44th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2000

REQUESTING THAT THE LEGISLATIVE FINANCE COMMITTEE AND THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION STUDY THE STATE'S PURCHASING AND CONTRACTING PROCESS.

WHEREAS, New Mexico state government is called upon to provide more and more services each year; and

WHEREAS, as more demands are placed on state agencies, it is vital that the state be able to assure taxpayers of the essential incorruptibility of government; and

WHEREAS, the legislature, and the people, need to be assured that necessary safeguards against fraud, abuse and waste are in place and that state agencies are properly accountable for public funds;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the legislative finance committee and the department of finance and administration be requested to study the procurement and contracting process used by the state; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the study include a review of other states' purchasing and contracting statutes, the Procurement Code, state agency procedures and the department of finance and administration's rules; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the study consider the appropriateness of exempting certain state agencies from central purchasing through the state purchasing office; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the general services department, office of the attorney general and legislative council service be requested to assist in the study; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the study team make an interim report to the legislative finance committee by September 2000 and a final report to the legislature by January 2001; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the director of the legislative finance committee, the director of the legislative council service, the attorney general, the governor, the secretary of finance and administration and the secretary of general services.