AB 166

Current law generally authorizes state agencies to purchase materials,

supplies, or equipment under certain circumstances. With some exceptions,

purchases for which the estimated cost exceeds $50,000 require bids to be invited or

sealed proposals to be solicited and the order must be awarded to the lowest

responsible bidder or most competitive sealed proposal. In determining the lowest

responsible bidder the agency must consider the location of the agency, the quantities

of the articles to be supplied, the conformity of the bids with the specifications in the

invitation to bid, and the purpose for which the materials, supplies, or equipment are

required and their delivery date. In determining the most competitive sealed

proposal, the agency must consider factors outlined in the solicitation for competitive

sealed proposals.

This bill creates an exception to these provisions if the Board of Regents of the

University of Wisconsin System (board) is purchasing food. Under this bill, when the

board is considering bids or proposals for the purchase of food, factors other than

price may not comprise more than 50 percent of the total factors used to determine

the lowest bid or most competitive sealed proposal.

Current law also provides that if the estimated cost of a purchase is $25,000 or

less, the department may use simplified procedures for making an award. This bill

allows the department to use simplified procedures if the estimated cost of a

purchase is $50,000 or less.