergency contracts. Any contract may be negotiated or awarded for a board of education without public advertising for bids and bidding therefor, notwithstanding that the contract price will exceed the bid threshold when an emergency affecting the health or safety of occupants of school property requires the immediate delivery of goods or the performance of services, provided that the contracts are awarded in the following manner:
a. The official in charge of the building, facility or equipment wherein the emergency occurred or such other officer or employee as may be authorized to act in place of that official, shall notify the purchasing agent or a supervisor of the purchasing agent of the need for the performance of a contract, the nature of the emergency, the time of its occurrence and the need for invoking this section. If that person is satisfied that an emergency exists, that person shall be authorized to award a contract or contracts for such purposes as may be necessary to respond to the emergent needs. Such notification shall be reduced to writing and filed with the purchasing agent as soon as practicable.
b. Upon the furnishing of such goods or services, in accordance with the terms of the contract, the contractor furnishing such goods or services, shall be entitled to be paid therefor and the board of education shall be obligated for said payment. The board of education shall take such action as shall be required to provide for the payment of the contract price.
c. The Division of Local Government Services in the Department of Community Affairs, after consultation with the Commissioner of Education, shall prescribe rules and procedures to implement the requirements of this section.
d. The board of education may prescribe additional rules and procedures to implement the requirements of this section.
55. N.J.S.18A:18A-8 is amended to read as follows:
Contracts not to be divided.
18A:18A-8. Contracts not to be divided. a. No contract in the aggregate which is single in character or which necessarily or by reason of the quantities required to effectuate the purpose of the contract includes the provision or performance of additional goods or services, shall be divided, so as to bring it or any of the parts thereof under the bid threshold, for the purpose of dispensing with the requirement of public advertising and bidding therefor.
b. In contracting for the provision or performance of any goods or services included in or incidental to the provision or performance of any work which is single in character or inclusive of the provision or performance of additional goods or services, all of the goods or services requisite for the completion of such contract shall be included in one contract.
C.18A:18A-8.1 Rules.
56. For the purpose of ensuring consistency between the "Local Public Contracts Law, " P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-1 et seq.), and the "Public School Contracts Law," N.J.S.18A:18A-1 et seq., the Director of the Division of Local Government Services in the Department of Community Affairs, after consultation with the Commissioner of Education, and pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), shall adopt rules concerning determinations of aggregation for the purposes of whether a contract is subject to public bidding as set forth in sections 3, 4 and 7 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-3, 40A:11-4 and 40A:11-7) and N.J.S.18A:18A-3, N.J.S.18A:18A-4, and N.J.S.18A:18A-8.
57. N.J.S.18A:18A-9 is amended to read as follows:
Periodic solicitation of bids.
18A:18A-9. Periodic solicitation of bids. Every board of education shall, on an annual basis or at such lesser intervals to be fixed by it, solicit by public advertisement the submission of bids for the provision or performance of goods or services which are and which under N.J.S.18A:18A-4 can be contracted to be provided or performed only after public advertisement for bids and bidding therefor and all contracts for the provision or performance of such goods or services shall be awarded only in that manner.
58. N.J.S.18A:18A-10 is amended to read as follows:
Board of education purchases through State agency; procedure.
18A:18A-10. Board of education purchases through State agency; procedure. a. A board of education, without advertising for bids, or after having rejected all bids obtained pursuant to advertising therefor, by resolution may purchase any goods or services pursuant to a contract or contracts for such goods or services entered into on behalf of the State by the Division of Purchase and Property.
b. A board of education may also use, without advertising for bids, or having rejected all bids obtained pursuant to advertising, the Federal Supply Schedules of the General Services Administration promulgated by the Director of the Division of Purchase and Property in the Department of the Treasury pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1996, c.16 (C.52:34-6.1), subject to the following conditions:
(1) the price of the goods or services being procured is no greater than the price offered to federal agencies;
(2) the Federal Supply Schedules may be used only for purchases of up to $500,000 per year or for one product unit at any price and only for reprographic equipment or services, including digital copiers, used by the board of education;
(3) the board of education receives the benefit of federally mandated price reductions during the term of the contract and is protected from price increases during that time;
(4) the price of the goods or services being procured is no greater than the price of the same or equivalent goods or services under the State contract, unless the board of education determines that because of factors other than price, selection of a vendor from the Federal Supply Schedules would be more advantageous to the board of education;
(5) a copy of the purchase order relating to any such contract, the requisition or request for purchase order, if applicable, and documentation identifying the price of the goods or services under the Federal Supply Schedules shall be filed with the Director of the Division of Local Government Services in the Department of Community Affairs within five working days of the award of any such contract by the board of education. The director shall notify the board of education of the receipt of the material and shall make the material available to the State Treasurer. The board of education shall make available to the director upon request any other documents relating to the solicitation and award of the contract.
c. Whenever a purchase is made, the board of education shall place its order with the vendor offering the lowest price, including delivery charges, that best meets the requirements of the board of education. Prior to placing such an order, the board of education shall document with specificity that the goods or services selected best meet the requirements of the board of education.
59. N.J.S.18A:18A-11 is amended to read as follows:
Joint purchases by districts, municipalities, counties; authority.
18A:18A-11. Joint purchases by districts, municipalities, counties; authority. The boards of education of two or more districts may provide jointly by agreement for the provision and performance of goods and services for their respective districts, or one or more boards of education may provide for such provision or performance of goods or services by joint agreement with the governing body of any municipality or county.
60. N.J.S.18A:18A-12 is amended to read as follows:
Contents of agreement.
18A:18A-12. Contents of agreement. a. Such agreements shall be entered into by resolution adopted by each participating board of education, municipality or county and shall set forth the categories of goods or services to be provided or performed, the manner of advertising for bids and of awarding of contracts, the method of payment by each participating board of education, municipality or county, and other matters deemed necessary to carry out the purposes of the agreement.
b. Each participant's share of expenditures for purchases under any such agreement shall be appropriated and paid in the manner set forth in the agreement and in the same manner as for other expenses of the participant.
61. N.J.S.18A:18A-13 is amended to read as follows:
Purchases and contracts subject to law and rules and regulations.
18A:18A-13. Purchases and contracts subject to law and rules and regulations. Such purchases and all contracts pertaining thereto shall be subject to all provisions of law and the applicable rules and regulations of the State board.
62. N.J.S.18A:18A-14 is amended to read as follows:
Controversies or disputes; determination; appeal.
18A:18A-14. Controversies or disputes; determination; appeal. In the event that any controversy or dispute shall arise among the parties (except a municipality or county) to any such contract, the same shall be referred to the county superintendent of the county in which the districts are situate for determination and his determination thereon shall be binding, subject to appeal to the commissioner and the State board pursuant to law. In the event that the districts are in more than one county, the controversy or dispute shall be referred to the county superintendents of the counties for joint determination, and if they shall be unable to agree upon a joint determination within 30 days, the controversy or dispute shall be referred to the commissioner for determination.
63. N.J.S.18A:18A-15 is amended to read as follows:
Specifications generally.
18A:18A-15. Specifications generally. Any specifications for the provision or performance of goods or services under this chapter shall be drafted in a manner to encourage free, open and competitive bidding. In particular, no specifications under this chapter may:
a. Require any standard, restriction, condition or limitation not directly related to the purpose, function or activity for which the contract is awarded; or
b. Require that any bidder be a resident of, or that the bidder's place of business be located in, the county or school district in which the contract will be awarded or performed, unless the physical proximity of the bidder is requisite to the efficient and economical performance of the contract; or
c. Discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, national origin creed, color, ancestry, age, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, familial status, liability for service in the Armed Forces of the United States, or nationality; or
d. Require, with regard to any contract, the furnishing of any "brand name," but may in all cases require "brand name or equivalent," except that if the goods or services to be provided or performed are proprietary, such goods or services may be purchased by stipulating the proprietary goods or services in the bid specification in any case in which the resolution authorizing the contract so indicates, and the special need for such proprietary goods or services is directly related to the performance, completion or undertaking of the purpose for which the contract is awarded; or
e. Fail to include any option for renewal, extension, or release which the board of education may intend to exercise or require; or any terms and conditions necessary for the performance of any extra work; or fail to disclose any matter necessary to the substantial performance of the contract.
The specifications for every contract for public work, the entire cost whereof will exceed $20,000.00, shall provide that the board of education, through its authorized agent, shall upon completion of the contract report to the department as to the contractor's performance, and shall also furnish such report from time to time during performance if the contractor is then in default.
Any specification which knowingly excludes prospective bidders by reason of the impossibility of performance, bidding or qualification by any but one bidder, except as provided herein, shall be null and void and of no effect and shall be readvertised for receipt of new bids, and the original contract shall be set aside by the board of education.
No provision in this section shall be construed to prevent a board of education from designating that a contract for goods or services shall be awarded to a small business enterprise, a minority business enterprise or a women's business enterprise pursuant to P.L.1985, c.490 (C.18A:18A-51 et seq.).
Any prospective bidder who wishes to challenge a bid specification shall file such challenges in writing with the purchasing agent no less than three business days prior to the opening of the bids. Challenges filed after that time shall be considered void and having no impact on the board of education or the award of a contract.
C.18A:18A-15.1 Payment from bequest, legacy or gift; conditions.
64. Goods or services, the payment for which utilizes only funds received by a board of education from a bequest, legacy or gift, shall be subject to the provisions of N.J.S.18A:18A-1 et seq., except that if such bequest, legacy or gift contains written instructions as to the specifications, manufacturer or vendor, or source of supply of the goods or services to be provided or performed, such instructions shall be honored.
65. N.J.S.18A:18A-18 is amended to read as follows:
Preparation of separate plans, specifications for certain construction work, materials; bidding; awarding of contracts.
18A:18A-18. a. In the preparation of plans and specifications for the construction, alteration or repair of any building by a board of education, when the entire cost of the work will exceed the bid threshold, separate plans and specifications may be prepared for each of the following, and all work kindred thereto to be performed or furnished in connection therewith:
(1) The plumbing and gas fitting work;
(2) The heating and ventilating systems and equipment;
(3) The electrical work, including any electrical power plant;
(4) The structural steel and ornamental iron work;
(5) General construction, which shall include all other work required for the completion of the project.
b. The board of education or its purchasing agent shall advertise for and receive, in the manner provided by law, (1) separate bids for each of the branches of work specified in subsection a. of this section, or (2) bids for all the work, goods and services required to complete the building to be included in a single overall contract, or (3) both. In the case of a single bid under paragraph (2) or (3) of this subsection, there will be set forth in the bid the name or names of all subcontractors to whom the bidder will subcontract the furnishing of plumbing and gas fitting, and all kindred work, and of the heating and ventilating systems and equipment, and electrical work, structural steel and ornamental iron work, each of which subcontractors shall be qualified in accordance with N.J.S.18A:18A-1 et seq. The school district shall require evidence of performance security to be submitted simultaneously with the list of the subcontractors. Evidence of performance security may be supplied by the bidder on behalf of himself and any or all subcontractors, or by each respective subcontractor, or by any combination thereof which results in evidence of performance security equaling, but in no event exceeding, the total amount bid.
c. Contracts shall be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder in each branch of work in the case of separate bids and to the single lowest responsible bidder in the case of single bids. In the event that a contract is advertised in accordance with paragraph (3) of subsection b. of this section, the contract shall be awarded in the following manner: If the sum total of the amounts bid by the lowest responsible bidder for each branch is less than the amount bid by the lowest responsible bidder for all the work, goods and services, the board of education shall award separate contracts for each of such branches to the lowest responsible bidder therefor, but if the sum total of the amount bid by the lowest responsible bidder for each branch is not less than the amount bid by the lowest responsible bidder for all the work, goods and services, the board of education shall award a single overall contract to the lowest responsible bidder for all of such work, goods and services. In every case in which a contract is awarded under paragraph (2) or (3) of subsection b. of this section, all payments required to be made under such contract for work, goods and services supplied by a subcontractor may, upon the certification of the contractor of the amount due to the subcontractor, be paid directly to the subcontractor. Payments to a subcontractor for work and materials supplied in connection with the contract shall be made within 10 calendar days of the receipt of payment for that work or the delivery of those materials by the subcontractor in accordance with the provisions of P.L.1991, c.133 (C.2A:30A-1 et seq.), and any regulations promulgated thereunder.
66. N.J.S.18A:18A-20 is amended to read as follows:
American goods and products to be used where possible.
18A:18A-20. American goods and products to be used where possible. Each board of education shall provide, in the specifications for all contracts for work for which it will pay any part of the cost or work which by contract it will ultimately own and maintain, that only manufactured and farm products of the United States, wherever available, be used in such work.
67. N.J.S.18A:18A-21 is amended to read as follows:
Advertisements for bids; bids; general requirements.
18A:18A-21. Advertisements for bids; bids; general requirements. a. Except as provided in section 5 of P.L.1985, c.490 (C.18A:18A-55), all advertisements for bids shall be published in an official newspaper sufficiently in advance of the date fixed for receiving the bids to promote competitive bidding, but in no event less than 10 days prior to such date.
b. The advertisement shall designate the manner of submitting and of receiving the bids and the time and place at which the bids will be received. If the published specifications provide for receipt of bids by mail, those bids which are mailed to the board of education shall be sealed and shall be opened only for examination at such time and place as all bids received are unsealed and announced. At such time and place the purchasing agent of the board of education shall publicly receive the bids and thereupon immediately proceed to unseal them and publicly announce the contents, which announcement shall be made in the presence of any parties bidding or their agents who are then and there present. A proper record of the prices and terms shall be made in the minutes of the board. No bids shall be received after the time designated in the advertisement.
c. Notice of revisions or addenda to advertisements or bid documents shall be provided as follows:
(1) For all contracts except those for construction work, notice shall be published no later than five days, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays excepted, prior to the date for acceptance of bids, in an official newspaper of the board of education and be provided to any person who has submitted a bid or who has received a bid package, in one of the following ways: (a) in writing by certified mail or (b) by certified facsimile transmission, meaning that the sender's facsimile machine produces a receipt showing date and time of transmission and that the transmission was successful or (c) by a delivery service that provides certification of delivery to the sender.
(2) For all contracts for construction work, notice shall be provided no later than seven days, Saturdays, Sundays, or holidays excepted, prior to the date for acceptance of bids, to any person who has submitted a bid or who has received a bid package in any of the following ways: i) in writing by certified mail or ii) by certified facsimile transmission, meaning that the sender's facsimile machine produces a receipt showing date and time of transmission and that the transmission was successful or iii) by a delivery service that provides certification of delivery to the sender.
d. Failure of the board of education to advertise for the receipt of bids or to provide proper notification of revisions or addenda to advertisements or bid documents related to bids as prescribed by this section shall prevent the board of education from accepting the bids and require the readvertisement for bids pursuant to subsection a. of this section. Failure to obtain a receipt when good faith notice is sent or delivered to the address or telephone facsimile number on file with the board of education shall not be considered failure by the board of education to provide notice.
68. N.J.S.18A:18A-22 is amended to read as follows:
Rejection of bids.
18A:18A-22. Rejection of bids. A board of education may reject all bids for any of the following reasons:
a. The lowest bid substantially exceeds the cost estimates for the goods or services;
b. The lowest bid substantially exceeds the board of education's appropriation for the goods or services;
c. The board of education decides to abandon the project for provision or performance of the goods or services;
d. The board of education wants to substantially revise the specifications for the goods or services;
e. The purposes or provisions or both of N.J.S.18A:18A-1 et seq. are being violated; and
f. The board of education decides to use the State authorized contract pursuant to N.J.S.18A:18A-10.
69. N.J.S.18A:18A-24 is amended to read as follows:
Security to accompany bid; amount.
18A:18A-24. Security to accompany bid; amount. There may be required from any person bidding on any contract, advertised in accordance with law, that the bid be accompanied by a guarantee payable to the board of education that, if the contract is awarded to the bidder, the bidder will enter into a contract therefor and will furnish any performance bond or other security required as a guarantee or indemnification. The guarantee shall be in the amount of 10% of the bid, but not in excess of $20,000.00, except as otherwise provided herein, and may be given, at the option of the bidder, by certified check, cashier's check or bid bond. In the event that any law or regulation of the United States imposes any condition upon the awarding of a monetary grant to any board of education, which condition requires the depositing of a guarantee in an amount other than 10% of the bid or in excess of $20,000.00, the provisions of this section shall not apply and the requirements of the law or regulation of the United States shall govern.
70. N.J.S.18A:18A-25 is amended to read as follows:
Guarantee certificate.
18A:18A-25. Guarantee certificate. When a surety company bond is required in the advertisement or specifications for a contract, every board of education shall require from any bidder submitting a bid in accordance with plans, specifications and advertisements, as provided for by law, a certificate from a surety company stating that it will provide the contractor with a bond in such sum as is required in the advertisement or in the specifications.
This certificate shall be obtained for a bond--
a. For the faithful performance of all provisions of the specifications or for all matters which may be contained in the notice to bidders, relating to the performance of the contract; including the guarantees required under article 12 of chapter 44 of Title 2A of the New Jersey Statutes; and
b. If any be required, for a guarantee bond for the faithful performance of the contract provisions relating to the repair and maintenance of any work, project or facility and its appurtenances and keeping the same in good and serviceable condition during the term of the bond as provided for in the notice to bidders or in the specifications; or
c. In such other form as may be provided in the notice to bidders or in the specifications.
If a bidder desires to offer the bond of an individual instead of that of a surety company, the bidder shall submit with the bid a certificate signed by such individual similar to that required of a surety company.
The board of education may reject any such bid if it is not satisfied with the sufficiency of the individual surety offered.
71. N.J.S.18A:18A-27 is amended to read as follows:
Regulations for qualifications of prospective bidders.
18A:18A-27. The State Treasurer may establish reasonable regulations appropriate for controlling the qualifications of prospective bidders upon contracts for public works, the entire cost whereof will exceed the bid threshold, by the amount, class or category of goods or services to be provided or performed which may fix the qualifications required according to the financial ability and experience of the bidders and the capital and equipment available to them pertinent to and reasonably related to the class or category of goods or services to be provided or performed in the performance of any such contract, and may require each bidder to furnish a statement thereof.
Such regulations shall be written in a manner:
a. Which will not unnecessarily discourage full, free and open competition; or
b. Which will not unnecessarily restrict the participation of small business in the public bidding process; or
c. Which will not create undue preferences; or
d. Which will not violate any other provision of this chapter, or any other law.
No qualification rating of any bidder shall be influenced by the bidder's race, religion, sex, national origin, nationality or place of residence.
Such regulations shall not be effective unless they have been adopted as provided in the "Administrative Procedure Act", P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.).
72. N.J.S.18A:18A-36 is amended to read as follows:
Time for making awards, deposits returned.
18A:18A-36. Time for making awards, deposits returned. a. The board of education shall award the contract or reject all bids within such time as may be specified in the invitation to bid, but in no case more than 60 days, except that the bids of any bidders who consent thereto may, at the request of the board of education, be held for consideration for such longer period as may be agreed. All bid security except the security of the three apparent lowest responsible bidders shall, if requested, be returned after 10 days from the opening of the bids, Sundays and holidays excepted and the bids of such bidders shall be considered as withdrawn. Within three days after the awarding of the contract and the approval of the contractor's performance bond the bid security of the remaining unsuccessful bidders shall be returned to them forthwith, Sundays and holidays excepted.
b. The contract shall be signed by all parties within the time limit set forth in the specifications, which shall not exceed 21 days, Sundays and holidays excepted, after the making of the award; provided, however, that all parties to the contract may agree to extend the limit set forth in the specifications beyond the 21-day limit required in this subsection. The contractor, upon written request to the board of education, is entitled to receive, within seven days of the request, an authorization to proceed pursuant to the terms of the contract on the date set forth in the contract for work to commence, or, if no date is set forth in the contract, upon receipt of authorization. If for any reason the contract is not awarded and the bidders have paid for or paid a deposit for the plans and specifications to the board of education, the payment or deposit shall immediately be returned to the bidders when the plans and specifications are returned in reasonable condition within 90 days of notice that the contract has not been awarded.
73. N.J.S.18A:18A-37 is amended to read as follows:
Award of purchases, contracts or agreements.
18A:18A-37. Award of purchases, contracts or agreements. All contracts enumerated in this section shall be awarded as follows:
a. For all contracts that in the aggregate are less than the bid threshold but 15 percent or more of that amount, and for those contracts that are for subject matter enumerated in subsection a. of N.J.S.18A:18A-5, except for paragraph (1) of that subsection concerning professional services and paragraph (3) of that subsection concerning work by employees of the board of education, the purchasing agent shall award the contract after soliciting at least two competitive quotations, if practicable. The award shall be made to a vendor whose response is most advantageous, price and other factors considered. The purchasing agent shall retain the record of the quotation solicitation and shall include a copy of the record with the voucher used to pay the vendor.
b. When in excess of the bid threshold, and after documented effort by the purchasing agent to secure competitive quotations, a contract for extraordinary unspecifiable services may be awarded when the purchasing agent has determined in writing that solicitation of competitive quotations is impracticable. Any such contract shall be awarded by resolution of the board of education.
c. If authorized by the board of education by resolution, all contracts that are in the aggregate less than 15 percent of the bid threshold may be awarded by the purchasing agent without soliciting competitive quotations.
d. Whenever two or more responses to a request of a purchasing agent offer equal prices and are the lowest responsible bids or proposals, the board of education may award the contract to the vendor whose response, in the discretion of the board of education, is the most advantageous, price and other factors considered. In such a case, the award resolution or purchase order documentation shall explain why the vendor selected is the most advantageous.
74. N.J.S.18A:18A-40 is amended to read as follows:
Form and execution of contracts and bonds.
18A:18A-40. Form and execution of contracts and bonds. All contracts for the provision or performance of goods or services shall be in writing. The State Board of Education may, subject to the requirements of law, prescribe the forms and manner in which contracts shall be made and executed, and the form and manner of execution and approval of all guarantee, indemnity, fidelity and other bonds.
75. Section 1 of P.L.1987, c.343 (C.18A:18A-40.1) is amended to read as follows:
C.18A:18A-40.1 Partial payments.
1. Any contract, the total price of which exceeds $100,000.00, entered into by a board of education involving the construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair or maintenance of any building, structure, facility or other improvement to real property, shall provide for partial payments to be made at least once each month as the work progresses, unless the contractor shall agree to deposit bonds with the board of education pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1987, c.343 (C.18A:18A-40.2).
76. Section 3 of P.L.1987, c.343 (C.18A:18A-40.3) is amended to read as follows:
C.18A:18A-40.3 Withholding of partial payments.
3. With respect to any contract entered into by a board of education pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1987, c.343 (C.18A:18A-40.1) for which the contractor shall agree to the withholding of payments pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1987, c.343 (C.18A:18A-40.2), 5% of the amount due on each partial payment shall be withheld by the board of education pending completion of the contract if the contractor does not have a performance bond. If the contractor does have a performance bond, 2% of the amount due on each partial payment shall be withheld by the board of education when the outstanding balance of the contract exceeds $500,000, and 5% of the amount due on each partial payment shall be withheld by the board of education when the outstanding balance of the contract is $500,000 or less.
77. N.J.S.18A:18A-41 is amended to read as follows:
Liquidated damages.
18A:18A-41. Liquidated damages. Any contract made pursuant to chapter 18A of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes may include liquidated damages for the violation of any of the terms and conditions thereof or the failure to perform said contract in accordance with its terms and conditions, or the terms and conditions of chapter 18A of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes.
78. N.J.S.18A:18A-42 is amended to read as follows:
Multiyear contracts.
18A:18A-42. Multiyear contracts. All contracts for the provision or performance of goods or services shall be awarded for a period not to exceed 24 consecutive months, except that contracts for professional services pursuant to paragraph (1) of subsection a. of N.J.S.18A:18A-5 shall be awarded for a period not to exceed 12 consecutive months. Any board of education may award a contract for longer periods of time as follows:
a. Supplying of:
(1) Fuel for heating purposes, for any term not exceeding in the aggregate, three years; (2) Fuel or oil for use of automobiles, autobuses, motor vehicles or equipment, for any term not exceeding in the aggregate, three years;
(3) Thermal energy produced by a cogeneration facility, for use for heating or air conditioning or both, for any term not exceeding 40 years, when the contract is approved by the Board of Public Utilities. For the purposes of this paragraph, "cogeneration" means the simultaneous production in one facility of electric power and other forms of useful energy such as heating or process steam; or
b. Plowing and removal of snow and ice, for any term not exceeding in the aggregate, three years; or
c. Collection and disposal of garbage and refuse, for any term not exceeding in the aggregate, three years; or
d. Data processing service, for any term of not more than seven years; or
e. Insurance, including the purchase of insurance coverages, insurance consultant or administrative services, and including participation in a joint self-insurance fund, risk management program or related services provided by a school board insurance group, or participation in an insurance fund established by a county pursuant to N.J.S.40A:10-6, or a joint insurance fund established pursuant to P.L.1983, c.372 (C.40A:10-36 et seq.), for any term of not more than three years; or
f. Leasing or servicing of automobiles, motor vehicles, electronic communications equipment, machinery and equipment of every nature and kind and textbooks and non-consumable instructional materials, for any term not exceeding in the aggregate, five years; provided, however, such contracts shall be awarded only subject to and in accordance with rules and regulations promulgated by the State Board of Education; or
g. Supplying of any product or the rendering of any service by a company providing voice, data, transmission or switching services, for a term not exceeding five years; or
h. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.1999, c.440.)
i. Driver education instruction conducted by private, licensed driver education schools, for any term not exceeding in the aggregate, three years;
j. Provision or performance of goods or services for the purpose of conserving energy in the buildings owned by any local board of education, the entire price of which shall be established as a percentage of the resultant savings in energy costs, for a term not to exceed 15 years; except that these contracts shall be entered into only subject to and in accordance with guidelines promulgated by the Board of Public Utilities establishing a methodology for computing energy costs;
k. Any single project for the construction, reconstruction or rehabilitation of any public building, structure or facility, or any public works project, including the retention of the services of any architect or engineer in connection therewith, for the length of time authorized and necessary for the completion of the actual construction;
l. Laundry service and the rental, supply and cleaning of uniforms for any term of not more than three years;
m. Food supplies and food services for any term of not more than three years;
n. Purchases made under a contract awarded by the Director of the Division of Purchase and Property in the Department of the Treasury for use by counties, municipalities or other contracting units pursuant to section 3 of P.L.1969, c.104 (C.52:25-16.1), for a term not to exceed the term of that contract.
Any contract for services other than professional services, the statutory length of which contract is for three years or less, may include provisions for no more than one two-year, or two one-year, extensions, subject to the following limitations: a. the contract shall be awarded by resolution of the board of education upon a finding by the board of education that the services are being performed in an effective and efficient manner; b. no such contract shall be extended so that it runs for more than a total of five consecutive years; c. any price change included as part of an extension shall be based upon the price of the original contract as cumulatively adjusted pursuant to any previous adjustment or extension and shall not exceed the change in the index rate for the 12 months preceding the most recent quarterly calculation available at the time the contract is renewed; and d. the terms and conditions of the contract remain substantially the same.
All multiyear leases and contracts entered into pursuant to this section 18A:18A-42, including any two-year or one-year extensions, except contracts for insurance coverages, insurance consultant or administrative services, participation or membership in a joint self-insurance fund, risk management programs or related services of a school board insurance group, participation in an insurance fund established by a county pursuant to N.J.S.40A:10-6 or contracts for thermal energy authorized pursuant to subsection a. above, and contracts for the provision or performance of goods or services to promote energy conservation authorized pursuant to subsection j. of this section, shall contain a clause making them subject to the availability and appropriation annually of sufficient funds as may be required to meet the extended obligation, or contain an annual cancellation clause. All contracts shall cease to have effect at the end of the contracted period and shall not be extended by any mechanism or provision, unless in conformance with the "Public School Contracts Law," N.J.S.18A:18A-1 et seq., except that a contract may be extended by mutual agreement of the parties to the contract when a board of education has commenced rebidding prior to the time the contract expires or when the awarding of a contract is pending at the time the contract expires.
79. N.J.S.18A:18A-44 is amended to read as follows:
Inspection, condemnation and rejection of work and materials.
18A:18A-44. Inspection, condemnation and rejection of work and materials. All goods and services provided or performed under contract shall be inspected by the purchasing agent of the district, if there be a purchasing agent of the district, but if there be no purchasing agent of the district, they may be inspected by an appropriate officer employed by the board to whom such power shall have been delegated by the board, and subject to the approval of the board the purchasing agent or such officer, as the case may be, shall condemn any goods or services which in his judgment do not conform to the specifications of the contract therefor.
80. N.J.S.18A:18A-45 is amended to read as follows:
Manner and method of sale.
18A:18A-45. Manner and method of sale. Any board of education may, by resolution and by sealed bid or public auction, authorize the sale of its personal property not needed for school purposes.
a. If the estimated fair value of the property to be sold exceeds 15 percent of the bid threshold in any one sale and it is neither livestock nor perishable goods, it shall be sold at public sale to the highest bidder.
b. Notice of the date, time and place of the public sale, together with a description of the items to be sold and the conditions of sale, shall be published once in an official newspaper. Such sale shall be held not less than seven nor more than 14 days after the publication of the notice thereof.
c. Personal property may be sold to the United States, the State of New Jersey, another board of education, any body politic, any foreign nation which has diplomatic relations with the United States, or any governmental unit in these United States by private sale without advertising for bids.
d. If no bids are received the property may then be sold at private sale without further publication or notice thereof, but in no event at less than the estimated fair value; or the board of education may if it so elect, reoffer the property at public sale. As used herein, "estimated fair value" means the market value of the property between a willing seller and a willing buyer less the cost to the board of education to continue storage or maintenance of any personal property not needed for school purposes to be sold pursuant to this section.
e. A board of education may reject all bids if it determines such rejection to be in the public interest. In any case in which the board of education has rejected all bids, it may readvertise such personal property for a subsequent public sale. If it elects to reject all bids at a second public sale, pursuant to this section, it may then sell such personal property without further publication or notice thereof at private sale, provided that in no event shall the negotiated price at private sale be less than the highest price of any bid rejected at the preceding two public sales and provided further that in no event shall the terms or conditions of sale be changed or amended.
f. If the estimated fair value of the property to be sold does not exceed the applicable bid threshold established pursuant to subsection a. of this section in any one sale or is either livestock or perishable goods, it may be sold at private sale without advertising for bids.
g. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, by resolution of the board of education, a purchasing agent may include the sale of personal property no longer needed for school purposes as part of specifications to offset the price of a new purchase.
C.18A:18A-49.2 Rules.
81. Pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), the Director of the Division of Local Government Services in the Department of Community Affairs, after consultation with the Commissioner of Education, may adopt rules implementing the provisions of the "Public School Contracts Law," N.J.S.18A:18A-1 et seq.
82. Section 1 of P.L.1981, c.447 (C.5:10-21.1) is amended to read as follows:
C.5:10-21.1 Purchases, contracts, or agreements over threshold amount.
1. a. All purchases, contracts, or agreements where the cost or contract price exceeds the sum of $25,000 or, after the effective date of P.L.1999, c.440, the amount determined pursuant to subsection b. of this section shall, except as otherwise provided in this act, be made, negotiated, or awarded only after public advertisement for bids therefor and shall be awarded to that responsible bidder whose bid, conforming to the invitation for bids, is most advantageous to the authority, in its judgment, upon consideration of price and other factors. Any bid may be rejected when the authority determines that it is in the public interest to do so.
Any purchase, contract, or agreement where the cost or contract price is less than or equal to $25,000 or, after the effective date of P.L.1999, c.440, the amount determined pursuant to subsection b. of this section may be made, negotiated, or awarded by the authority without advertising and in any manner which the authority, in its judgment, deems necessary to serve its unique interests and purposes and which promotes, whenever practicable, full and free competition by the acceptance of quotations or proposals or by the use of other suitable methods.
b. Commencing in the fifth year after the year in which P.L.1999, c.440 takes effect, and every five years thereafter, the Governor, in consultation with the Department of the Treasury, shall adjust the threshold amount set forth in subsection a. of this section, or after the effective date of P.L.1999, c.440, the threshold amount resulting from any adjustment under this subsection, in direct proportion to the rise or fall of the index rate as that term is defined in section 2 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-2), and shall round the adjustment to the nearest $1,000. The Governor shall, no later than June 1 of every fifth year, notify the authority of the adjustment. The adjustment shall become effective on July 1 of the year in which it is made.
83. Section 4 of P.L.1981, c.447 (C.5:10-21.4) is amended to read as follows:
C.5:10-21.4 Exemptions; circumstances.
4. Any purchase, contract, or agreement may be made, negotiated, or awarded pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1981, c.447 (C.5:10-21.2) when:
a. Standardization of equipment and interchangeability of parts is in the public interest;
b. Only one source of supply or service is available;
c. The safety or protection of the authority's or other public property requires;
d. The exigency of the authority's service will not admit of advertisement;
e. More favorable terms can be obtained from a primary source of supply of an item or service;
f. Bid prices, after advertising, are not reasonable or have not been independently arrived at in open competition; but no negotiated purchase, contract, or agreement may be entered into under this subsection after the rejection of all bids received unless (1) notification of the intention to negotiate and reasonable opportunity to negotiate is given to each responsible bidder; (2) the negotiated price is lower than the lowest rejected bid price of a responsible bidder; and (3) the negotiated price is the lowest negotiated price offered by any responsible contractor;
g. The purchase is to be made from, or the contract is to be made with, the federal or any state government or agency or political subdivision thereof; or
h. Purchases are to be made through or by the Director of the Division of Purchase and Property pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1959, c.40 (C.52:27B-56.1), or through a contract made by any of the following: the Hackensack Meadowlands Development Commission established under section 5 of P.L.1968, c.404 (C.13:17-5); the New Jersey Highway Authority established under section 4 of P.L.1952, c.16 (C.27:12B-4); the New Jersey Turnpike Authority established under section 3 of P.L.1948, c.454 (C.27:23-3); the New Jersey Water Supply Authority established under section 4 of P.L.1981, c.293 (C.58:1B-4); the South Jersey Transportation Authority established under section 4 of P.L.1991, c.252 (C.27:25A-4); the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey established under R.S.32:1-4; the Delaware River Port Authority established under R.S.32:3-2; the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority established under N.J.S.18A:71A-3.
84. Section 6 of P.L.1984, c.128 (C.13:17-6.1) is amended to read as follows:
C.13:17-6.1 Purchases, contracts, or agreements over threshold amount; public bids.
6. a. All purchases, contracts, or agreements where the cost or contract price exceeds the sum of $25,000 or, after the effective date of P.L.1999, c.440, the amount determined pursuant to subsection b. of this section shall be made, negotiated, or awarded only after public advertisement for bids therefor and shall be awarded to that responsible bidder whose bid, conforming to the invitation for bids, is most advantageous to the Hackensack Meadowlands Development Commission, in its judgment, upon consideration of price and other factors; provided, however, that such advertising shall not be required when the contract to be entered into is one for the furnishing or performing of services of a professional nature, or when the purchase is to be made through or by the Director of the Division of Purchase and Property pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1959, c.40 (C.52:27B-56.1), or through a contract made by any of the following: the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority established under section 4 of P.L.1971, c.137 (C.5:10-4), the New Jersey Highway Authority established under section 4 of P.L.1952, c.16 (C.27:12B-4); the New Jersey Turnpike Authority established under section 3 of P.L.1948, c.454 (C.27:23-3); the New Jersey Water Supply Authority established under section 4 of P.L.1981, c.293 (C.58:1B-4); the South Jersey Transportation Authority established under section 4 of P.L.1991, c.252 (C.27:25A-4); the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey established under R.S.32:1-4; the Delaware River Port Authority established under R.S.32:3-2; the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority established under N.J.S.18A:71A-3. Any bid may be rejected when the commission determines that it is in the public interest to do so.
Any purchase, contract, or agreement where the cost or contract price is less than or equal to $25,000 or, after the effective date of P.L.1999, c.440, the amount determined pursuant to subsection b. of this section may be made, negotiated, or awarded by the commission without advertising and in any manner which the commission, in its judgment, deems necessary to serve its unique interests and purposes and which promotes, whenever practicable, full and free competition by the acceptance of quotations or proposals or by the use of other suitable methods.
b. Commencing in the fifth year after the year in which P.L.1999, c.440 takes effect, and every five years thereafter, the Governor, in consultation with the Department of the Treasury, shall adjust the threshold amount set forth in subsection a. of this section, or after the effective date of P.L.1999, c.440, the threshold amount resulting from any adjustment under this subsection, in direct proportion to the rise or fall of the index rate as that term is defined in section 2 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-2), and shall round the adjustment to the nearest $1,000. The Governor shall, no later than June 1 of every fifth year, notify the commission of the adjustment. The adjustment shall become effective on July 1 of the year in which it is made.
85. Section 1 of P.L.1968, c.459 (C.27:12B-5.2) is amended to read as follows:
C.27:12B-5.2 Standing operating rules, procedures for entering into contracts by Highway Authority.
1. a. The New Jersey Highway Authority, in the exercise of its authority to make and enter into contracts and agreements necessary or incidental to the performance of its duties and the execution of its powers, shall adopt standing operating rules and procedures providing that, except as hereinafter provided, no contract on behalf of the authority shall be entered into for the doing of any work, or for the hiring of equipment or vehicles, where the sum to be expended exceeds the sum of $25,000 or, after the effective date of P.L.1999, c. 440, the amount determined pursuant to subsection b. of this section unless the authority shall first publicly advertise for bids therefor, and shall award the contract to the lowest responsible bidder; provided, however, that such advertising shall not be required where the contract to be entered into is one for the furnishing or performing of services of a professional nature, or for the supplying of any product or the rendering of any service by a public utility subject to the jurisdiction of the Board of Public Utilities of this State and tariffs and schedules of the charges, made, charged, or exacted by the public utility for any such products to be supplied or services to be rendered are filed with the said board, or when the purchase is to be made through or by the Director of the Division of Purchase and Property pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1959, c.40 (C.52:27B-56.1), or through a contract made by any of the following: the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority established under section 4 of P.L.1971, c.137 (C.5:10-4); the Hackensack Meadowlands Development Commission established under section 5 of P.L.1968, c.404 (C.13:17-5); the New Jersey Turnpike Authority established under section 3 of P.L.1948, c.454 (C.27:23-3); the New Jersey Water Supply Authority established under section 4 of P.L.1981, c.293 (C.58:1B-4); the South Jersey Transportation Authority established under section 4 of P.L.1991, c.252 (C.27:25A-4); the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey established under R.S.32:1-4; the Delaware River Port Authority established under R.S.32:3-2; the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority established under N.J.S.18A:71A-3. Contracts for towing and storage services shall be advertised and awarded pursuant to subsection c. of this section.
This subsection shall not prevent the authority from having any work done by its own employees, nor shall it apply to repairs, or to the furnishing of materials, supplies or labor, or the hiring of equipment or vehicles, when the safety or protection of its or other public property or the public convenience require, or the exigency of the authority's service will not admit of such advertisement. In such case the authority shall, by resolution, passed by the affirmative vote of a majority of its members, declare the exigency or emergency to exist, and set forth in the resolution the nature thereof and the approximate amount to be so expended.
b. Commencing in the fifth year after the year in which P.L.1999, c.440 takes effect, and every five years thereafter, the Governor, in consultation with the Department of the Treasury, shall adjust the threshold amount set forth in subsection a. of this section, or after the effective date of P.L.1999, c.440, the threshold amount resulting from any adjustment under this subsection, in direct proportion to the rise or fall of the index rate as that term is defined in section 2 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-2), and shall round the adjustment to the nearest $1,000. The Governor shall, no later than June 1 of every fifth year, notify the authority of the adjustment. The adjustment shall become effective on July 1 of the year in which it is made.
c. The authority shall adopt regulations, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), to provide open and competitive procedures for awarding contracts for towing and storage services. Towing and storage services on a highway project may be provided on a rotating basis, provided that the authority determines that there would be no additional cost to the authority, excepting administrative costs, as a result of those services being provided on a rotating basis. The regulations shall fix maximum towing and storage fees, and establish objective criteria to be considered in awarding a contract for towing and storage services which shall include, but shall not be limited to, reliability, experience, response time, acceptance of credit cards and prepaid towing contracts, adequate equipment to safely handle a sufficient volume of common vehicle types under a variety of traffic and weather conditions, location of storage and repair facilities, security of vehicles towed or stored, financial return to the authority, maintenance of adequate liability insurance and appropriate safeguards to protect the personal safety of customers, including considerations related to the criminal background of employees. The Division of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Law and Public Safety shall provide, at the authority's request, a report to the authority on any prospective contractor for which the division has information relevant to the prospective contractor's service record, subject to the provisions of the New Jersey consumer fraud act, P.L.1960, c.39 (C. 56:8-1 et seq.). The Division of Insurance Fraud Prevention in the Department of Banking and Insurance also shall provide, at the authority's request, a report to the authority on any prospective contractor for which the division has information relevant to the prospective contractor's service record, subject to the "New Jersey Insurance Fraud Prevention Act," P.L.1983, c.320 (C.17:33A-1 et seq.).
86. Section 1 of P.L.1968, c.461 (C.27:23-6.1) is amended to read as follows:
C.27:23-6.1 Standing operating rules, procedures for entering into contracts by Turnpike Authority.
1. a. The New Jersey Turnpike Authority, in the exercise of its authority to make and enter into contracts and agreements necessary or incidental to the performance of its duties and the execution of its powers, shall adopt standing operating rules and procedures providing that, except as hereinafter provided, no contract on behalf of the authority shall be entered into for the doing of any work, or for the hiring of equipment or vehicles, where the sum to be expended exceeds the sum of $25,000 or, after the effective date of P.L.1999,c.440, the amount determined pursuant to subsection b. of this section unless the authority shall first publicly advertise for bids therefor, and shall award the contract to the lowest responsible bidder; provided, however, that such advertising shall not be required where the contract to be entered into is one for the furnishing or performing services of a professional nature, or for the supplying of any product or the rendering of any service by a public utility subject to the jurisdiction of the Board of Public Utility Commissioners of this State and tariffs and schedules of the charges, made, charged, or exacted by the public utility for any such products to be supplied or services to be rendered are filed with the said board, or when the purchase is to be made through or by the Director of the Division of Purchase and Property pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1959, c.40 (C.52:27B-56.1), or through a contract made by any of the following: the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority established under section 4 of P.L.1971, c.137 (C.5:10-4); the Hackensack Meadowlands Development Commission established under section 5 of P.L.1968, c.404 (C.13:17-5); the New Jersey Highway Authority established under section 4 of P.L.1952, c.16 (C.27:12B-4); the New Jersey Water Supply Authority established under section 4 of P.L.1981, c.293 (C.58:1B-4); the South Jersey Transportation Authority established under section 4 of P.L.1991, c.252 (C.27:25A-4); the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey established under R.S.32:1-4; the Delaware River Port Authority established under R.S.32:3-2; the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority established under N.J.S.18A:71A-3.
This subsection shall not prevent the authority from having any work done by its own employees, nor shall it apply to repairs, or to the furnishing of materials, supplies or labor, or the hiring of equipment or vehicles, when the safety or protection of its or other public property or the public convenience require, or the exigency of the authority's service will not admit of such advertisement. In such case the authority shall, by resolution, passed by the affirmative vote of a majority of its members, declare the exigency or emergency to exist, and set forth in the resolution the nature thereof and the approximate amount to be so expended.
b. Commencing in the fifth year after the year in which P.L.1999, c.440 takes effect, and every five years thereafter, the Governor, in consultation with the Department of the Treasury, shall adjust the threshold amount set forth in subsection a. of this section, or after the effective date of P.L.1999, c.440, the threshold amount resulting from any adjustment under this subsection, in direct proportion to the rise and fall of the index rate as that term is defined in section 2 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-2), and shall round the adjustment to the nearest $1,000. The Governor shall, no later than June 1 of every fifth year, notify the authority of the adjustment. The adjustment shall become effective on July 1 of the year in which it is made.
87. Section 8 of P.L.1991, c.252 (C.27:25A-8) is amended to read as follows:
C.27:25A-8 Purchases, contracts, agreements awarded directly by authority; public bids; exceptions.
8. a. All purchases, contracts or agreements made pursuant to this act shall be made or awarded directly by the authority, except as otherwise provided in this act, only after public advertisement for bids therefor in the manner provided by the authority and notwithstanding the provisions of any other laws to the contrary.
b. Any purchase, contract or agreement may be made, negotiated or awarded by the authority without public bid or advertising under the following circumstances:
(1) When the aggregate amount involved does not exceed the amount set forth in, or the amount calculated by the Governor pursuant to, section 2 of P.L.1954, c.48 (C.52:34-7);
(2) To acquire subject matter which is described in section 4 of P.L.1954, c.48 (C.52:34-9); (3) To make a purchase or award or make a contract or agreement under the circumstances described in section 5 of P.L.1954, c.48 (C.52:34-10);
(4) When the contract to be entered into is for the furnishing or performing services of a professional or technical nature or for the supplying of any product or the rendering of any service by a public utility;
(5) When the authority deems it appropriate to have any work performed by its own employees;
(6) When the authority has advertised for bids on two occasions and has received no bids on both occasions in response to its advertisement, or received no responsive bids. Any purchase, contract or agreement may then be negotiated and may be awarded to any contractor or supplier determined to be responsible except that the terms, conditions, restrictions and specifications set forth in the negotiated contract or agreement are not substantially different from those which were the subject of competitive bidding;
(7) When a piece of equipment or part thereof requires diagnostic repairs;
(8) The printing of bonds and documents necessary to the issuance and sale thereof;
(9) To contract pursuant to subsection w. of section 7 of this act; or
(10) When a purchase is to be made through or by the Director of the Division of Purchase and Property pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1959, c.40 (C.52:27B-56.1), or through a contract made by any of the following: the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority established under section 4 of P.L.1971, c.137 (C.5:10-4); the Hackensack Meadowlands Development Commission established under section 5 of P.L.1968, c.404 (C.13:17-5); the New Jersey Highway Authority established under section 4 of P.L.1952, c.16 (C.27:12B-4); the New Jersey Turnpike Authority established under section 3 of P.L.1948, c.454 (C.27:23-3); the New Jersey Water Supply Authority established under section 4 of P.L.1981, c.293 (C.58:1B-4); the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey established under R.S.32:1-4; the Delaware River Port Authority established under R.S.32:3-2; the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority established under N.J.S.18A:71A-3.
88. Section 22 of P.L.1981, c.293 (C.58:1B-22) is amended to read as follows:
C.58:1B-22 Authority contracts.
22. a. The authority is hereby authorized to make and enter into contracts and agreements necessary or incidental to the performance of its duties and the execution of its powers. No contract on behalf of the authority shall be entered into for the doing of any work, or for the hiring of equipment or vehicles, where the sum to be expended exceeds the sum of $25,000 or, after the effective date of P.L.1999, c.440, the amount determined pursuant to subsection b. of this section, unless the authority shall first publicly advertise for bids therefor, and shall award the contract to the lowest responsible bidder; but advertising shall not be required where the contract to be entered into is one for the furnishing or performing services of a professional nature, or for the supplying of any product or the rendering of any service by a public utility subject to the jurisdiction of the Board of Public Utilities, and tariffs and schedules of the charges made, charged, or exacted by the public utility for any such products to be supplied or services to be rendered are filed with the board, or when the purchase is to be made through or by the Director of the Division of Purchase and Property pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1959, c.40 (C.52:27B-56.1), or through a contract made by any of the following: the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority established under section 4 of P.L.1971, c.137 (C.5:10-4); the Hackensack Meadowlands Development Commission established under section 5 of P.L.1968, c.404 (C.13:17-5); the New Jersey Highway Authority established under section 4 of P.L.1952, c.16 (C.27:12B-4); the New Jersey Turnpike Authority established under section 3 of P.L.1948, c.454 (C.27:23-3); the South Jersey Transportation Authority established under section 4 of P.L.1991, c.252 (C.27:25A-4); the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey established under R.S.32:1-4; the Delaware River Port Authority established under R.S.32:3-2; the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority established under N.J.S.18A:71A-3. This subsection shall not prevent the authority from having any work done by its own employees, nor shall it apply to repairs, or to the furnishing of materials, supplies or labor, or the hiring of equipment or vehicles, when the safety or protection of its or other public property or the public convenience requires, or the exigency of the authority service will not admit of such advertisement. In such case the authority shall, by resolution, passed by the affirmative vote of a majority of its members, declare the exigency or emergency to exist, and set forth in the resolution the nature thereof and the approximate amount to be expended.
b. Commencing in the fifth year after the year in which P.L.1999, c.440 takes effect, and every five years thereafter, the Governor, in consultation with the Department of the Treasury, shall adjust the threshold amount set forth in subsection a. of this section, or after the effective date of P.L.1999, c.440, the threshold amount resulting from any adjustment under this subsection in direct proportion to the rise or fall of the index rate as that term is defined in section 2 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-2), and shall round the adjustment to the nearest $1,000. The Governor shall, no later than June 1 of every fifth year, notify the authority of the adjustment. The adjustment shall become effective on July 1 of the year in which it is made.
89. Section 1 of P.L.1959, c.40 (C.52:27B-56.1) is amended to read as follows:
C.52:27B-56.1 Joint purchases.
1. The Director of the Division of Purchase and Property may, by joint action, purchase any articles used or needed by the State and the Palisades Interstate Park Commission, the New Jersey Highway Authority, the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the South Jersey Port Corporation, the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission, the Delaware River Port Authority, Rutgers, The State University, the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, the New Jersey Housing Finance Agency, the New Jersey Mortgage Finance Authority, the New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority, the New Jersey Education Facilities Authority, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, the South Jersey Transportation Authority, the Hackensack Meadowlands Development Commission, the New Jersey Water Supply Authority; the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority or any other agency, commission, board, authority or other such governmental entity which is established and is allocated to a State department or any bi-state governmental entity of which the State of New Jersey is a member.
90. Section 30 of P.L.1948, c.92 (C.52:18A-30) is amended to read as follows:
C.52:18A-30 State Treasurer, Deputy State Treasurer; additional duties.
30. The State Treasurer, in addition to the functions, powers and duties specifically conferred and imposed upon the position, shall:
(a) Maintain suitable headquarters for the department and such other quarters within the State as he may deem necessary to the department's proper functioning;
(b) Have general responsibility for all of the department's operations under this act;
(c) Supervise the organization of the department and changes in the organization thereof, except that the divisions, boards, commissions and offices, herein specifically provided shall be maintained;
(d) Formulate and adopt rules and regulations for the efficient conduct of the work and general administration of the department, its officers and employees and as may be necessary for the Department of the Treasury to carry out its duties as set forth by law; and
(e) Make an annual report to the Governor and to the Legislature of the department's operations, and render such other reports as the Governor shall from time to time request.
The State Treasurer shall designate as Deputy State Treasurer any officer or employee in the department. Such designation shall be in writing and shall be filed with the Secretary of State. Such designation shall continue in effect until the State Treasurer shall, in the manner herein provided, designate another officer or employee in the department as such Deputy State Treasurer.
The Deputy State Treasurer shall have and exercise the powers and perform the functions and duties of the State Treasurer during the absence or disability of the State Treasurer. The Deputy State Treasurer shall also have and exercise such of the powers and perform such of the functions and duties of the State Treasurer as he shall be authorized and directed by the State Treasurer. Any such authorization and direction shall be in writing, signed by the State Treasurer and filed with the Secretary of State, and shall include a designation of the period during which it shall be and remain in force. No such authorization and direction shall be deemed to preclude the State Treasurer from himself exercising the powers and the performance of the duties included in said authorization and direction. In the event that the State Treasurer shall die, resign or be removed from office, or become disqualified to execute the duties of his office, or a vacancy shall occur in the office of State Treasurer for any cause whatsoever, the person then holding the office of Deputy State Treasurer shall continue to hold such office and shall have and exercise the powers and perform the functions and duties of the State Treasurer until the successor of the State Treasurer shall be appointed and shall qualify.
Notwithstanding any other provision in existing law, the State Treasurer may designate, authorize and direct the Deputy State Treasurer or any other officer or specially designated expert assistant in the department to exercise the power and perform the functions and duties of the State Treasurer as a member of the board of trustees, commission or council vested with the general administration of and responsibility for any employee benefit system, trust, fund, program or plan. Any such authorization and direction shall be in writing, signed by the State Treasurer and filed with the Secretary of State, and shall include a designation of the period during which it shall be and remain in force. No such authorization and direction shall be deemed to preclude the State Treasurer from himself exercising the powers and the performance of the duties included in said authorization and direction.
91. Section 3 of P.L.1969, c.104 (C.52:25-16.1) is amended to read as follows:
C.52:25-16.1 Contract provisions relating to any local contracting unit.
3. The Director of the Division of Purchase and Property may, at the director's discretion, include, in any such contract or contracts on behalf of the State, a provision for the purchase of such materials, supplies, equipment or services by any local contracting unit from such contractor or contractors. Such purchase may be effectuated either as an outright purchase or by installment, lease or rental, so long as the vendor offers financing at an interest rate that is equal to or lower than the State line of credit. The local contracting unit shall have sole responsibility for any payment due the vendor for any such purchase. All purchases shall be subject to audit and inspection by the local contracting unit for which made. The local contracting unit shall file such reports as the Director of the Division of Purchase and Property may require setting forth the expenditure on such contracts. For the purposes of this section, "local contracting unit" means any public agency subject to the provisions of the "Local Public Contracts Law," P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-1 et seq.), the "Public School Contracts Law," N.J.S.18A:18A-1 et seq., the "State College Contracts Law," P.L.1986, c.43 (C.18A:64-52 et seq.), or the "County College Contracts Law," P.L.1982, c.189 (C.18A:64A-25.1 et seq.).
92. Section 2 of P.L.1985, c.263 (C.52:25-16.6) is amended to read as follows:
C.52:25-16.6 Independent purchases under State contracts.
2. a. An independent institution of higher education may, at the director's discretion, purchase materials, supplies, equipment or services under any contract awarded on behalf of the State by the Director of the Division of Purchase and Property, subject to such rules as the director may establish.
b. The director may establish limitations with respect to materials, supplies, equipment and services available for purchase and impose other appropriate conditions upon purchasing as deemed necessary to protect the State's own purchasing interests.
c. The independent institution of higher education shall file such reports as the Director of the Division of Purchase and Property may require setting forth the expenditures on such contracts.
93. R.S.52:25-23 is amended to read as follows:
Purchasing authority delegation for amounts under $25,000.
52:25-23. The Director of the Division of Purchase and Property may, by written order, delegate purchasing authority to the using agencies for purchases or contracts not in excess of $25,000.00; except that:
a. Purchases or contracts shall not be divided to circumvent the dollar limit imposed by this section;
b. Prior to issuing purchase orders pursuant to this section, a using agency shall verify the existence of funds for the purchase or contract and shall verify that the article or service to be purchased or contracted for is not available under any of the contracts issued by the Division of Purchase and Property; and
c. Records of all purchases made or contracts negotiated under this section shall be maintained by the using agency and made available for audit by or under the direction of the Director of the Division of Purchase and Property and shall include proper proof that the purchase or contract was made or negotiated competitively, where competition is practicable.
The Director of the Division of Purchase and Property may, by written order, rescind or reduce the level of purchasing authority delegated to any using agency determined by the director to have violated the provisions of the delegated authorization.
94. Section 4 of article 6 of P.L.1944, c.112 (C.52:27B-56) is amended to read as follows:
C.52:27B-56 Powers, duties of director.
4. The director is hereby vested with the powers, duties, and responsibilities involved in the efficient operation of a centralized State purchasing service, and with the custody, operation and maintenance of all State property not chargeable to a particular department. The director shall have authority, subject to the State Treasurer's approval, to organize the division for the effective performance of its functions and purposes herein set forth, and to establish and assess fees to cover administrative costs. The director or the director's designee shall have the authority to conduct investigations and informal hearings regarding any bid protest or vendor performance issues. The director shall also have the authority to issue final agency decisions regarding any bid protest or vendor performance issues. Except as otherwise provided by statute and subject to the State Treasurer's approval, the director shall have final approval of all State contracts including, but not limited to, those entered into pursuant to P.L.1964, c.290 (C.30:6-17 et seq.).
95. Section 2 of P.L.1954, c.48 (C.52:34-7) is amended to read as follows:
C.52:34-7 State bid advertising thresholds.
2. a. Any such purchase, contract or agreement may be made, negotiated, or awarded by the Director of the Division of Purchase and Property or the Director of the Division of Building and Construction, as the case may be, without advertising, in any manner which the director may deem effective to promote full and free competition whenever competition is practicable, if: (1) the aggregate amount involved does not exceed $25,000.00 or the amount determined pursuant to subsection b. of this section; or (2) (Deleted by amendment, P.L.1985, c.107) or (3) the aggregate amount involved including labor and construction materials does not exceed $25,000.00 or the amount determined pursuant to subsection b. of this section in the case of contracts or agreements for the erection, construction, alteration, or repair of any public building or facility.
When the aggregate amount involved does not exceed $25,000.00 or the amount determined pursuant to subsection b. of this section in the case of contracts or agreements for the erection, construction, alteration, or repair of any public building or facility, the Director of the Division of Purchase and Property or the Director of the Division of Building and Construction may, at the director's discretion, delegate to the appropriate State department or using agency the director's authority to make, negotiate, or award a contract or agreement without advertising.
The Director of the Division of Purchase and Property or the Director of the Division of Building and Construction, as the case may be, shall establish, in accordance with the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), rules and regulations concerning procedural requirements for the making, negotiating or awarding of purchases, contracts or agreements pursuant to this section, at the director's discretion.
b. The Governor, in consultation with the Department of the Treasury, shall, no later than March 1 of every fifth year beginning in the fifth year after the year in which P.L.1999, c.440 takes effect, adjust the threshold amount set forth in subsection a. of this section, or the threshold amount resulting from any adjustment under this subsection, in direct proportion to the rise or fall of the index rate as that term is defined in section 2 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-2), and shall round the adjustment to the nearest $1,000. The Governor shall, no later than June 1 of every fifth year, notify the Director of the Division of Purchase and Property and the Director of the Division of Building and Construction of the adjustment. The adjustment shall become effective on July 1 of the year in which it is made.
96. Section 7 of P.L.1954, c.48 (C.52:34-12) is amended to read as follows:
C.52:34-12 State advertisement for bids.
7. Whenever advertising is required: (a) specifications and invitations for bids shall permit such full and free competition as is consistent with the procurement of supplies and services necessary to meet the requirements of the using agency and shall, wherever practicable, include such factors as life-cycle costs, sliding percentage preference scales, or other similar analysis as shall be deemed effective by the Director of the Division of Purchase and Property, hereinafter referred to as the director, (b) the advertisement for bids shall be in such newspaper or newspapers selected by the State Treasurer as will best give notice thereof to bidders and shall be sufficiently in advance of the purchase or contract to promote competitive bidding; (c) the advertisement shall designate the time and place when and where sealed proposals shall be received and publicly opened and read, the amount of the cash or certified check, if any, which must accompany each bid, and such other terms as the State Treasurer may deem proper; (d) notice of revisions or addenda to advertisements or bid documents relating to bids shall be published in a newspaper or newspapers as selected by the State Treasurer to best give notice to bidders and sent to the prospective bidder no later than five days, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays excepted, prior to the bid due date; (e) failure to advertise for the receipt of bids or to provide proper notification of revisions or addenda to advertisements or bid documents related to bids as prescribed by subsection (d) of this section shall prevent the acceptance of bids and require the readvertisement for bids; (f) for any procurement, the State Treasurer or the director may negotiate with bidders, after bid opening, the final terms and conditions of any procurement, including price; such ability to so negotiate must be expressly set forth in the applicable invitation to bid; (g) award shall be made with reasonable promptness, after negotiation with bidders where authorized, by written notice to that responsible bidder whose bid, conforming to the invitation for bids, will be most advantageous to the State, price and other factors considered. Any or all bids may be rejected when the State Treasurer or the Director of the Division of Purchase and Property determines that it is in the public interest so to do. The State Treasurer or designee may adopt, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), such rules and regulations as may be necessary to implement the provisions of this section.
This section shall apply to all bids received on and after the date of enactment of P.L.1999, c.440.
C.2C:21-34 Penalty for false contract payment claims, representation, for a government contract; grading.
97. a. A person commits a crime if the person knowingly submits to the government any claim for payment for performance of a government contract knowing such claim to be false, fictitious, or fraudulent. If the claim submitted is for $25,000.00 or above, the offender is guilty of a crime of the second degree. If the claim exceeds $2,500.00, but is less than $25,000.00, the offender is guilty of a crime of the third degree. If the claim is for $2,500.00 or less, the offender is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree.
b. A person commits a crime if the person knowingly makes a material representation that is false in connection with the negotiation, award or performance of a government contract. If the contract amount is for $25,000.00 or above, the offender is guilty of a crime of the second degree. If the contract amount exceeds $2,500.00, but is less than $25,000.00, the offender is guilty of a crime of the third degree. If the contract amount is for $2,500.00 or less, the offender is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree.
98. N.J.S.2C:27-4 is amended to read as follows:
Unlawful benefits for official behavior; grading.
2C:27-4. a. A person commits a crime if the person, as a public servant:
(1) directly or indirectly, knowingly solicits, accepts or agrees to accept any benefit from another for or because of any official act performed or to be performed by the person or for or because of a violation of official duty;
(2) directly or indirectly, knowingly receives any benefit from another who is or was in a position, different from that of a member of the general public, to benefit, directly or indirectly, from a violation of official duty or the performance of official duties; or
(3) directly or indirectly, knowingly receives any benefit from or by reason of a contract or agreement for goods, property or services if the contract or agreement is awarded, made or paid by the agency that employs the person or if the goods, property or services are provided to the government agency that employs the public servant.
b. A person commits a crime if the person offers, confers or agrees to confer a benefit, acceptance of which is prohibited by this section.
c. Any offense proscribed by this section is a crime of the second degree. If the benefit solicited, accepted, agreed to be accepted, offered, conferred or agreed to be conferred is of a value of $200.00 or less, any offense proscribed by this section is a crime of the third degree.
99. N.J.S.2C:27-6 is amended to read as follows:
Unlawful benefits acceptance.
2C:27-6. a. Except as provided in subsection d. of this section, a public servant commits a crime if the person, knowingly and under color of office, directly or indirectly solicits, accepts or agrees to accept any benefit for that person or another not allowed by law.
b. Except as provided in subsection d. of this section, a person commits a crime if the person, directly or indirectly, confers or agrees to confer any benefit not allowed by law to a public servant.
c. (Deleted by amendment; P.L.1999, c.440.)
d. This section shall not apply to:
(1) Fees prescribed by law to be received by a public servant, or any other benefit to which the public servant is otherwise legally entitled; or
(2) Gifts or other benefits conferred on account of kinship or other personal, professional or business relationship independent of the official status of the recipient; or
(3) Trivial benefits the receipt of which involve no risk that the public servant would perform official duties in a biased or partial manner.
e. An offense under this section is a crime of the third degree. If the gift or other benefit is of a value of $200.00 or less, any offense proscribed by this section is a crime of the fourth degree.
C.2C:27-9 Unlawful official business transaction where interest is involved; grading; conditions.
100. A public servant commits a crime of the fourth degree if, while performing his official functions on behalf of a governmental entity, the public servant knowingly transacts any business with himself, a member of his immediate family, or a business organization in which the public servant or an immediate family member has an interest. For purposes of this section, an interest in a business organization shall not include aggregate familial ownership or control of one percent or less of an interest in the capital or equity of the business organization. A public servant shall not be guilty of an offense under this section if the public servant's performance of official functions would not affect the public servant, family member or business organization differently than such performance would affect the public generally, or would not affect the public servant, family member or business organization, as a member of a business, profession, occupation or group, differently than such performance would affect any other member of such business, profession, occupation or group.
101. Section 10 of P.L.1991, c.29 (C.40A:9-22.10) is amended to read as follows:
C.40A:9-22.10 Violations, penalties.
10. a. An appointed local government officer or employee found guilty by the Local Finance Board or a county or municipal ethics board of the violation of any provision of P.L.1991, c.29 (C.40A:9-22.1 et seq.) or of any code of ethics in effect pursuant to P.L.1991, c.29 (C.40A:9-22.1et seq.), shall be fined not less than $100.00 nor more than $500.00, which penalty may be collected in a summary proceeding pursuant to "The Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999," P.L.1999, c.274 (C.2A:58-10 et seq.). The board or a county or municipal ethics board shall report its findings to the office or agency having the power of removal or discipline of the appointed local government officer or employee and may recommend that further disciplinary action be taken.
b. An elected local government officer or employee found guilty by the Local Finance Board or a county or municipal ethics board of the violation of any provision of P.L.1991, c.29 (C.40A:9-22.1 et seq.) or of any code of ethics in effect pursuant to P.L.1991, c.29 (C.40A:9-22.1 et seq.), shall be fined not less than $100.00 nor more than $500.00, which penalty may be collected in a summary proceeding pursuant to "The Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999," P.L.1999, c.274 (C.2A:58-10 et seq.).
c. The remedies provided herein are in addition to all other criminal and civil remedies provided under the law.
102. Section 10 of P.L.1971, c.182 (C.52:13D-21) is amended to read as follows:
C.52:13D-21 Executive Commission on Ethical Standards; penalties for persons found guilty by commission.
10. (a) The Executive Commission on Ethical Standards created pursuant to P.L.1967, chapter 229 is continued and established in the Department of Law and Public Safety and shall constitute the first commission under P.L.1971, c.182 (C.52:13D-12 et al.).
(b) The commission shall be composed of seven members appointed by the Governor from among State officers and employees serving in the Executive Branch. Each member shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor during the term of office of the Governor appointing the member and until the member's successor is appointed and qualified. The Governor shall designate one member to serve as chairman and one member to serve as vice-chairman of the commission.
(c) Each member of the said commission shall serve without compensation but shall be entitled to be reimbursed for all actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of the member's duties.
(d) The Attorney General shall act as legal adviser and counsel to the said commission. The Attorney General shall upon request advise the commission in the rendering of advisory opinions by the commission, in the approval and review of codes of ethics adopted by State agencies in the Executive Branch and in the recommendation of revisions in codes of ethics or legislation relating to the conduct of State officers and employees in the Executive Branch.
(e) The said commission may, within the limits of funds appropriated or otherwise made available to it for the purpose, employ such other professional, technical, clerical or other assistants, excepting legal counsel, and incur such expenses as may be necessary for the performance of its duties.
(f) The said commission, in order to perform its duties pursuant to the provisions of P.L.1971, c.182 (C.52:13D-12 et al.), shall have the power to conduct investigations, hold hearings, compel the attendance of witnesses and the production before it of such books and papers as it may deem necessary, proper and relevant to the matter under investigation. The members of the said commission and the persons appointed by the commission for such purpose are hereby empowered to administer oaths and examine witnesses under oath.
(g) The said commission is authorized to render advisory opinions as to whether a given set of facts and circumstances would, in its opinion, constitute a violation of the provisions of P.L.1971, c.182 (C.52:13D-12 et al.) or of a code of ethics promulgated pursuant to the provisions of P.L.1971, c.182 (C.52:13D-12 et al.).
(h) The said commission shall have jurisdiction to initiate, receive, hear and review complaints regarding violations, by any State officer or employee or special State officer or employee in the Executive Branch, of the provisions of P.L.1971, c.182 (C.52:13D-12 et al.) or of any code of ethics promulgated pursuant to the provisions of P.L.1971, c.182 (C.52:13D-12 et al.). Any complaint regarding a violation of a code of ethics may be referred by the commission for disposition in accordance with subsection (d) of section 12 of P.L.1971, c.182 (C.52:13D-23).
(i) Any State officer or employee or special State officer or employee found guilty by the commission of violating any provision of P.L.1971, c.182 (C.52:13D-12 et al.) or of a code of ethics promulgated pursuant to the provisions of P.L.1971, c.182 (C.52:13D-12 et al.) shall be fined not less than $100.00 nor more than $500.00, which penalty may be collected in a summary proceeding pursuant to "The Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999," P.L.1999, c.274 (C.2A:58-10 et seq.), and may be suspended from his office or employment by order of the commission for a period of not in excess of one year. If the commission finds that the conduct of such officer or employee constitutes a willful and continuous disregard of the provisions of P.L.1971, c.182 (C.52:13D-12 et al.) or of a code of ethics promulgated pursuant to the provisions of P.L.1971, c.182 (C.52:13D-12 et al.), it may order such person removed from his office or employment and may further bar such person from holding any public office or employment in this State in any capacity whatsoever for a period of not exceeding five years from the date on which the person was found guilty by the commission.
(j) The remedies provided herein are in addition to all other criminal and civil remedies provided under the law.
103. Section 13 of P.L.1954, c.48 (C.52:34-18) is amended to read as follows:
C.52:34-18 Violations; crime.
13. Any person knowingly authorizing, consenting to, making or procuring to be made any purchase, contract or agreement in violation of any of the provisions of P.L.1954, c.48 (C.52:34-6 et seq.) or knowingly making or procuring to be made payment of State funds for or on account of any purchase, contract or agreement known to him to have been made or entered into in violation of any of the provisions of P.L.1954, c.48 (C.52:34-6 et seq.) shall be guilty of a crime of the fourth degree.
104. Section 11 of P.L.1970, c.73 (C.56:9-11) is amended to read as follows:
C.56:9-11 Violations, crime; grading.
11. a. Any person who shall knowingly violate any of the provisions of P.L.1970, c.73 (C.56:9-1 et seq.) or knowingly aid or advise in such violation is guilty of a crime.
b. Any person convicted pursuant to the provisions of subsection a. of this section of a violation involving or affecting trade or commerce of a value less than $1,000,000.00 shall be guilty of a crime of the third degree. Any person convicted pursuant to the provisions of subsection a. of this section of a violation involving or affecting trade or commerce of a value equal to or greater than $1,000,000.00 shall be guilty of a crime of the second degree. Any person convicted pursuant to the provisions of subsection a. of this section of a violation involving bid rigging on public contracts, regardless of the value of trade or commerce involved or affected, shall be guilty of a crime of the second degree.
c. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections a. and b. of N.J.S.2C:43-3, a person convicted of a crime of the second degree under this section shall be subject to a fine of not less than $50,000.00 nor more than $300,000.00, or, in the case of a corporation, partnership, or other business entity, be subject to a fine of not less than $250,000.00 nor more than $1,000,000.00, or imprisonment, or both, and a person convicted of a crime of the third degree under this section shall be subject to a fine of not less than $25,000.00 nor more than $150,000.00, or, in the case of a corporation, partnership, or other business entity, be subject to a fine of not less than $100,000.00 nor more than $300,000.00, or imprisonment, or both.
105. N.J.S.18A:71A-10 is amended to read as follows:
Contracts, purchases, records, travel.
18A:71A-10. Contracts, Purchases, Records, Travel.
a. The authority, in the exercise of its power to make and enter into contracts and agreements necessary or incidental to the performance of its duties and the execution of its powers, shall adopt standing operating rules and procedures providing that, except as hereinafter provided, no contract on behalf of the authority shall be entered into for the doing of any work, or for the hiring of equipment or vehicles, when the sum to be expended exceeds the sum of $25,000 or, after the effective date of P.L.1999, c.40, the amount determined pursuant to subsection b. of this section, unless the authority shall first publicly advertise for bids therefor, and shall award the contract to the lowest responsible bidder; provided, however, that such advertising shall not be required when the contract to be entered into is one for the furnishing or performing of services of a professional nature, or when the purchase is to be made through or by the Director of the Division of Purchase and Property pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1959, c.40 (C.52:27B-56.1), or through a contract made by any of the following: the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority established under section 4 of P.L.1971, c.137 (C.5:10-4); the Hackensack Meadowlands Development Commission established under section 5 of P.L.1968, c.404 (C.13:17-5); the New Jersey Highway Authority established under section 4 of P.L.1952, c.16 (C.27:12B-4); the New Jersey Turnpike Authority established under section 3 of P.L.1948, c.454 (C.27:23-3); the New Jersey Water Supply Authority established under section 4 of P.L.1981, c.293 (C.58:1B-4); the South Jersey Transportation Authority established under section 4 of P.L.1991, c.252 (C.27:25A-4); the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey established under R.S.32:1-4; and the Delaware River Port Authority established under R.S.32:3-2. Waiver of bid advertising and of actual bidding shall be made by resolution of the authority for those goods, services, and contracts described in sections 4 and 5 of P.L.1954, c.48 (C.52:34-9 and 52:34-10).
This subsection shall not prevent the authority from having any work done by its own employees, nor shall it apply when the safety or protection of its or other public property requires. In the case of exigency or emergency, the authority shall, by resolution passed by the affirmative vote of a majority of its members, declare the exigency or emergency to exist, and set forth in the resolution the nature thereof and the approximate amount to be so expended.
b. Commencing in the fifth year after the year in which P.L.1999, c.440 takes effect, and every five years thereafter, the Governor, in consultation with the Department of the Treasury, shall adjust the threshold amount set forth in subsection a. of this section, or the threshold amount resulting from any adjustment under this subsection, in direct proportion to the rise or fall of the index rate as that term is defined in section 2 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-2), and shall round the adjustment to the nearest $1,000. The Governor shall, no later than June 1 of every fifth year, notify the authority of the adjustment. The adjustment shall become effective July 1 of the year in which it is made.
c. The authority, in the exercise of its power to make purchases and enter into contracts, leases and agreements necessary or incidental to the performance of its duties and the execution of its powers, shall adopt standing operating rules and procedures providing that, subject to subsections a. and b. of this section, for purchases, contracts, leases and agreements payable exclusively with or out of funds transferred from the Higher Education Student Assistance Fund, the purchases, contracts, leases and agreements shall be subject to the authority's sole approval. Approval of the purchases, contracts, leases, and agreements shall not be required by any other department, division, board, bureau, agency, office or officer of the State.
d. The authority, without advertising for bids, or after having rejected all bids obtained pursuant to advertising therefor, may purchase any materials, supplies or equipment pursuant to a contract or contracts for the materials, supplies or equipment entered into on behalf of the State. Any department, division, commission, board, bureau, agency, office or officer of the State may, by joint action with the authority, purchase any articles used or needed by the State and the authority.
e. Records subject to the record retention requirements set forth under 20 U.S.C.s.1071 et seq., 20 U.S.C.s.1070c et seq., and 20 U.S.C.s.1104 et seq. and implementing regulations and rules shall not be "public records" for purposes of the "Destruction of Public Records Law (1953)," P.L.1953, c.410 (C.47: 3-15 et seq.), notwithstanding the provisions of any law to the contrary.
f. The executive director shall have the power to approve of travel consistent with Office of Management and Budget travel regulations, except that for travel that is payable exclusively with or out of funds transferred from the Higher Education Student Assistance Fund, no approval shall be required by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.
106. Section 1 of P.L.1996, c.16 (C.52:34-6.1) is amended to read as follows:
C.52:34-6.1 Purchase of goods, services from Federal Supply Schedules for State agencies.
1. Notwithstanding the provisions of P.L.1954, c.48 (C.52:34-6 et seq.) to the contrary, the Director of the Division of Purchase and Property in the Department of the Treasury shall promulgate the Federal Supply Schedules of the Federal General Services Administration pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.) as an alternate price guide for the purchase of goods and services for State agencies and for the entities defined in section 1 of P.L.1959, c.40 (C.52:27B-56.1), subject to the following conditions:
(1) the price of the goods or services being procured is no greater than the price offered to federal agencies;
(2) the Federal Supply Schedules may be used only for purchases of up to $500,000 per year or for one product unit at any price and only for reprographic equipment or services, including digital copiers, used by the State;
(3) the State receives the benefit of federally mandated price reductions during the term of the contract and is protected from price increases during that time; and
(4) the price of the goods or services being procured is no greater than the price of the same or equivalent goods or services under the State contract, unless the State determines that because of factors other than price, selection of a vendor from the Federal Supply Schedules would be more advantageous to the State.
107. Section 2 of P.L.1996, c.16 (C.52:34-6.3) is amended to read as follows:
C.52:34-6.3 Purchase of goods, services by certain State authorities from Federal Supply Schedules.
2. Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law to the contrary, the State authorities authorized to contract independently under various provisions of State law may also use, without advertising for bids, or having rejected all bids obtained pursuant to advertising, the Federal Supply Schedules of the General Services Administration, promulgated by the Director of the Division of Purchase and Property in the Department of the Treasury pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1996, c.16 (C.52:34-6.1), subject to the following conditions:
(1) the price of the goods or services being procured is no greater than the price offered to federal agencies;
(2) the Federal Supply Schedules may be used only for purchases of up to $500,000 per year or for one product unit at any price and only for reprographic equipment or services, including digital copiers, used by the authority;
(3) the authority receives the benefit of federally mandated price reductions during the term of the contract and is protected from price increases during that time;
(4) the price of the goods or services being procured is no greater than the price of the same or equivalent goods or services under the State contract, unless the authority determines that because of factors other than price, selection of a vendor from the Federal Supply Schedules would be more advantageous to the authority;
(5) a copy of the purchase order relating to any such contract, the requisition or request for purchase order, if applicable, and documentation identifying the price of the goods or services under the Federal Supply Schedules shall be filed with the State Treasurer within five working days of the award of any such contract by the authority. The authority shall make available to the State Treasurer upon request any other documents relating to the solicitation and award of the contract.
Repealer.
108. The following are repealed:
N.J.S.2C:27-7
P.L.1972, c.112 (C.40A:11-12.1 to 40A:11-12.6)
N.J.S.18A:18A-38
N.J.S.18A:18A-39
Section 1 of P.L.1981, c.186 (C.18A:18A-42.1)
109. This act shall take effect 90 days after enactment.
Approved January 18, 2000.