An Assembly committee on Monday advanced a bill supported by NJBIA, to modernize county college contract law to ensure the lowest bidder does not automatically win a contract if the college has had a prior negative experience with that contractor.
Bill A-5502, sponsored by Assemblywoman Heather Simmons (D-3), was unanimously released by the Assembly Higher Education Committee. The bill is also strongly supported by the New Jersey Council of County Colleges, which testified in support of the legislation.
The bill would update county college contracts law to align with changes made recently to state college procurement law, including allowing for the automatic disqualification of bidders whom the college has had a negative experience with in the prior 15 years, such as defaulting on a prior contract or providing unsatisfactory service delivery.
Under the bill, the disqualification process would include written notice to the bidder and an opportunity for a hearing where mitigating factors could be considered, such as the business being under new ownership.
NJBIA Vice President of Government Affairs Althea D. Ford said the bill would enable the community college procurement process to run more efficiently and cost-effectively.
