MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2024 Regular Session
To: Accountability, Efficiency, Transparency
By: Senator(s) DeBar
AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 61-13-5, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION TO PURCHASE AIRCRAFT FROM THE LOWEST AND BEST BIDDER WITHOUT PUBLISHING OR POSTING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS, PROVIDED AT LEAST TWO COMPETITIVE BIDS HAVE BEEN SOLICITED; TO DELETE THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE PURCHASE BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH SECTIONS 31-7-1 THROUGH 31-7-21; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. Section 61-13-5, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
61-13-5. The purchase of
aircraft to be used for the purpose in this chapter * * * may be made from the lowest and best bidder
without publishing or posting advertisement for bids, provided at least two (2)
competitive bids have been solicited. The Department of Finance and Administration
is hereby exempt from the requirements of Section 27-104-7(2)(f) when procuring
aircraft maintenance, parts, equipment and/or services. It shall be the
responsibility of the Executive Director of the Department of Finance and
Administration to ensure commercially reasonable practices, including
competitive pricing and superb industry maintenance standards. The selection
process of maintenance facility shall consider: their capability and
experience, the scope of work, the cost, and the length of time the aircraft
will be out of service. The process undertaken by the Department of Finance
and Administration for procurement of the maintenance facility shall be
reported to the Public Procurement Review Board.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.