Assembly Actions - Lowercase Senate Actions - UPPERCASE |
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May 09, 2018 | referred to governmental operations delivered to assembly passed senate ordered to third reading cal.1125 committee discharged and committed to rules |
Jan 03, 2018 | referred to finance |
Jun 21, 2017 | committed to rules |
May 22, 2017 | amended on third reading (t) 3984a |
May 01, 2017 | advanced to third reading |
Apr 26, 2017 | 2nd report cal. |
Apr 25, 2017 | 1st report cal.623 |
Jan 31, 2017 | referred to finance |
senate Bill S3984
Enacts the "New York state procurement integrity act"; repealer
Sponsored By
John A. DeFrancisco
(R, C, IP) 0 Senate District
Archive: Last Bill Status - Passed Senate
- Introduced
- In Committee
- On Floor Calendar
- Passed Senate
- Passed Assembly
- Delivered to Governor
- Signed/Vetoed by Governor
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Votes
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May 9, 2018 - floor Vote
S3984A602floor60Aye2Nay0Absent1Excused0Abstained-
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Floor Vote: May 9, 2018
aye (60)- Addabbo
- Akshar
- Alcantara
- Amedore
- Avella
- Bailey
- Benjamin
- Bonacic
- Boyle
- Breslin
- Brooks
- Carlucci
- Comrie
- Croci
- DeFrancisco
- Dilan
- Felder
- Flanagan
- Gallivan
- Gianaris
- Golden
- Griffo
- Hamilton
- Hannon
- Helming
- Hoylman-Sigal
- Jacobs
- Kaminsky
- Kavanagh
- Kennedy
- Krueger
- Lanza
- Larkin
- LaValle
- Little
- Marcellino
- Marchione
- Mayer
- Montgomery
- Murphy
- O'Mara
- Ortt
- Parker
- Peralta
- Persaud
- Phillips
- Ranzenhofer
- Ritchie
- Rivera
- Robach
- Sanders
- Sepúlveda
- Serino
- Serrano
- Seward
- Stavisky
- Stewart-Cousins
- Tedisco
- Valesky
- Young
excused (1)
May 9, 2018 - Rules committee Vote
S3984A222committee22Aye2Nay1Aye with Reservations0Absent0Excused0Abstained-
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Committee Vote: May 9, 2018
aye (22)aye wr (1)
Apr 25, 2017 - Finance committee Vote
S3984320committee32Aye0Nay2Aye with Reservations0Absent3Excused0Abstained-
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Finance Committee Vote: Apr 25, 2017
aye (32)
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Co-Sponsors
Tony Avella
(D) 0 Senate District
Jamaal T. Bailey
(D) 36th Senate District
John J. Bonacic
(R, C, IP) 0 Senate District
Phil Boyle
(R) 0 Senate District
- view additional co-sponsors
Neil D. Breslin
(D, WF) 46th Senate District
David Carlucci
(D) 0 Senate District
Rich Funke
(R, C, IP) 0 Senate District
Patrick M. Gallivan
(R, C) 60th Senate District
Joseph A. Griffo
(R, C) 53rd Senate District
Kemp Hannon
(R, C, IP) 0 Senate District
Pamela Helming
(R, C, IP) 54th Senate District
Todd Kaminsky
(D) 0 Senate District
Liz Krueger
(D, WF) 28th Senate District
George Latimer
(D) 0 Senate District
Kathleen A. Marchione
(R, C, IP) 0 Senate District
Velmanette Montgomery
(D) 0 Senate District
Thomas F. O'Mara
(R, C) 58th Senate District
Kevin S. Parker
(D, WF) 21st Senate District
Jose Peralta
(D, WF) 0 Senate District
Elaine Phillips
(R) 0 Senate District
Daniel L. Squadron
(D, WF) 0 Senate District
James Tedisco
(R, C) 44th Senate District
S3984 - Details
- See Assembly Version of this Bill:
- A6355
- Law Section:
- State Finance Law
- Laws Affected:
- Amd §§112 & 139-b, add §§148, 139-l, 139-m & 139-n, St Fin L; amd §§355, 373 & 6218, rpld §6283, Ed L; amd §2879, add §2882, Art 1 Title 3 §§10 - 13, Pub Auth L; amd §§141, 142, 143 & 146, Ec Dev L
S3984 - Sponsor Memo
BILL NUMBER: S3984 Revised 05/22/17 TITLE OF BILL : An act to amend the state finance law and the education law, in relation to enacting the "New York state procurement integrity act"; and to repeal section 6283 of the education law relating to procurements of the fund (Part A); to amend the public authorities law, in relation to requiring public authorities to comply with certain provisions of the state finance law relating to procurements (Part B); to amend the public authorities law, in relation to prohibiting certain third party contracts (Part C); to amend the state finance law, in relation to authorizing state comptroller to oversee certain contracts of the research foundation of the state university of New York (Part D); to amend the state finance law and the public authorities law, in relation to disqualifications of state and state authority contractors, prohibiting conflicts of interest by state officers and employees in state procurements; prohibiting conflicts of interest by state authority board members, officers and employees in authority procurements; requiring certification by state officers and employees of no undue influence; requiring certification by state authority board members, officers and employees of no undue influence; and establishing a state contractor and state authority contractor code of business ethics and conduct (Part E); and to amend the economic development law, in relation to expanding requirements for state authorities to publish procurement opportunities (Part F)
PURPOSE : The purpose of this legislation is to enhance the integrity, transparency and accountability of the State's procurement process by: o Expanding the State Comptroller's oversight of the procurement process to include contracts in excess of one million dollars awarded by the SUNY Research Foundation. o Prohibiting state contracting through state-affiliated not-for-profit (NFP) entities unless explicitly authorized in law. o Strengthening ethical requirements for state procurement officials. o Standardizing the contracting process used for all State authorities spending State money by applying uniform procurement rules. o Increasing procurement transparency for vendors and the public at each stage of the process. JUSTIFICATION : The recent criminal charges filed by the US Attorney and the Attorney General relating to the way the upstate economic development programs have been managed are a troubling reminder that the lack of independent oversight for procurements creates an environment ripe for corruption, bid rigging and kickbacks. Billions of state dollars are being funneled by State agencies and authorities to third party entities of the agencies' or authorities' own creation, allowing for the circumvention of longstanding checks and balances that protect taxpayers and ensure a level playing field for bidders. Further, billions of additional State dollars are being spent under contracts that no longer benefit from independent review. An effective antidote to self-dealing in government procurement is independent oversight of State contracting and spending. Historically, the Office of the State Comptroller (OSC) has performed this essential oversight function, but in recent years OSC's ability to do so has been eroded by executive and legislative action. PART A : Restore the State Comptroller's independent oversight of certain contracts of the State University of New York, the City University of New York. Part A of the bill amends the State Finance Law and the Education Law to restore OSC contract oversight over SUNY, CUNY and OGS contracts, while increasing the flexibility threshold for SUNY and CUNY to 250 thousand dollars from 20 thousand dollars while maintaining the ability to negotiate for even higher thresholds for contract approval with OSC. It also requires that SUNY's use of any non-profit corporation be for academic objects or purposes only, and that all such contracts continue to be reviewed and approved by OSC. OSC oversight is restored for several categories of contracts where such oversight was eliminated in 2011 and 2012, including: *All SUNY and CUNY construction and construction related services contracts (e.g. architects and engineers); all contracts for commodities, including computer equipment; and printing. *All SUNY Construction Fund and CUNY Construction Fund contracts for construction and construction-related services; all other services; and all commodities. The rationale for eliminating the Comptroller's oversight in 2011 was that it slowed critical procurements. But the data collected since that time clearly shows this is not true; on average, OSC spends approximately nine days to complete its work for more than 20,000 transactions reviewed annually. The agency procurement process itself may take several weeks or months. The limited additional time for independent oversight to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being spent appropriately is well worth it, as demonstrated in the following examples where OSC pre-review authority was eliminated: *A SUNY Downstate Medical Center consultant contract failed to include important cost controls, which resulted in over-spending and questionable decision-making, including pricey hotel rooms, inappropriate meal expenses, limousine drivers and extensive spending on alcoholic beverages. *Another SUNY Downstate Medical Center contract for healthcare information technology (IT) services was not bid competitively, resulting in up to $1.3 million in costs that could have been avoided. *A $3 million SUNY Stony Brook contract for medical devices was procured without appropriate advertising and bidding in violation of SUNY's own procurement procedures. This was discovered on an OSC payment audit and SUNY is now rebidding the contract. For those state contracts where OSC independent oversight remains in place, OSC has found excessive bill rates, costs for charges outside the contract scope, vendors with unresolved allegations of fraud and other serious misconduct, and vendors who plainly attempt to circumvent state law. For example, OSC rejected an Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services contract with a vendor whose senior management were arrested on fraud and money laundering charges. OSC rejected the contract a second time when the agency resubmitted it and OSC found that the new executives and a board member were also charged. In another circumstance, SUNY Stony Brook requested a contract be reassigned to a new vendor. OSC found the original vendor had significant tax liens, and the new company was owned by the original vendor's daughter, operating from the same address, in what appeared to be an attempt by the original vendor to avoid tax liabilities. OSC declined to approve the contract assignment. OSC contract pre-review and approval ensures that the State of New York is only doing business with responsible vendors. PART B : Ensure State authorities adopt best practice procurement procedures based on those in place for State agencies. Part B of the bill amends the Public Authorities Law to require State authorities to adopt procurement guidelines that are consistent with those required for state agencies, unless otherwise permitted by law. OSC then, pursuant to its authority under Public Authorities Law section 2879a, could review those contracts subject to its oversight against these standardized guidelines, determining, as necessary, the consistency of the authority's guidelines with the procurement procedures required for state agencies. In addition, OSC and the Authorities Budget Office has the ability under existing law to conduct performance audits of authorities, and thus also could have the ability to assess whether an authority's guidelines were achieving the required degree of standardization. At present, State authorities generally follow their own guidelines for conducting procurements. These guidelines vary from authority to authority and usually are approved only by the authority's board of directors. In light of the recent criminal charges alleging favoritism and potential bid rigging in contracting by State authorities and related entities, the establishment of standardized practices to ensure transparency and restore public confidence is imperative. State law prescribes best practice processes for agency procurements, including: requiring open competition when practicable; ensuring a level playing field for bidders with standard advertising and evaluation criteria; the opportunity for losing vendors to be debriefed on awards; determining whether the price is reasonable based on the type of procurement; ensuring vendors comply with appropriate worker protections such as prevailing wage, workers' compensation and disability insurance, and equal employment/nondiscrimination requirements; and confirming that vendors are responsible and responsive and deserve to participate in state contracting. PART C : Prohibit the use of state-affiliated not-for-profit (NFP) entities for State contracting unless explicitly authorized in law or subject to the approval of the State Comptroller. Part C of the bill amends the Public Authorities law to prohibit public authorities from entering into or extending third party contracts or agreements with NFP entities where the primary purpose is to act as a conduit for state procurement initiatives, including economic development. The Comptroller is authorized to issue regulations to enforce this section and define those contract types that are prohibited. Billions of dollars of state money is flowing through entities that have been created outside the State's normal statutory structure, removed from view of both the public and independent oversight agencies. The results have been predictable: exploitation of these organizations by self-serving public and private individuals, and their eventual indictment for a host of charges related to fraud and abuse of this alternative procurement system. Proliferation of this kind of public contracting cannot continue. This bill would prohibit public authorities from using these state-affiliated NFPs for this purpose unless expressly authorized by the Legislature to do so. PART D : Require OSC pre-approval of SUNY Research Foundation contracts greater than 51 million that include State monies. Part D of the bill amends the State Finance Law to extend OSC contract oversight to the SUNY Research Foundation where state funding is involved. The proposed approval threshold is identical to that for public authorities. The recent alleged bid-rigging and other schemes involve entities affiliated with the SUNY Research Foundation. Enhanced oversight will provide much needed sunshine on an organization responsible for stewardship of billions in state funding. While the SUNY Research Foundation and other similar organizations at campuses around the state provide a means to manage ongoing federal and private grants, taxpayers deserve to know how their state funds are being spent and that the contracting process is fair and in their best interest. This provision will subject State moneys managed by the SUNY Research Foundation to additional oversight, ensuring sound contracting practices are followed. Strengthen requirements on the ethical performance by state officials and vendors. PART E : Increase transparency of contract opportunities and results through the Procurement Opportunities Newsletter. Part E of the bill amends the Economic Development Law to expand the requirements for agencies and public authorities to publish public information about procurement opportunities for the benefit of vendors and the public. At present, agencies and authorities must advertise most contract opportunities in the Procurement Opportunities Newsletter (also known as the Contract Reporter), which is widely used by the vendor community to learn of and compete for state business. This helps the State notify the widest pool of vendors and creates transparency and robust, fair competition. In addition, when an agency intends to conduct a single source or sole source procurement, they must obtain from OSC an exemption from advertising and thereafter must place a notice of the selected vendor in the Procurement Opportunities Newsletter. New provisions would expand the use of the Procurement Opportunities Newsletter to enhance transparency and strengthen procurements in New York by requiring agencies to place notice of all requests for exemption from advertising procurements in the Procurement Opportunities Newsletter 15 days before they seek such an exemption and before they award a contract. Authorities would also be required to advertise noncompetitive procurements in the Procurement Opportunities Newsletter 15 days prior to award. Such notice would provide opportunity for other potential vendors to identify themselves and enhance the state's position in finding a qualified vendor at the best price. PART F : Part F of the bill amends the State Finance Law and the Public Authorities Law to strengthen ethical requirements for state procurement officials. Specifically, the bill would: *Create specific requirements for state officials to recuse themselves from any conflict of interest in writing and include that recusal in the procurement record. Currently, while officials are expected to recuse themselves when they face a conflict of interest in their official duties, there are no explicit guidelines to ensure transparency and compliance. These proposed changes would reduce potential abuse and increase transparency. FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE : This bill may require additional resources for the State Comptroller to take on expanded oversight of contracts depending upon future workload.
S3984 - Bill Text download pdf
S T A T E O F N E W Y O R K ________________________________________________________________________ 3984 2017-2018 Regular Sessions I N S E N A T E January 31, 2017 ___________ Introduced by Sens. DeFRANCISCO, BONACIC -- (at request of the State Comptroller) -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Finance AN ACT to amend the state finance law and the education law, in relation to enacting the "New York state procurement integrity act"; and to repeal section 6283 of the education law relating to procurements of the fund (Part A); to amend the public authorities law, in relation to requiring public authorities to comply with certain provisions of the state finance law relating to procurements (Part B); to amend the public authorities law, in relation to prohibiting certain third party contracts (Part C); to amend the state finance law, in relation to authorizing state comptroller to oversee certain contracts of the research foundation of the state university of New York (Part D); to amend the state finance law and the public authorities law, in relation to disqualifications of state and state authority contrac- tors, prohibiting conflicts of interest by state officers and employ- ees in state procurements; prohibiting conflicts of interest by state authority board members, officers and employees in authority procure- ments; requiring certification by state officers and employees of no undue influence; requiring certification by state authority board members, officers and employees of no undue influence; and establish- ing a state contractor and state authority contractor code of business ethics and conduct (Part E); and to amend the economic development law, in relation to expanding requirements for state authorities to publish procurement opportunities (Part F) THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM- BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. This act enacts into law major components of legislation which are necessary to implement the New York state procurement integri- ty act. Each component is wholly contained within a Part identified as Parts A through F. The effective date for each particular provision EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets [ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD07080-02-7 S. 3984 2 contained within such Part is set forth in the last section of such Part. Any provision in any section contained within a Part, including the effective date of the Part, which makes a reference to a section "of this act," when used in connection with that particular component, shall be deemed to mean and refer to the corresponding section of the Part in which it is found. Section three of this act sets forth the general effective date of this act. PART A Section 1. Paragraph (a) of subdivision 2 of section 112 of the state finance law, as amended by section 18 of part L of chapter 55 of the laws of 2012, is amended to read as follows: (a) Before any contract made for or by any state agency, department, board, officer, commission, or institution, except the office of general services, shall be executed or become effective, whenever such contract exceeds fifty thousand dollars in amount and before any contract made for or by the office of general services shall be executed or become effective, whenever such contract exceeds eighty-five thousand dollars in amount, it shall first be approved by the comptroller and filed in his or her office, [with the exception of contracts established as a centralized contract through the office of general services and purchase orders or other procurement transactions issued under such centralized contracts. The] PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT THE comptroller shall make a final written determination with respect to approval of such contract within ninety days of the submission of such contract to his or her office unless the comptroller shall notify, in writing, the state agen- cy, department, board, officer, commission, or institution, prior to the expiration of the ninety day period, and for good cause, of the need for an extension of not more than fifteen days, or a reasonable period of time agreed to by such state agency, department, board, officer, commis- sion, or institution and provided, further, that such written determi- nation or extension shall be made part of the procurement record pursu- ant to paragraph f of subdivision one of section one hundred sixty-three of this chapter. § 2. Subdivisions 5 and 6 of section 355 of the education law, as amended by section 1 of subpart B of part D of chapter 58 of the laws of 2011, paragraph a of subdivision 5 as amended by section 31 of part L of chapter 55 of the laws of 2012, are amended to read as follows: 5. Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision two of section one hundred twelve and sections one hundred fifteen, one hundred sixty-one, and one hundred sixty-three of the state finance law and sections three and six of the New York state printing and public documents law or any other law to the contrary, the state university trustees are authorized and empowered to: a. (i) purchase materials, proprietary electronic information resources including but not limited to academic, professional, and industry journals, reference handbooks and manuals, research tracking tools, indexes and abstracts, equipment and supplies, including computer equipment and motor vehicles, WHERE THE AMOUNT FOR A SINGLE PURCHASE DOES NOT EXCEED FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS, (ii) execute contracts for SERVICES AND construction [and construction-related services] contracts TO AN AMOUNT NOT EXCEEDING FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS, and (iii) contract for printing TO AN AMOUNT NOT EXCEEDING FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS, without prior approval by any other state officer or agency, but subject to rules and regulations OR GUIDELINES of the state comptroller not other- S. 3984 3 wise inconsistent with the provisions of this section and in accordance with guidelines promulgated by the state university board of trustees after consultation with the state comptroller. IN ADDITION, THE TRUS- TEES, AFTER CONSULTATION WITH THE COMMISSIONER OF GENERAL SERVICES, ARE AUTHORIZED TO ANNUALLY NEGOTIATE WITH THE STATE COMPTROLLER INCREASES IN THE AFOREMENTIONED DOLLAR LIMITS AND THE EXEMPTION OF ANY ARTICLES, CATEGORIES OF ARTICLES OR COMMODITIES FROM THESE LIMITS. GUIDELINES PROMULGATED BY THE STATE UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES SHALL, TO THE EXTENT PRACTICABLE, REQUIRE THAT COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS BE SOLICITED FOR PURCHASES, AND SHALL INCLUDE REQUIREMENTS THAT PURCHASES AND CONTRACTS AUTHORIZED UNDER THIS SECTION BE AT THE LOWEST AVAILABLE PRICE, INCLUD- ING CONSIDERATION OF PRICES AVAILABLE THROUGH OTHER STATE AGENCIES, CONSISTENT WITH QUALITY REQUIREMENTS, AND AS WILL BEST PROMOTE THE PUBLIC INTEREST. SUCH PURCHASES MAY BE MADE DIRECTLY FROM ANY CONTRACTOR PURSUANT TO ANY CONTRACT FOR COMMODITIES LET BY THE OFFICE OF GENERAL SERVICES OR ANY OTHER STATE AGENCY; [a-1. execute contracts for services to an amount not exceeding twenty thousand dollars without prior approval by any other state officer or agency, but subject to rules and regulations of the state comptroller not otherwise inconsistent with the provisions of this section and in accordance with the guidelines promulgated by the state university board of trustees after consultation with the state comptroller. In addition, the trustees, after consultation with the commissioner of general services, are authorized to annually negotiate with the state comp- troller increases in the aforementioned dollar limits and the exemption of any services or categories of services from these limits;] b. to establish cash advance accounts for the purpose of purchasing materials, supplies, or services, for cash advances for travel expenses and per diem allowances, or for advance payment of wages and salary. The account may be used to purchase such materials, supplies, or services where the amount of a single purchase does not exceed [one thousand] TWO HUNDRED FIFTY dollars, in accordance with such guidelines as shall be prescribed by the state university trustees after consultation with the state comptroller; c. establish guidelines in consultation with the commissioner of general services authorizing participation by the state university in programs administered by the office of general services for the purchase of available New York state food products. The commissioner of general services shall provide assistance to the state university necessary to enable the university to participate in these programs; d. award contract extensions for campus transportation without compet- itive bidding where such contracts were secured either through compet- itive bidding or through evaluation of proposals IN RESPONSE TO A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS, however such extensions may be rejected if the amount to be paid to the contractor in any year of such proposed exten- sion fails to reflect any decrease in the regional consumer price index for the New York, New York-Northeastern, New Jersey area, based upon the index for all urban consumers (CPI-U) during the preceding twelve-month period. At the time of any contract extension, consideration shall be given to any competitive proposal offered by a public transportation agency. Such contract may be increased for each year of the contract extension by an amount not to exceed the regional consumer price index increase for the New York, New York-Northeastern, New Jersey area, based upon the index for all urban consumers (CPI-U), during the preceding twelve-month period, provided it has been satisfactorily established by S. 3984 4 the contractor that there has been at least an equivalent increase in the amount of his cost of operation, during the period of the contract. [e. guidelines promulgated by the state university board of trustees shall, to the extent practicable, require that competitive proposals be solicited for purchases, and shall include requirements that purchases and contracts authorized under this section be at the lowest available price, including consideration of prices available through other state agencies, consistent with quality requirements, and as will best promote the public interest. Such purchases may be made directly from any contractor pursuant to any contract for commodities let by the office of general services or any other state agency.] 6. To enter into any contract or agreement deemed necessary or advis- able after consultation with appropriate state agencies for carrying out the objects and purposes of state university without prior review or approval by any state officer or agency other than the state comptroller and the attorney general including contracts with non-profit corpo- rations organized by officers, employees, alumni or students of state university for the furtherance of its ACADEMIC objects and purposes. Contracts or agreements entered into with the federal government to enable participation in federal student loan programs, including any and all instruments required thereunder, shall not be subject to the requirements of section forty-one of the state finance law; provided, however, that the state shall not be liable for any portion of any defaults which it has agreed to assume pursuant to any such agreement in an amount in excess of money appropriated or otherwise lawfully avail- able therefor at the time the liability for payment arises. [The forego- ing notwithstanding, any contract made for or by the state university for the purchase of: (i) materials, equipment and supplies, including computer equipment; (ii) motor vehicles; (iii) construction and construction-related services contracts; and (iv) printing shall not be subject to prior approval by any other state officer or agency.] § 3. Paragraph b of subdivision 16 of section 355 of the education law, as amended by section 1 of subpart C of part D of chapter 58 of the laws of 2011, is amended to read as follows: b. Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision two of section one hundred twelve of the state finance law[,] RELATING TO THE DOLLAR THRES- HOLD REQUIRING THE COMPTROLLER'S APPROVAL OF CONTRACTS, subdivision six of section one hundred sixty-three of the state finance law [and section sixty-three of the executive law (i)] authorize contracts for the purchase of goods for state university health care facilities [without prior approval by any other state officer or agency,] including contracts for joint or group purchasing arrangements of goods, in accordance with procedures and requirements found in paragraph a of subdivision five of this section[, and (ii) authorize contracts for services] which do not exceed seventy-five thousand dollars [without prior approval by any other state officer or agency in accordance with procedures and requirements found in paragraph a of subdivision five of this section]. Contracts authorized pursuant to this paragraph shall be subject to article fourteen of the civil service law and the applicable provisions of agreements between the state and employee organizations pursuant to article fourteen of the civil service law. The trustees are authorized to negotiate annually with the state comp- troller increases in the aforementioned dollar limits. § 4. Subdivision 12 of section 373 of the education law, as amended by section 2 of subpart A of part D of chapter 58 of the laws of 2011, is amended to read as follows: S. 3984 5 12. To procure and execute contracts, lease agreements, and all other instruments necessary or convenient for the exercise of its corporate powers and the fulfillment of its corporate purposes under this article. [Notwithstanding subdivision two of section one hundred twelve of the state finance law or any other law to the contrary, fund procurements shall not be subject to the prior approval of any state officer or agen- cy;] § 5. Subdivisions a and a-1 of section 6218 of the education law, subdivision a as amended and subdivision a-1 as added by section 2 of subpart B of part D of chapter 58 of the laws of 2011, subparagraph (i) of paragraph 1 of subdivision a as amended by section 33 of part L of chapter 55 of the laws of 2012, are amended to read as follows: a. Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision two of section one hundred twelve and sections one hundred fifteen, one hundred sixty-one and one hundred sixty-three of the state finance law and sections three and six of the New York state printing and public documents law or any other law to the contrary, the city university is authorized and empowered to: [(1)] (i) purchase materials; proprietary electronic information resources, including, but not limited to, academic, professional and industry journals, reference handbooks and manuals, research tracking tools, indexes and abstracts; and equipment and supplies, including computer equipment and motor vehicles, WHERE THE AMOUNT FOR A SINGLE PURCHASE DOES NOT EXCEED FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS, (ii) execute contracts for [construction and construction-related services contracts] SERVICES TO AN AMOUNT NOT EXCEEDING FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS, and (iii) contract for printing TO AN AMOUNT NOT EXCEEDING FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS, without prior approval by any other state officer or agency, but subject to rules and regulations OR GUIDELINES of the state comptroller not other- wise inconsistent with the provisions of this section and in accordance with the guidelines promulgated by the city university board of trustees after consultation with the state comptroller. IN ADDITION, THE TRUS- TEES ARE AUTHORIZED TO ANNUALLY NEGOTIATE WITH THE STATE COMPTROLLER INCREASES IN THE AFOREMENTIONED DOLLAR LIMITS AND THE EXEMPTION OF ANY ARTICLES, CATEGORIES OF ARTICLES OR COMMODITIES FROM THESE LIMITS. GUIDELINES PROMULGATED BY THE CITY UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES SHALL, TO THE EXTENT PRACTICABLE, REQUIRE THAT COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS BE SOLIC- ITED FOR PURCHASES, AND SHALL INCLUDE REQUIREMENTS THAT PURCHASES AND CONTRACTS AUTHORIZED UNDER THIS SECTION BE AT THE LOWEST POSSIBLE PRICE. [(2) execute contracts for services to an amount not exceeding twenty thousand dollars without prior approval by any other state officer or agency, but subject to rules and regulations of the state comptroller not otherwise inconsistent with the provisions of this section and in accordance with the guidelines promulgated by the city university board of trustees after consultation with the state comptroller. In addition, the trustees, after consultation with the commissioner of general services, are authorized to annually negotiate with the state comp- troller increases in the aforementioned dollar limits and the exemption of any services or categories of services from these limits. a-1. Guidelines promulgated by the city university board of trustees shall, to the extent practicable, require that competitive proposals be solicited for purchases, and shall include requirements that purchases and contracts authorized under this section be at the lowest available price.] § 6. Section 6283 of the education law is REPEALED. S. 3984 6 § 7. This act shall take effect immediately; provided, however, that the amendments to subdivisions 5 and 6 and paragraph b of subdivision 16 of section 355, subdivision 12 of section 373, and subdivisions a and a-1 of section 6218 of the education law made by sections two, three, four and five of this act shall not affect the expiration of such provisions pursuant to section 4 of subpart B of part D of chapter 58 of the laws of 2011, as amended, and shall be deemed to expire therewith. PART B Section 1. Subdivision 1 of section 2879 of the public authorities law, as amended by chapter 564 of the laws of 1988, is amended to read as follows: 1. Every public authority and public benefit corporation, a majority of the members of which consist of persons either appointed by the governor or who serve as members by virtue of holding a civil office of the state, or a combination thereof, (such entities to be hereinafter in this section referred to as "corporation") shall adopt by resolution comprehensive guidelines CONSISTENT WITH THE METHODS OF EVALUATING BIDS AND PROPOSALS AND AWARDING OF CONTRACTS AUTHORIZED BY SECTIONS ONE HUNDRED THIRTY-SIX-A, ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-THREE AND ONE HUNDRED SIXTY- THREE-A OF THE STATE FINANCE LAW AND SUBDIVISION SIX OF SECTION EIGHT OF THE PUBLIC BUILDINGS LAW, UNLESS EXPRESSLY AUTHORIZED OTHERWISE BY LAW, which detail the corporation's operative policy and instructions regard- ing the use, awarding, monitoring and reporting of procurement contracts. Guidelines approved by the corporation shall be annually reviewed and approved by the corporation. § 2. This act shall take effect immediately. PART C Section 1. The public authorities law is amended by adding a new section 2882 to read as follows: § 2882. THIRD PARTY CONTRACTING PROHIBITED. 1. NO STATE AUTHORITY SHALL ENTER INTO A CONTRACT OR AGREEMENT OR EXTEND AN EXISTING CONTRACT OR AGREEMENT WITH ANOTHER ENTITY, UNLESS AUTHORIZED BY SPECIAL ACT OF THE LEGISLATURE, (I) WHERE THE EXCLUSIVE OR PRIMARY ROLE OF SUCH ENTITY UNDER THE CONTRACT OR AGREEMENT IS TO PROCURE GOODS OR SERVICES OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, PUBLIC WORK, CONSTRUCTION, ALTER- ATIONS, OR IMPROVEMENTS TO PUBLIC FACILITIES, GRANT CONTRACTS, EMPLOY- MENT CONTRACTS, REVENUE OR CONCESSION CONTRACTS, THE EXCHANGE OF PERSONAL OR REAL PROPERTY, THE EXCHANGE OF SERVICES, OR ANY COMBINATION THEREOF THROUGH A CONTRACT OR AGREEMENT WITH A THIRD PARTY AND (II) WHERE SUCH ENTITY IS ACTING AS A PROCUREMENT CONDUIT, RATHER THAN BEING DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE GOODS OR SERVICES. 2. THE COMPTROLLER MAY PROMULGATE SUCH RULES AND REGULATIONS AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO ENFORCE THIS SECTION, INCLUDING THE STANDARDS FOR DETERMIN- ING WHETHER A CONTRACT IS PROHIBITED BY THIS SECTION. § 2. This act shall take effect immediately and shall apply to contracts entered into on and after such date. PART D Section 1. The state finance law is amended by adding a new section 148 to read as follows: S. 3984 7 § 148. COMPTROLLER APPROVAL OF THE RESEARCH FOUNDATION OF THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK CONTRACTS. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER PROVISION OF LAW, BEFORE ANY CONTRACT MADE FOR OR BY THE RESEARCH FOUNDATION OF THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK WHICH IS TO BE PAID IN WHOLE OR IN PART FROM MONIES APPROPRIATED OR ASSIGNED BY THE STATE SHALL BE EXECUTED OR BECOME EFFECTIVE, WHENEVER SUCH CONTRACT EXCEEDS ONE MILLION DOLLARS IN AMOUNT, IT SHALL FIRST BE APPROVED BY THE STATE COMPTROLLER AND FILED IN HIS OR HER OFFICE. THE COMPTROLLER SHALL MAKE A FINAL WRITTEN DETERMI- NATION WITH RESPECT TO APPROVAL OF SUCH CONTRACT WITHIN NINETY DAYS OF THE SUBMISSION OF SUCH CONTRACT TO HIS OR HER OFFICE UNLESS THE COMP- TROLLER SHALL NOTIFY, IN WRITING, THE RESEARCH FOUNDATION OF THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION OF THE NINETY DAY PERIOD, AND FOR GOOD CAUSE, OF THE NEED FOR AN EXTENSION OF NOT MORE THAN FIFTEEN DAYS, OR A REASONABLE PERIOD OF TIME AGREED TO BY THE RESEARCH FOUNDATION OF THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AND PROVIDED, FURTHER, THAT SUCH WRITTEN DETERMINATION OR EXTENSION SHALL BE MADE PART OF THE PROCUREMENT RECORD. § 2. This act shall take effect immediately and shall apply to contracts entered into on and after such date. PART E Section 1. Section 139-b of the state finance law is amended by adding two new subdivisions 3 and 4 to read as follows: 3. A STATE CONTRACTOR MAY BE DISQUALIFIED FROM SELLING TO OR SUBMIT- TING BIDS TO OR RECEIVING AWARDS FROM OR ENTERING INTO ANY CONTRACTS WITH THE STATE OR ANY PUBLIC DEPARTMENT, AGENCY OR OFFICIAL THEREOF, OR ANY STATE AUTHORITY, AS SUCH TERM IS DEFINED IN SECTION TWO OF THE PUBLIC AUTHORITIES LAW, FOR GOODS, WORK OR SERVICES, FOR A KNOWING AND WILLFUL FAILURE BY A PRINCIPAL TO TIMELY DISCLOSE TO THE CONTRACTING STATE ENTITY CREDIBLE EVIDENCE OF FRAUD, CONFLICT OF INTEREST, UNDUE INFLUENCE OR DURESS, IN CONNECTION WITH THE AWARD OR PERFORMANCE OF A STATE CONTRACT. 4. THE OFFICE OF GENERAL SERVICES, UPON BEING NOTIFIED BY A CONTRACT- ING STATE ENTITY OF A POTENTIAL VIOLATION OF SUBDIVISION THREE OF THIS SECTION, SHALL NOTIFY THE STATE CONTRACTOR THAT SUFFICIENT CAUSE EXISTS TO BELIEVE SUCH POTENTIAL VIOLATION HAS OCCURRED AND SHALL PROVIDE THE STATE CONTRACTOR AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE HEARD IN RESPONSE. IN THE EVENT THAT A FINAL DETERMINATION IS MADE THAT THERE HAS BEEN A KNOWING AND WILLFUL VIOLATION BY THE STATE CONTRACTOR, SUCH FINAL DETERMINATION SHALL BE PUBLISHED ON THE OFFICE OF GENERAL SERVICE'S WEBSITE AND SHALL RESULT IN THE STATE CONTRACTOR BEING DISQUALIFIED FROM RECEIVING AWARDS FROM OR ENTERING INTO ANY CONTRACTS WITH THE STATE OR ANY PUBLIC DEPART- MENT, AGENCY OR OFFICIAL THEREOF, OR ANY STATE AUTHORITY, AS SUCH TERM IS DEFINED IN SECTION TWO OF THE PUBLIC AUTHORITIES LAW, FOR GOODS, WORK OR SERVICES FOR A PERIOD OF FIVE YEARS. ANY SUBSEQUENT VIOLATION OF THIS SECTION WILL RESULT IN THE STATE CONTRACTOR BEING PERMANENTLY DISQUALIFIED. § 2. The state finance law is amended by adding three new sections 139-l, 139-m and 139-n to read as follows: § 139-L. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST OF STATE OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES IN STATE PROCUREMENTS; PROHIBITED. (A) NO STATE OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE AS DEFINED IN PUBLIC OFFICERS LAW SECTION SEVENTY-THREE SHALL: 1. HAVE ANY INTEREST, FINANCIAL OR OTHERWISE, DIRECT OR INDIRECT, IN ANY CONTRACT OTHER THAN ONE PERMISSIBLE PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH (A) OF SUBDIVISION FOUR OF SECTION SEVENTY-THREE OF THE PUBLIC OFFICERS LAW; OR S. 3984 8 2. TAKE ANY ACTION OR OTHERWISE INVOLVE HIMSELF OR HERSELF IN ANY ACTIVITY WHICH, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS CHAPTER OR THE PUBLIC OFFICERS LAW, WOULD BE DEEMED A CONFLICT OF INTEREST FOR A STATE OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE THAT MAY REASONABLY BE EXPECTED TO IMPAIR THE OFFICER'S OR EMPLOYEE'S INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT OR ABILITY TO ACT IMPARTIALLY AND IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE STATE, OR THAT MAY REASONABLY CREATE THE APPEARANCE OF IMPROPRIETY THROUGH THE APPEARANCE OF FAVORITISM OR PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT. (B) IF SUCH CONFLICT OF INTEREST EXISTS, THE STATE OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE MUST IMMEDIATELY RECUSE HIMSELF OR HERSELF IN WRITING FROM THE PROCURE- MENT AND SUBMIT SUCH RECUSAL TO THE STATE AGENCY OFFICER IN CHARGE OF PROCUREMENT AND CONTRACTING TO BE INCLUDED IN THE PROCUREMENT RECORD TO THE STATE AGENCY'S ETHICS OFFICER, AND TO THE AGENCY HEAD. § 139-M. STATE OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE CERTIFICATION; NO UNDUE INFLUENCE. EACH STATE OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE AS DEFINED IN PUBLIC OFFICERS LAW SECTION SEVENTY-THREE OR STATE CONSULTANT WHO EXERCISED DISCRETION OR DECISION MAKING IN HOW A STATE CONTRACT WAS ADVERTISED, HOW THE BIDS OR PROPOSALS WERE EVALUATED, HOW THE CONTRACTOR WAS SELECTED, OR WHO SIGNED THE CONTRACT FOR THE AGENCY, SHALL CERTIFY IN WRITING THAT NO UNDUE INFLU- ENCE WAS EXERTED UPON HIM OR HER, AND THAT TO THE BEST OF HIS OR HER KNOWLEDGE THAT THERE IS A REASONABLE BASIS TO BELIEVE THAT THE CONTRACT WAS NOT PROCURED THROUGH FRAUD, DURESS OR UNDUE INFLUENCE. THE CERTIF- ICATION SHALL BECOME PART OF THE PROCUREMENT RECORD. § 139-N. STATE CONTRACTOR CODE OF BUSINESS ETHICS AND CONDUCT. (A) DEFINITIONS. FOR PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION: 1. THE TERM "STATE CONTRACTOR" SHALL MEAN ANY INDIVIDUAL, ORGANIZA- TION, CORPORATION, SOLE PROPRIETORSHIP, PARTNERSHIP, NONPROFIT, JOINT VENTURE, ASSOCIATION, OR ANY COMBINATION THEREOF THAT IS PURSUING OR CONDUCTING BUSINESS WITH AND/OR ON BEHALF OF A STATE AGENCY, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, CONSULTANTS, SUPPLIERS, MANUFACTURERS, AND ANY OTHER VENDORS, BIDDERS OR PROPOSERS. 2. THE TERM "STATE AGENCY" SHALL MEAN ANY STATE DEPARTMENT, OR DIVI- SION, BOARD, COMMISSION, OR BUREAU OF ANY STATE DEPARTMENT. (B) POLICY. STATE CONTRACTORS MUST CONDUCT THEMSELVES WITH THE HIGHEST DEGREE OF INTEGRITY AND HONESTY. NO STATE CONTRACTOR SHOULD TAKE ACTION TO VIOLATE OR CIRCUMVENT STATE PROCUREMENT OR ETHICS LAWS. (C) STATE CONTRACTOR CODE OF BUSINESS ETHICS AND CONDUCT. RULE WITH RESPECT TO CONFLICTS OF INTEREST. NO STATE CONTRACTOR SHOULD HAVE ANY INTEREST, FINANCIAL OR OTHERWISE, DIRECT OR INDIRECT, OR ENGAGE IN ANY BUSINESS OR TRANSACTION OR PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY OR INCUR ANY OBLIGATION OF ANY NATURE, WHICH IS IN SUBSTANTIAL CONFLICT WITH THE PROPER EXECUTION OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER THE STATE CONTRACT. (D) STANDARDS. 1. NO STATE CONTRACTOR SHOULD ENGAGE IN ANY BUSINESS OR PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY WHICH WILL IMPAIR HIS OR HER INDEPENDENCE OF JUDG- MENT IN THE EXERCISE OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER THE STATE CONTRACT. 2. NO STATE CONTRACTOR SHOULD ENGAGE IN ANY BUSINESS OR PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY WHICH WILL REQUIRE HIM OR HER TO DISCLOSE CONFIDENTIAL INFORMA- TION ACQUIRED BY REASON OF PERFORMANCE OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER THE STATE CONTRACT NOR USE SUCH INFORMATION TO FURTHER HIS OR HER PERSONAL INTERESTS. 3. NO STATE CONTRACTOR SHOULD ATTEMPT TO SECURE UNWARRANTED PRIVILEGES OR EXEMPTIONS FOR HIMSELF OR HERSELF OR OTHERS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMIT- ED TO, THE MISAPPROPRIATION TO HIMSELF, HERSELF OR TO OTHERS OF THE PROPERTY, SERVICES OR OTHER RESOURCES OF THE STATE FOR PRIVATE BUSINESS OR OTHER COMPENSATED NON-GOVERNMENTAL PURPOSES. S. 3984 9 4. NO STATE CONTRACTOR SHOULD ENGAGE IN ANY TRANSACTION WITH ANY BUSI- NESS ENTITY IN WHICH HE OR SHE HAS A DIRECT OR INDIRECT FINANCIAL INTER- EST THAT MIGHT REASONABLY TEND TO CONFLICT WITH THE PROPER DISCHARGE OF HIS OR HER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER THE STATE CONTRACT. 5. A STATE CONTRACTOR SHOULD NOT BY HIS OR HER CONDUCT GIVE REASONABLE BASIS FOR THE IMPRESSION THAT ANY PERSON CAN IMPROPERLY INFLUENCE HIM OR HER OR UNDULY ENJOY HIS OR HER FAVOR IN THE PERFORMANCE OF HIS OR HER OFFICIAL DUTIES UNDER THE CONTRACT, OR THAT HE OR SHE IS AFFECTED BY THE KINSHIP, RANK, POSITION OR INFLUENCE OF ANY PARTY OR PERSON. 6. A STATE CONTRACTOR SHOULD ABSTAIN FROM MAKING PERSONAL INVESTMENTS IN ENTERPRISES WHICH HE OR SHE HAS REASON TO BELIEVE MAY BE DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN DECISIONS TO BE MADE BY HIM OR HER OR WHICH WILL OTHERWISE CREATE SUBSTANTIAL CONFLICT BETWEEN HIS OR HER DUTY AND RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER THE STATE CONTRACT AND HIS OR HER PRIVATE INTEREST. 7. A STATE CONTRACTOR SHOULD ENDEAVOR TO PURSUE A COURSE OF CONDUCT WHICH WILL NOT RAISE SUSPICION THAT HE OR SHE IS LIKELY TO BE ENGAGED IN ACTS IN VIOLATION OF STATE PROCUREMENT OR ETHICS LAWS. (E) VIOLATIONS. IN ADDITION TO ANY PENALTY CONTAINED IN ANY OTHER PROVISION OF LAW, A STATE AGENCY MAY, IN ITS DISCRETION, TERMINATE A CONTRACT THAT WAS AWARDED IN VIOLATION OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS SECTION. ANY STATE CONTRACTOR WHO KNOWINGLY AND INTENTIONALLY VIOLATES THE STATE CONTRACTOR CODE OF BUSINESS ETHICS AND CONDUCT SHALL BE SUBJECT TO A CIVIL PENALTY IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS AND THE VALUE OF ANY BENEFIT RECEIVED AS A RESULT OF SUCH VIOLATION. § 3. Article 1 of the public authorities law is amended by adding a new title 3 to read as follows: TITLE 3 ETHICAL STANDARDS FOR STATE AUTHORITIES AND STATE AUTHORITY CONTRACTORS SECTION 10. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST OF STATE AUTHORITY BOARD MEMBERS, OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES IN AUTHORITY PROCUREMENTS; PROHIB- ITED. 11. STATE AUTHORITY BOARD MEMBER, OFFICER AND EMPLOYEE CERTIF- ICATION; NO UNDUE INFLUENCE 12. CODE OF BUSINESS ETHICS AND CONDUCT FOR STATE AUTHORITY CONTRACTORS. 13. STATE AUTHORITY CONTRACTOR DISQUALIFICATION. § 10. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST OF STATE AUTHORITY BOARD MEMBERS, OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES IN AUTHORITY PROCUREMENTS; PROHIBITED. 1. NO STATE AUTHOR- ITY BOARD MEMBER, OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE SHALL WITH RESPECT TO ANY STATE CONTRACT OR STATE AUTHORITY CONTRACT: (A) HAVE ANY INTEREST, FINANCIAL OR OTHERWISE, DIRECT OR INDIRECT, IN ANY CONTRACT OTHER THAN ONE PERMISSIBLE PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH (A) OF SUBDIVISION FOUR OF SECTION SEVENTY-THREE OF THE PUBLIC OFFICERS LAW; OR (B) TAKE ANY ACTION OR OTHERWISE INVOLVE HIMSELF OR HERSELF IN ANY ACTIVITY WHICH, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS CHAPTER OR THE PUBLIC OFFICERS LAW, WOULD BE DEEMED A CONFLICT OF INTEREST THAT MAY REASONABLY BE EXPECTED TO IMPAIR THE BOARD MEMBER'S, OFFICER'S OR EMPLOYEE'S INDE- PENDENT JUDGMENT OR ABILITY TO ACT IMPARTIALLY AND IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE STATE AUTHORITY, OR THAT MAY REASONABLY CREATE THE APPEARANCE OF IMPROPRIETY THROUGH THE APPEARANCE OF FAVORITISM OR PREFERENTIAL TREAT- MENT. 2. IF SUCH CONFLICT OF INTEREST EXISTS, THE STATE AUTHORITY BOARD MEMBER, OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE MUST IMMEDIATELY RECUSE HIMSELF OR HERSELF IN WRITING AND SUBMIT SUCH RECUSAL TO THE STATE AUTHORITY'S ETHICS OFFI- S. 3984 10 CER AND ANY OFFICIAL OR COMMITTEE CHARGED WITH OVERSEEING ETHICAL CONDUCT IN THE AUTHORITY, THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICIAL OF THE AUTHORITY AND THE BOARD CHAIR, AS APPROPRIATE, THE APPOINTING OFFICIAL, AND THE OFFICER IN CHARGE OF THE AUTHORITY'S PROCUREMENTS TO BE INCLUDED IN THE STATE AUTHORITY'S PROCUREMENT RECORD. ANY STATE AUTHORITY BOARD MEMBER WHO SUBMITS SUCH RECUSAL SHALL ALSO SUBMIT SUCH RECUSAL TO THE APPOINT- ING OFFICIAL WITH RESPONSIBILITY FOR SUCH BOARD MEMBER'S APPOINTMENT AND, IN THE CASE OF BOARD MEMBERS APPOINTED AT THE RECOMMENDATION OF ANOTHER OFFICIAL, MUST ALSO SUBMIT SUCH RECUSAL TO THE RECOMMENDING OFFICIAL. § 11. STATE AUTHORITY BOARD MEMBER, OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE CERTIFICATION; NO UNDUE INFLUENCE. EACH STATE AUTHORITY BOARD MEMBER, OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE WHO EXERCISED DISCRETION OR DECISION MAKING IN HOW A STATE AUTHORITY CONTRACT WAS ADVERTISED, HOW THE BIDS OR PROPOSALS WERE EVALU- ATED, HOW THE CONTRACTOR WAS SELECTED, OR WHO SIGNED THE CONTRACT FOR THE STATE AUTHORITY, SHALL CERTIFY IN WRITING THAT NO UNDUE INFLUENCE WAS EXERTED UPON HIM OR HER, AND THAT TO THE BEST OF HIS OR HER KNOW- LEDGE THAT THERE IS A REASONABLE BASIS TO BELIEVE THAT THE CONTRACT WAS NOT PROCURED THROUGH FRAUD, DURESS OR UNDUE INFLUENCE. THE CERTIFICATION SHALL BECOME PART OF THE STATE AUTHORITY'S PROCUREMENT RECORD. § 12. CODE OF BUSINESS ETHICS AND CONDUCT FOR STATE AUTHORITY CONTRAC- TORS. 1. POLICY. STATE AUTHORITY CONTRACTORS AND SUBCONTRACTORS MUST CONDUCT THEMSELVES WITH THE HIGHEST DEGREE OF INTEGRITY AND HONESTY. NO STATE AUTHORITY CONTRACTOR SHOULD TAKE ACTION TO VIOLATE OR CIRCUMVENT STATE PROCUREMENT OR ETHICS LAWS. FOR PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION, THE TERM "STATE AUTHORITY CONTRACTOR" SHALL MEAN ANY INDIVIDUAL, ORGANIZATION, CORPORATION, SOLE PROPRIETORSHIP, PARTNERSHIP, NONPROFIT, JOINT VENTURE, ASSOCIATION, OR ANY COMBINATION THEREOF THAT IS PURSUING OR CONDUCTING BUSINESS WITH AND/OR ON BEHALF OF A STATE AUTHORITY, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, CONSULTANTS, SUPPLIERS, MANUFACTURERS, AND ANY OTHER VENDORS, BIDDERS OR PROPOSERS. 2. CODE OF BUSINESS ETHICS AND CONDUCT FOR STATE AUTHORITY CONTRAC- TORS. RULE WITH RESPECT TO CONFLICTS OF INTEREST. NO STATE AUTHORITY CONTRACTOR SHOULD HAVE ANY INTEREST, FINANCIAL OR OTHERWISE, DIRECT OR INDIRECT, OR ENGAGE IN ANY BUSINESS OR TRANSACTION OR PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY OR INCUR ANY OBLIGATION OF ANY NATURE, WHICH IS IN SUBSTANTIAL CONFLICT WITH THE PROPER EXECUTION OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER THE CONTRACT. 3. STANDARDS. (A) NO STATE AUTHORITY CONTRACTOR SHOULD ENGAGE IN ANY BUSINESS OR PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY WHICH WILL IMPAIR HIS OR HER INDEPEND- ENCE OF JUDGMENT IN THE EXERCISE OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER THE CONTRACT. (B) NO STATE AUTHORITY CONTRACTOR SHOULD ENGAGE IN ANY BUSINESS OR PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY WHICH WILL REQUIRE HIM OR HER TO DISCLOSE CONFI- DENTIAL INFORMATION ACQUIRED BY REASON OF PERFORMANCE OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER THE CONTRACT, NOR USE SUCH INFORMATION TO FURTHER HIS OR HER PERSONAL INTERESTS. (C) NO STATE AUTHORITY CONTRACTOR SHOULD ATTEMPT TO SECURE UNWARRANTED PRIVILEGES OR EXEMPTIONS FOR HIMSELF OR HERSELF OR OTHERS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE MISAPPROPRIATION TO HIMSELF, HERSELF OR TO OTHERS OF THE PROPERTY, SERVICES OR OTHER RESOURCES OF THE STATE AUTHORITY FOR PRIVATE BUSINESS OR OTHER COMPENSATED NON-GOVERNMENTAL PURPOSES. (D) NO STATE AUTHORITY CONTRACTOR SHOULD ENGAGE IN ANY TRANSACTION WITH ANY BUSINESS ENTITY IN WHICH HE OR SHE HAS A DIRECT OR INDIRECT FINANCIAL INTEREST THAT MIGHT REASONABLY TEND TO CONFLICT WITH THE PROP- S. 3984 11 ER DISCHARGE OF HIS OR HER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER THE CONTRACT. (E) A STATE AUTHORITY CONTRACTOR SHOULD NOT BY HIS OR HER CONDUCT GIVE REASONABLE BASIS FOR THE IMPRESSION THAT ANY PERSON CAN IMPROPERLY INFLUENCE HIM OR HER OR UNDULY ENJOY HIS OR HER FAVOR IN THE PERFORMANCE OF HIS OR HER DUTIES UNDER THE CONTRACT, OR THAT HE OR SHE IS AFFECTED BY THE KINSHIP, RANK, POSITION OR INFLUENCE OF ANY PARTY OR PERSON. (F) A STATE AUTHORITY CONTRACTOR SHOULD ABSTAIN FROM MAKING PERSONAL INVESTMENTS IN ENTERPRISES WHICH HE OR SHE HAS REASON TO BELIEVE MAY BE DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN DECISIONS TO BE MADE BY HIM OR HER OR WHICH WILL OTHERWISE CREATE SUBSTANTIAL CONFLICT BETWEEN HIS OR HER DUTY AND RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER THE CONTRACT AND HIS OR HER PRIVATE INTEREST. (G) A STATE AUTHORITY CONTRACTOR SHOULD ENDEAVOR TO PURSUE A COURSE OF CONDUCT WHICH WILL NOT RAISE SUSPICION THAT HE OR SHE IS LIKELY TO BE ENGAGED IN ACTS IN VIOLATION OF STATE PROCUREMENT OR ETHICS LAWS. 4. VIOLATIONS. IN ADDITION TO ANY PENALTY CONTAINED IN ANY OTHER PROVISION OF LAW, THE PROCURING STATE AUTHORITY MAY, IN ITS DISCRETION, TERMINATE A CONTRACT THAT WAS AWARDED IN VIOLATION OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS SECTION. ANY STATE AUTHORITY CONTRACTOR WHO KNOWINGLY AND INTENTIONALLY VIOLATES THE CODE OF BUSINESS ETHICS AND CONDUCT FOR STATE AUTHORITY CONTRACTORS SHALL BE SUBJECT TO A CIVIL PENALTY IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS AND THE VALUE OF ANY BENEFIT RECEIVED AS A RESULT OF SUCH VIOLATION. § 13. STATE AUTHORITY CONTRACTOR DISQUALIFICATION. 1. A STATE AUTHOR- ITY CONTRACTOR MAY BE DISQUALIFIED FROM SELLING TO OR SUBMITTING BIDS TO OR RECEIVING AWARDS FROM OR ENTERING INTO ANY CONTRACTS WITH A STATE AUTHORITY FOR A KNOWING AND WILLFUL FAILURE BY A PRINCIPAL TO TIMELY DISCLOSE TO THE CONTRACTING STATE AUTHORITY CREDIBLE EVIDENCE OF FRAUD, CONFLICT OF INTEREST, UNDUE INFLUENCE OR DURESS IN CONNECTION WITH THE AWARD OR PERFORMANCE OF A STATE AUTHORITY CONTRACT. 2. IF A STATE AUTHORITY HAS SUFFICIENT CAUSE TO BELIEVE THAT A VIOLATION OF SUBDIVISION ONE OF THIS SECTION HAS OCCURRED, THE STATE AUTHORITY SHALL NOTIFY THE STATE AUTHORITY CONTRACTOR AND SHALL PROVIDE THE STATE AUTHORITY CONTRACTOR AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE HEARD IN RESPONSE. IN THE EVENT THAT THERE IS A FINAL DETERMINATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN A KNOWING AND WILLFUL VIOLATION BY THE STATE AUTHORITY CONTRACTOR, SUCH FINAL DETERMINATION SHALL RESULT IN THE STATE AUTHORITY CONTRACTOR BEING DISQUALIFIED FROM SELLING TO OR SUBMITTING BIDS TO OR RECEIVING AWARDS FROM OR ENTERING INTO ANY CONTRACTS WITH A STATE AUTHORITY FOR A PERIOD OF FIVE YEARS. ANY SUBSEQUENT VIOLATION OF THIS SECTION WILL RESULT IN THE STATE AUTHORITY CONTRACTOR BEING PERMANENTLY DISQUALIFIED. THE STATE AUTHORITY SHALL PROVIDE NOTICE OF ANY DISQUALIFICATION PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION TO THE OFFICE OF GENERAL SERVICES WHO SHALL PUBLISH SUCH NOTICE ON ITS WEBSITE. § 4. This act shall take effect immediately. PART F Section 1. Subdivision 3 of section 141 of the economic development law, as amended by section 14 of part L of chapter 55 of the laws of 2012, is amended as follows: 3. "Procurement contract" shall mean any written agreement entered into by an agency for the acquisition of goods, services, or construction of any kind, INCLUDING AGREEMENTS AWARDED BY AN AGENCY TO A SINGLE SOURCE, A SOLE SOURCE OR PURSUANT TO ANY OTHER METHOD OF PROCURE- S. 3984 12 MENT THAT IS NOT COMPETITIVE, in the actual or estimated amount of fifty thousand dollars or more. The term does not include an agreement for employment in the civil service. § 2. Paragraph (c) of subdivision 2 and subdivision 5 of section 142 of the economic development law, as amended by chapter 137 of the laws of 2008, are amended and a new paragraph (d) is added to subdivision 2 to read as follows: (c) for all [other] procurement contracts issued by agencies PURSUANT TO A COMPETITIVE METHOD OF PROCUREMENT INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, AN INVITATION FOR BID, REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS OR OTHER MEANS OF SOLICITA- TION, FOR AN AMOUNT IN EXCESS OF FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS (i) the name of the contracting agency; (ii) the contract identification number; (iii) a brief description of the goods or services sought, the location where goods are to be delivered or services provided and the contract term; (iv) the address where bids or proposals are to be submitted; (v) the date when bids or proposals are due; (vi) a description of any eligibil- ity or qualification requirement or preference; (vii) a statement as to whether the contract requirements may be fulfilled by a subcontracting, joint venture, or co-production arrangement; (viii) any other informa- tion deemed useful to potential contractors; (ix) the name, address, and telephone number of the person to be contacted for additional informa- tion; and (x) a statement as to whether the goods or services sought had in the immediately preceding three year period been supplied by a foreign business enterprise. (D) FOR ALL PROCUREMENT CONTRACTS ISSUED BY AGENCIES TO A SINGLE SOURCE, A SOLE SOURCE OR PURSUANT TO ANY OTHER METHOD OF PROCUREMENT THAT IS NOT COMPETITIVE, FOR AN AMOUNT IN EXCESS OF FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS (I) THE NAME OF THE CONTRACTING AGENCY; (II) THE NAME OF THE RECIPIENT OF THE INTENDED CONTRACT, IF KNOWN AT THE TIME; (III) THE CONTRACT IDENTIFICATION NUMBER; (IV) A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE GOODS OR SERVICES SOUGHT, THE LOCATION WHERE GOODS ARE TO BE DELIVERED OR SERVICES PROVIDED AND THE CONTRACT TERM; (V) A DESCRIPTION OF ANY ELIGI- BILITY OR QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENT OR PREFERENCE; (VI) A STATEMENT AS TO WHETHER THE CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS MAY BE FULFILLED BY A SUBCONTRACT- ING, JOINT VENTURE, OR CO-PRODUCTION ARRANGEMENT; (VII) ANY OTHER INFOR- MATION DEEMED USEFUL TO POTENTIAL CONTRACTORS; (VIII) THE NAME, ADDRESS, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED FOR ADDITIONAL INFOR- MATION; AND (IX) A STATEMENT AS TO WHETHER THE GOODS OR SERVICES SOUGHT HAD IN THE IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THREE YEAR PERIOD BEEN SUPPLIED BY A FOREIGN BUSINESS ENTERPRISE. 5. In addition to any other notice of procurement contract opportu- nities required in this section, for procurement contracts in the amount of two hundred thousand dollars or more to be awarded by all [state] agencies, each agency shall prepare for inclusion in the procurement opportunities newsletter (a) a semi-annual listing of projected procure- ment purchases by category, INCLUDING PROJECTED PURCHASES TO BE AWARDED TO A SINGLE SOURCE, A SOLE SOURCE OR PURSUANT TO ANY OTHER METHOD OF PROCUREMENT THAT IS NOT COMPETITIVE; (b) an explanation of how to apply for placement on any bidder list maintained by the agency; and (c) a description of procedures for providing advance notification by mail to individuals or business entities on such bidder lists of any request for proposals, in accordance with rules and regulations promulgated by the agency. The commissioner, in consultation with each agency, shall arrange a schedule for each agency's semi-annual listing. § 3. Subdivisions 1 and 4 of section 143 of the economic development law, subdivision 1 as added by chapter 564 of the laws of 1988 and S. 3984 13 subdivision 4 as added by section 16 of part L of chapter 55 of the laws of 2012, are amended to read as follows: 1. Prior to awarding any procurement contract, each agency shall submit to the commissioner information sufficient to enable publication of the notices of procurement contract opportunities described in subdi- vision two of section one hundred forty-two of this article. Such infor- mation shall be submitted to the commissioner in sufficient time to allow a minimum of fifteen business days between publication of such notice and the date on which a bid or proposal is due, except where a shorter period is specifically authorized by law PROVIDED, HOWEVER: (A) IN THE CASE OF PROCUREMENT CONTRACTS ISSUED BY A PUBLIC BENEFIT CORPORATION OR STATE AUTHORITY WHOSE CONTRACTS AND PAYMENTS ARE NOT APPROVED AND PRE-AUDITED BY THE COMPTROLLER, TO A SINGLE SOURCE, A SOLE SOURCE OR PURSUANT TO ANY OTHER METHOD OF PROCUREMENT THAT IS NOT COMPETITIVE, IN SUFFICIENT TIME TO ALLOW A MINIMUM OF FIFTEEN BUSINESS DAYS BETWEEN PUBLICATION OF SUCH NOTICE AND THE DATE ON WHICH THE STATE AUTHORITY OR PUBLIC BENEFIT CORPORATION INTENDS TO MAKE A CONTRACT AWARD; OR (B) IN THE CASE OF PROCUREMENT CONTRACTS ISSUED BY AGENCIES OTHER THAN PUBLIC BENEFIT CORPORATIONS OR STATE AUTHORITIES, TO A SINGLE SOURCE, A SOLE SOURCE OR PURSUANT TO ANY OTHER METHOD OF PROCUREMENT THAT IS NOT COMPETITIVE, IN SUFFICIENT TIME TO ALLOW A MINIMUM OF FIFTEEN BUSINESS DAYS BETWEEN PUBLICATION OF SUCH NOTICE AND THE DATE THE AGENCY INTENDS TO DELIVER THE REQUEST FOR EXEMPTION FROM ADVERTISING TO THE STATE COMP- TROLLER. 4. At the time an agency enters into a contract with a single or sole source provider pursuant to section one hundred sixty-three of the state finance law, OR PURSUANT TO ANY OTHER METHOD OF PROCUREMENT THAT IS NOT COMPETITIVE, for an amount in excess of fifty thousand dollars, such agency shall submit an announcement of the intended contract for inclu- sion in the procurement opportunities newsletter, and shall specify the recipient of the contract. § 4. Section 146 of the economic development law, as amended by chap- ter 173 of the laws of 2014, is amended to read as follows: § 146. Approval of comptroller. The comptroller shall not approve or file any procurement contract for the acquisition of goods or services, OR CONSTRUCTION OF ANY KIND, in the amount of fifty thousand dollars or more unless notice as provided in section one hundred forty-two of this article shall first have been published in the procurement opportunities newsletter at least fifteen business days prior to the date on which a bid or proposal was due OR, IN THE CASE OF PROCUREMENT CONTRACTS ISSUED TO A SINGLE SOURCE, A SOLE SOURCE OR PURSUANT TO ANY OTHER METHOD OF PROCUREMENT THAT IS NOT COMPETITIVE, AT LEAST FIFTEEN BUSINESS DAYS PRIOR TO THE DATE ON WHICH THE AGENCY INTENDS TO DELIVER THE REQUEST FOR EXEMPTION FROM ADVERTISING TO THE STATE COMPTROLLER AND ENTER INTO THE CONTRACT. Provided, however, such requirement of publication of advance notice shall not apply to contracts exempt from such requirement under section one hundred forty-four of this article; provided further, that the comptroller shall not be required to disapprove a contract if he or she determines that there has been substantial compliance with the requirements of section one hundred forty-two and section one hundred forty-three of this article. The foregoing provisions of this section shall not be construed to limit, in any manner, the right of the comp- troller to demand evidence of adequate competition or such other proofs as he or she may require in the discharge of his or her responsibilities S. 3984 14 pursuant to section one hundred twelve of the state finance law or any other provision of law. § 5. This act shall take effect immediately and shall apply to procurements initiated on and after such date. § 2. Severability clause. If any clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivi- sion, section or part of this act shall be adjudged by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such judgment shall not affect, impair, or invalidate the remainder thereof, but shall be confined in its operation to the clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivision, section or part thereof directly involved in the controversy in which such judg- ment shall have been rendered. It is hereby declared to be the intent of the legislature that this act would have been enacted even if such invalid provisions had not been included herein. § 3. This act shall take effect immediately provided, however, that the applicable effective date of Parts A through F of this act shall be as specifically set forth in the last section of such Parts.
Co-Sponsors
Fred Akshar
(R, C, IP, RFM) 0 Senate District
Tony Avella
(D) 0 Senate District
Jamaal T. Bailey
(D) 36th Senate District
John J. Bonacic
(R, C, IP) 0 Senate District
- view additional co-sponsors
Phil Boyle
(R) 0 Senate District
Neil D. Breslin
(D, WF) 46th Senate District
John E. Brooks
(D) 0 Senate District
David Carlucci
(D) 0 Senate District
Thomas D. Croci
(R) 0 Senate District
Simcha Felder
(D) 22nd Senate District
Rich Funke
(R, C, IP) 0 Senate District
Patrick M. Gallivan
(R, C) 60th Senate District
Martin J. Golden
(R, C, IP) 0 Senate District
Joseph A. Griffo
(R, C) 53rd Senate District
Jesse Hamilton
(D) 0 Senate District
Kemp Hannon
(R, C, IP) 0 Senate District
Pamela Helming
(R, C, IP) 54th Senate District
Brad Hoylman-Sigal
(D, WF) 47th Senate District
Todd Kaminsky
(D) 0 Senate District
Liz Krueger
(D, WF) 28th Senate District
William J. Larkin, Jr.
(R, C) 0 Senate District
Kathleen A. Marchione
(R, C, IP) 0 Senate District
Velmanette Montgomery
(D) 0 Senate District
Thomas F. O'Mara
(R, C) 58th Senate District
Robert G. Ortt
(R, C, IP) 62nd Senate District
Kevin S. Parker
(D, WF) 21st Senate District
Jose Peralta
(D, WF) 0 Senate District
Michael H. Ranzenhofer
(R, C, IP) 0 Senate District
Luis R. Sepúlveda
(D) 32nd Senate District
Sue Serino
(R, C, IP) 0 Senate District
James Tedisco
(R, C) 44th Senate District
S3984A (ACTIVE) - Details
- See Assembly Version of this Bill:
- A6355
- Law Section:
- State Finance Law
- Laws Affected:
- Amd §§112 & 139-b, add §§148, 139-l, 139-m & 139-n, St Fin L; amd §§355, 373 & 6218, rpld §6283, Ed L; amd §2879, add §2882, Art 1 Title 3 §§10 - 13, Pub Auth L; amd §§141, 142, 143 & 146, Ec Dev L
S3984A (ACTIVE) - Sponsor Memo
BILL NUMBER: S3984A Revised 5/23/17 TITLE OF BILL : An act to amend the state finance law and the education law, in relation to enacting the "New York state procurement integrity act"; and to repeal section 6283 of the education law relating to procurements of the fund (Part A); to amend the public authorities law, in relation to requiring public authorities to comply with certain provisions of the state finance law relating to procurements (Part B); to amend the public authorities law, in relation to prohibiting certain third party contracts (Part C); to amend the state finance law, in relation to authorizing the state comptroller to oversee certain contracts of the research foundation of the state university of New York (Part D); to amend the economic development law, in relation to expanding requirements for state authorities to publish procurement opportunities (Part E); and to amend the state finance law and the public authorities law, in relation to prohibiting conflicts of interest by state officers and employees in state procurements and prohibiting conflicts of interest by state authority board members, officers and employees in state and authority procurements (Part F) PURPOSE : The purpose of this legislation is to enhance the integrity, transparency and accountability of the States procurement process by:
*Restoring the State Comptroller's independent oversight of SUNY, CUNY, and OGS centralized contracts that was removed in 2011 and 2012. *Expanding the State Comptroller's oversight of the procurement process to include contracts in excess of one million dollars awarded by the SUNY Research Foundation. *Prohibiting state contracting through state-affiliated not-for-profit (NFP) entities unless explicitly authorized in law. *Strengthening ethical requirements for state procurement officials. *Standardizing the contracting process used for all State authorities spending State money by applying uniform procurement rules. *Increasing procurement transparency for vendors and the public at each stage of the process. JUSTIFICATION : The recent criminal charges filed by the US Attorney and the Attorney General relating to the way the upstate economic development programs have been managed are a troubling reminder that the lack of independent oversight for procurements creates an environment ripe for corruption, bid rigging and kickbacks. Billions of state dollars are being funneled by State agencies and authorities to third party entities of the agencies' or authorities' own creation, allowing for the circumvention of longstanding checks and balances that protect taxpayers and ensure a level playing field for bidders. Further, billions of additional State dollars are being spent under contracts that no longer benefit from independent review. An effective antidote to self-dealing in government procurement is independent oversight of State contracting and spending. Historically, the Office of the State Comptroller (OSC) has performed this essential oversight function, but in recent years OSC's ability to do so has been eroded by executive and legislative action. PART A : Restore the State Comptroller's independent oversight of certain contracts of the State University of New York, the City University of New York and centralized contracts of the Office of General Services. Part A of the bill amends the State Finance Law and the Education Law to restore OSC contract oversight over SUNY, CUNY and OGS contracts, while increasing the flexibility threshold for SUNY and CUNY to 250 thousand dollars from 20 thousand dollars while maintaining the ability to negotiate for even higher thresholds for contract approval with OSC. It also requires that SUNY's use of any non-profit corporation be for academic objects or purposes only, and that all such contracts continue to be reviewed and approved by OSC. OSC oversight is restored for several categories of contracts where such oversight was eliminated in 2011 and 2012, including: *All SUNY and CUNY construction and construction related services contracts (e.g. architects and engineers); all contracts for commodities, including computer equipment; and printing. *All SUNY Construction Fund and CUNY Construction Fund contracts for construction and construction-related services: all other services: and all commodities. *All OGS centralized contracts that are used by. among other groups, state agencies, public authorities and local governments, for the purchase of goods, services and technology (the value of which in 2016 amounted to more than 57.1 billion). The rationale for eliminating the Comptroller's oversight in 2011 was that it slowed critical procurements. But the data collected since that time clearly shows this is not true; on average , OSC spends approximately nine days to complete its work for more than 20,000 transactions reviewed annually. The agency procurement process itself may take several weeks or months. The limited additional time for independent oversight to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being spent appropriately is well worth it, as demonstrated in the following examples where OSC pre-review authority was eliminated: *A SUNY Downstate Medical Center consultant contract failed to include important cost controls, which resulted in over-spending and questionable decision-making, including pricey hotel rooms, inappropriate meal expenses, limousine drivers and extensive spending on alcoholic beverages. *Another SUNY Downstate Medical Center contract for healthcare information technology (IT) services was not bid competitively, resulting in up to $1.3 million in costs that could have been avoided. *A S3 million SUNY Stony Brook contract for medical devices was procured without appropriate advertising and bidding in violation of SUNY's own procurement procedures. This was discovered on an OSC payment audit and SUNY is now rebidding the contract. In addition, high dollar value OGS centralized contracts used by state agencies, public authorities and municipalities, among other groups, are being procured without independent oversight or review. This includes a recent OGS award of $3.3 billion in IT consultant services to 122 firms. Overall in 2016, OGS let approximately $7.1 billion in centralized contracts and that value is expected to grow substantially. *Prior to 2012, during an OSC review of school bus contracts submitted by OGS it was discovered that other states received better pricing than NY. As a result, OGS was able to negotiate a 1.68% savings over the original award amount; a savings of $11.2 million. The current suite of school bus contracts are estimated by OGS at over $700 million. The 2012 law that exempted OGS centralized contracts from OSC pre-review also requires state agencies to purchase services and technology from OGS centralized contracts if a centralized contract meets an agency's needs. This requirement was also already in place for state agency purchases of commodities; they must purchase off of OGS centralized contracts. As OGS expands its portfolio of centralized contracts, fewer and fewer independent agency contracts will be subject to oversight by the Comptroller. In fact, a new group of OGS centralized IT contracts will not be subject to OSC pre-review for agency IT consultant projects below 25 million dollars and other high dollar value purchases, such as those for computer software and hardware of any size. For those state contracts where OSC independent oversight remains in place, OSC has found excessive bill rates, costs for charges outside the contract scope, vendors with unresolved allegations of fraud and other serious misconduct, and vendors who plainly attempt to circumvent state law. For example, OSC rejected an Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services contract with a vendor whose senior management were arrested on fraud and money laundering charges. OSC rejected the contract a second time when the agency resubmitted it and OSC found that the new executives and a board member were also charged. In another circumstance, SUNY Stony Brook requested a contract be reassigned to a new vendor. OSC found the original vendor had significant tax liens, and the new company was owned by the original vendor's daughter, operating from the same address, in what appeared to be an attempt by the original vendor to avoid tax liabilities. OSC declined to approve the contract assignment. OSC contract pre-review and approval ensures that the State of New York is only doing business with responsible vendors. PART B : Ensure State authorities adopt best practice procurement procedures based on those in place for State agencies. Part B of the bill amends the Public Authorities Law to require State authorities to adopt procurement guidelines that are consistent with those required for state agencies, unless otherwise permitted by law. OSC then, pursuant to its authority under Public Authorities Law section 2879a, could review those contracts subject to its oversight against these standardized guidelines, determining, as necessary, the consistency of the authority's guidelines with the procurement procedures required for state agencies. In addition, OSC and the Authorities Budget Office has the ability under existing law to conduct performance audits of authorities, and thus also could have the ability to assess whether an authority's guidelines were achieving the required degree of standardization. At present, State authorities generally follow their own guidelines for conducting procurements. These guidelines vary from authority to authority and usually are approved only by the authority's board of directors. In light of the recent criminal charges alleging favoritism and potential bid rigging in contracting by State authorities and related entities, the establishment of standardized practices to ensure transparency and restore public confidence is imperative. State law prescribes best practice processes for agency procurements, including: requiring open competition when practicable; ensuring a level playing field for bidders with standard advertising and evaluation criteria; the opportunity for losing vendors to be debriefed on awards; determining whether the price is reasonable based on the type of procurement; ensuring vendors comply with appropriate worker protections such as prevailing wage, workers' compensation and disability insurance, and equal employment/nondiscrimination requirements; and confirming that vendors are responsible and responsive and deserve to participate in state contracting. PART C : Prohibit the use of state-affiliated not-for-profit (NFP) entities for State contracting unless explicitly authorized in law or subject to the approval of the State Comptroller. Part C of the bill amends the Public Authorities law to prohibit public authorities from entering into or extending third party contracts or agreements with NFP entities where the primary purpose is to act as a conduit for state procurement initiatives, including economic development. The Comptroller is authorized to issue regulations to enforce this section and define those contract types that are prohibited. Billions of dollars of state money is flowing through entities that have been created outside the State's normal statutory structure, removed from view of both the public and independent oversight agencies. The results have been predictable: exploitation of these organizations by self-serving public and private individuals, and their eventual indictment for a host of charges related to fraud and abuse of this alternative procurement system. Proliferation of this kind of public contracting cannot continue. This bill would prohibit public authorities from using these state-affiliated NFPs for this purpose unless expressly authorized by the Legislature to do so. PART D : Require OSC pre-approval of SUNY Research Foundation contracts greater than $1 million that include State monies. Part D of the bill amends the State Finance Law to extend OSC contract oversight to the SUNY Research Foundation where state funding is involved. The proposed approval threshold is identical to that for public authorities. The recent alleged bid-rigging and other schemes involve entities affiliated with the SUNY Research Foundation. Enhanced oversight will provide much needed sunshine on an organization responsible for stewardship of billions in state funding. While the SUNY Research Foundation and other similar organizations at campuses around the state provide a means to manage ongoing federal and private grants, taxpayers deserve to know how their state funds are being spent and that the contracting process is fair and in their best interest. This provision will subject State moneys managed by the SUNY Research Foundation to additional oversight, ensuring sound contracting practices are followed. Strengthen requirements on the ethical performance by state officials and vendors. PART E : Increase transparency of contract opportunities and results through the Procurement Opportunities Newsletter. Part E of the bill amends the Economic Development Law to expand the requirements for agencies and public authorities to publish public information about procurement opportunities for the benefit of vendors and the public. At present, agencies and authorities must advertise most contract opportunities in the Procurement Opportunities Newsletter (also known as the Contract Reporter), which is widely used by the vendor community to learn of and compete for state business. This helps the State notify the widest pool of vendors and creates transparency and robust. fair competition. In addition, when an agency intends to conduct a single source or sole source procurement, they must obtain from OSC an exemption from advertising and thereafter must place a notice of the selected vendor in the Procurement Opportunities Newsletter. New provisions would expand the use of the Procurement Opportunities Newsletter to enhance transparency and strengthen procurements in New York by requiring agencies to place notice of all requests for exemption from advertising procurements in the Procurement Opportunities Newsletter 15 days before they seek such an exemption and before they award a contract. Authorities would also be required to advertise noncompetitive procurements in the Procurement Opportunities Newsletter 15 days prior to award. Such notice would provide opportunity for other potential vendors to identify themselves and enhance the state's position in finding a qualified vendor at the best price. PART F : Part F of the bill amends the State Finance Law and the Public Authorities Law to strengthen ethical requirements for state procurement officials. Specifically. the bill would: *Create specific requirements for state officials to recuse themselves from any conflict of interest in writing and include that recusal in the procurement record. Currently, while officials are expected to recuse themselves when they face a conflict of interest in their official duties, there are no explicit guidelines to ensure transparency and compliance. These proposed changes would reduce potential abuse and increase transparency. FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE : This bill may require additional resources for the State Comptroller to take on expanded oversight of contracts depending upon future workload.
S3984A (ACTIVE) - Bill Text download pdf
S T A T E O F N E W Y O R K ________________________________________________________________________ 3984--A Cal. No. 623 2017-2018 Regular Sessions I N S E N A T E January 31, 2017 ___________ Introduced by Sens. DeFRANCISCO, AVELLA, BAILEY, BONACIC, BOYLE, BRES- LIN, CARLUCCI, FUNKE, GALLIVAN, GRIFFO, HANNON, HELMING, KAMINSKY, KRUEGER, LATIMER, MARCHIONE, MONTGOMERY, O'MARA, PARKER, PERALTA, PHILLIPS, SQUADRON, TEDISCO -- (at request of the State Comptroller) -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Finance -- reported favorably from said committee, ordered to first and second report, ordered to a third reading, amended and ordered reprinted, retaining its place in the order of third reading AN ACT to amend the state finance law and the education law, in relation to enacting the "New York state procurement integrity act"; and to repeal section 6283 of the education law relating to procurements of the fund (Part A); to amend the public authorities law, in relation to requiring public authorities to comply with certain provisions of the state finance law relating to procurements (Part B); to amend the public authorities law, in relation to prohibiting certain third party contracts (Part C); to amend the state finance law, in relation to authorizing the state comptroller to oversee certain contracts of the research foundation of the state university of New York (Part D); to amend the economic development law, in relation to expanding require- ments for state authorities to publish procurement opportunities (Part E); and to amend the state finance law and the public authorities law, in relation to prohibiting conflicts of interest by state officers and employees in state procurements and prohibiting conflicts of interest by state authority board members, officers and employees in state and authority procurements (Part F) THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM- BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. This act enacts into law major components of legislation which are necessary to implement the New York state procurement integri- ty act. Each component is wholly contained within a Part identified as EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted. LBD07080-07-7 S. 3984--A 2 Parts A through F. The effective date for each particular provision contained within such Part is set forth in the last section of such Part. Any provision in any section contained within a Part, including the effective date of the Part, which makes a reference to a section "of this act," when used in connection with that particular component, shall be deemed to mean and refer to the corresponding section of the Part in which it is found. Section three of this act sets forth the general effective date of this act. PART A Section 1. Paragraph (a) of subdivision 2 of section 112 of the state finance law, as amended by section 18 of part L of chapter 55 of the laws of 2012, is amended to read as follows: (a) Before any contract made for or by any state agency, department, board, officer, commission, or institution, except the office of general services, shall be executed or become effective, whenever such contract exceeds fifty thousand dollars in amount and before any contract made for or by the office of general services shall be executed or become effective, whenever such contract exceeds eighty-five thousand dollars in amount, it shall first be approved by the comptroller and filed in his or her office, [with the exception of contracts established as a centralized contract through the office of general services and purchase orders or other procurement transactions issued under such centralized contracts. The] PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT THE comptroller shall make a final written determination with respect to approval of such contract within ninety days of the submission of such contract to his or her office unless the comptroller shall notify, in writing, the state agen- cy, department, board, officer, commission, or institution, prior to the expiration of the ninety day period, and for good cause, of the need for an extension of not more than fifteen days, or a reasonable period of time agreed to by such state agency, department, board, officer, commis- sion, or institution and provided, further, that such written determi- nation or extension shall be made part of the procurement record pursu- ant to paragraph f of subdivision one of section one hundred sixty-three of this chapter. § 2. Subdivisions 5 and 6 of section 355 of the education law, as amended by section 1 of subpart B of part D of chapter 58 of the laws of 2011, paragraph a of subdivision 5 as amended by section 31 of part L of chapter 55 of the laws of 2012, are amended to read as follows: 5. Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision two of section one hundred twelve and sections one hundred fifteen, one hundred sixty-one, and one hundred sixty-three of the state finance law and sections three and six of the New York state printing and public documents law or any other law to the contrary, the state university trustees are authorized and empowered to: a. (i) purchase materials, proprietary electronic information resources including but not limited to academic, professional, and industry journals, reference handbooks and manuals, research tracking tools, indexes and abstracts, equipment and supplies, including computer equipment and motor vehicles, WHERE THE AMOUNT FOR A SINGLE PURCHASE DOES NOT EXCEED TWO HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS, (ii) execute contracts for SERVICES AND construction [and construction-related services] contracts TO AN AMOUNT NOT EXCEEDING TWO HUNDRED FIFTY THOU- SAND DOLLARS, and (iii) contract for printing TO AN AMOUNT NOT EXCEEDING TWO HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS, without prior approval by any other S. 3984--A 3 state officer or agency, but subject to rules and regulations OR GUIDE- LINES of the state comptroller not otherwise inconsistent with the provisions of this section and in accordance with guidelines promulgated by the state university board of trustees after consultation with the state comptroller. PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT THE DOLLAR LIMITS SET FORTH IN THIS PARAGRAPH SHALL BE ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR SINGLE OR SOLE SOURCE PROCUREMENTS OR WHERE THERE IS A FORMAL PROTEST OF THE CONTRACT AWARD. IN ADDITION, WHERE THE STATE COMPTROLLER DETERMINES ADEQUATE INTERNAL CONTROLS ARE EITHER NOT IN PLACE OR ARE NOT BEING UTILIZED EFFECTIVELY, AND SUCH FAILURE HAS RESULTED IN PROCUREMENT PRAC- TICES THAT ARE INCONSISTENT WITH THE PURPOSES UNDERLYING THE COMPETITIVE BIDDING STATUTES OF THE STATE, INCLUDING THOSE SET FORTH IN SUBDIVISION TWO OF SECTION ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-THREE OF THE STATE FINANCE LAW, THE COMPTROLLER MAY REDUCE THE DOLLAR LIMITS SET FORTH IN THIS PARAGRAPH TO AN AMOUNT NOT LESS THAN FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS OR, FOR STATE UNIVERSITY HEALTH CARE FACILITIES, SEVENTY-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS. (A-1) THE TRUSTEES, AFTER CONSULTATION WITH THE COMMISSIONER OF GENER- AL SERVICES, ARE AUTHORIZED TO ANNUALLY NEGOTIATE WITH THE STATE COMP- TROLLER INCREASES IN THE DOLLAR LIMITS SET FORTH IN PARAGRAPH A OF THIS SUBDIVISION AND THE EXEMPTION OF ANY ARTICLES, CATEGORIES OF ARTICLES OR COMMODITIES FROM THESE LIMITS. (A-2) GUIDELINES PROMULGATED BY THE STATE UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES SHALL, TO THE EXTENT PRACTICABLE, REQUIRE THAT COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS BE SOLICITED FOR PURCHASES, AND SHALL INCLUDE REQUIREMENTS THAT PURCHASES AND CONTRACTS AUTHORIZED UNDER THIS SECTION BE AT THE LOWEST AVAILABLE PRICE, INCLUDING CONSIDERATION OF PRICES AVAILABLE THROUGH OTHER STATE AGENCIES, CONSISTENT WITH QUALITY REQUIREMENTS, AND AS WILL BEST PROMOTE THE PUBLIC INTEREST. SUCH PURCHASES MAY BE MADE DIRECTLY FROM ANY CONTRACTOR PURSUANT TO ANY CONTRACT FOR COMMODITIES LET BY THE OFFICE OF GENERAL SERVICES OR ANY OTHER STATE AGENCY; [a-1. execute contracts for services to an amount not exceeding twenty thousand dollars without prior approval by any other state officer or agency, but subject to rules and regulations of the state comptroller not otherwise inconsistent with the provisions of this section and in accordance with the guidelines promulgated by the state university board of trustees after consultation with the state comptroller. In addition, the trustees, after consultation with the commissioner of general services, are authorized to annually negotiate with the state comp- troller increases in the aforementioned dollar limits and the exemption of any services or categories of services from these limits;] b. to establish cash advance accounts for the purpose of purchasing materials, supplies, or services, for cash advances for travel expenses and per diem allowances, or for advance payment of wages and salary. The account may be used to purchase such materials, supplies, or services where the amount of a single purchase does not exceed [one thousand] TWO HUNDRED FIFTY dollars, in accordance with such guidelines as shall be prescribed by the state university trustees after consultation with the state comptroller; c. establish guidelines in consultation with the commissioner of general services authorizing participation by the state university in programs administered by the office of general services for the purchase of available New York state food products. The commissioner of general services shall provide assistance to the state university necessary to enable the university to participate in these programs; d. award contract extensions for campus transportation without compet- itive bidding where such contracts were secured either through compet- S. 3984--A 4 itive bidding or through evaluation of proposals IN RESPONSE TO A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS, however such extensions may be rejected if the amount to be paid to the contractor in any year of such proposed exten- sion fails to reflect any decrease in the regional consumer price index for the New York, New York-Northeastern, New Jersey area, based upon the index for all urban consumers (CPI-U) during the preceding twelve-month period. At the time of any contract extension, consideration shall be given to any competitive proposal offered by a public transportation agency. Such contract may be increased for each year of the contract extension by an amount not to exceed the regional consumer price index increase for the New York, New York-Northeastern, New Jersey area, based upon the index for all urban consumers (CPI-U), during the preceding twelve-month period, provided it has been satisfactorily established by the contractor that there has been at least an equivalent increase in the amount of his cost of operation, during the period of the contract. [e. guidelines promulgated by the state university board of trustees shall, to the extent practicable, require that competitive proposals be solicited for purchases, and shall include requirements that purchases and contracts authorized under this section be at the lowest available price, including consideration of prices available through other state agencies, consistent with quality requirements, and as will best promote the public interest. Such purchases may be made directly from any contractor pursuant to any contract for commodities let by the office of general services or any other state agency.] 6. To enter into any contract or agreement deemed necessary or advis- able after consultation with appropriate state agencies for carrying out the objects and purposes of state university without prior review or approval by any state officer or agency other than the state comptroller and the attorney general including contracts with non-profit corpo- rations organized by officers, employees, alumni or students of state university for the furtherance of its ACADEMIC objects and purposes. Contracts or agreements entered into with the federal government to enable participation in federal student loan programs, including any and all instruments required thereunder, shall not be subject to the requirements of section forty-one of the state finance law; provided, however, that the state shall not be liable for any portion of any defaults which it has agreed to assume pursuant to any such agreement in an amount in excess of money appropriated or otherwise lawfully avail- able therefor at the time the liability for payment arises. [The forego- ing notwithstanding, any contract made for or by the state university for the purchase of: (i) materials, equipment and supplies, including computer equipment; (ii) motor vehicles; (iii) construction and construction-related services contracts; and (iv) printing shall not be subject to prior approval by any other state officer or agency.] § 3. Paragraph b of subdivision 16 of section 355 of the education law, as amended by section 1 of subpart C of part D of chapter 58 of the laws of 2011, is amended to read as follows: b. Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision two of section one hundred twelve of the state finance law[,] RELATING TO THE DOLLAR THRES- HOLD REQUIRING THE COMPTROLLER'S APPROVAL OF CONTRACTS, subdivision six of section one hundred sixty-three of the state finance law [and section sixty-three of the executive law (i)] authorize contracts for the purchase of goods for state university health care facilities [without prior approval by any other state officer or agency,] including contracts for joint or group purchasing arrangements of goods, in accordance with procedures and requirements found in paragraph a of S. 3984--A 5 subdivision five of this section[, and (ii) authorize contracts for services] which do not exceed [seventy-five] TWO HUNDRED FIFTY thousand dollars [without prior approval by any other state officer or agency in accordance with procedures and requirements found in paragraph a of subdivision five of this section]. Contracts authorized pursuant to this paragraph shall be subject to article fourteen of the civil service law and the applicable provisions of agreements between the state and employee organizations pursuant to article fourteen of the civil service law. The trustees are authorized to negotiate annually with the state comp- troller increases in the aforementioned dollar limits. § 4. Subdivision 12 of section 373 of the education law, as amended by section 2 of subpart A of part D of chapter 58 of the laws of 2011, is amended to read as follows: 12. To procure and execute contracts, lease agreements, and all other instruments necessary or convenient for the exercise of its corporate powers and the fulfillment of its corporate purposes under this article. [Notwithstanding subdivision two of section one hundred twelve of the state finance law or any other law to the contrary, fund procurements shall not be subject to the prior approval of any state officer or agen- cy;] § 5. Subdivisions a and a-1 of section 6218 of the education law, subdivision a as amended and subdivision a-1 as added by section 2 of subpart B of part D of chapter 58 of the laws of 2011, subparagraph (i) of paragraph 1 of subdivision a as amended by section 33 of part L of chapter 55 of the laws of 2012, are amended to read as follows: a. Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision two of section one hundred twelve and sections one hundred fifteen, one hundred sixty-one and one hundred sixty-three of the state finance law and sections three and six of the New York state printing and public documents law or any other law to the contrary, the city university is authorized and empowered to: [(1)] (i) purchase materials; proprietary electronic information resources, including, but not limited to, academic, professional and industry journals, reference handbooks and manuals, research tracking tools, indexes and abstracts; and equipment and supplies, including computer equipment and motor vehicles, WHERE THE AMOUNT FOR A SINGLE PURCHASE DOES NOT EXCEED TWO HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS, (ii) execute contracts for [construction and construction-related services contracts] SERVICES TO AN AMOUNT NOT EXCEEDING TWO HUNDRED FIFTY THOU- SAND DOLLARS, and (iii) contract for printing TO AN AMOUNT NOT EXCEEDING TWO HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS, without prior approval by any other state officer or agency, but subject to rules and regulations OR GUIDE- LINES of the state comptroller not otherwise inconsistent with the provisions of this section and in accordance with the guidelines promul- gated by the city university board of trustees after consultation with the state comptroller. PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT THE DOLLAR LIMITS SET FORTH IN THIS SUBDIVISION SHALL BE ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR SINGLE OR SOLE SOURCE PROCUREMENTS OR WHERE THERE IS A FORMAL PROTEST OF THE CONTRACT AWARD. IN ADDITION, WHERE THE STATE COMP- TROLLER DETERMINES ADEQUATE INTERNAL CONTROLS ARE EITHER NOT IN PLACE OR ARE NOT BEING UTILIZED EFFECTIVELY, AND SUCH FAILURE HAS RESULTED IN PROCUREMENT PRACTICES THAT ARE INCONSISTENT WITH THE PURPOSES UNDERLYING THE COMPETITIVE BIDDING STATUTES OF THE STATE, INCLUDING THOSE SET FORTH IN SUBDIVISION TWO OF SECTION ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-THREE OF THE STATE S. 3984--A 6 FINANCE LAW, THE COMPTROLLER MAY REDUCE THE DOLLAR LIMITS SET FORTH IN THIS SUBDIVISION TO AN AMOUNT NOT LESS THAN FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS. (A-1) THE TRUSTEES ARE AUTHORIZED TO ANNUALLY NEGOTIATE WITH THE STATE COMPTROLLER INCREASES IN THE DOLLAR LIMITS SET FORTH IN THIS SUBDIVISION AND THE EXEMPTION OF ANY ARTICLES, CATEGORIES OF ARTICLES OR COMMODITIES FROM THESE LIMITS. (A-2) GUIDELINES PROMULGATED BY THE CITY UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES SHALL, TO THE EXTENT PRACTICABLE, REQUIRE THAT COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS BE SOLICITED FOR PURCHASES, AND SHALL INCLUDE REQUIREMENTS THAT PURCHASES AND CONTRACTS AUTHORIZED UNDER THIS SECTION BE AT THE LOWEST POSSIBLE PRICE. [(2) execute contracts for services to an amount not exceeding twenty thousand dollars without prior approval by any other state officer or agency, but subject to rules and regulations of the state comptroller not otherwise inconsistent with the provisions of this section and in accordance with the guidelines promulgated by the city university board of trustees after consultation with the state comptroller. In addition, the trustees, after consultation with the commissioner of general services, are authorized to annually negotiate with the state comp- troller increases in the aforementioned dollar limits and the exemption of any services or categories of services from these limits. a-1. Guidelines promulgated by the city university board of trustees shall, to the extent practicable, require that competitive proposals be solicited for purchases, and shall include requirements that purchases and contracts authorized under this section be at the lowest available price.] § 6. Section 6283 of the education law is REPEALED. § 7. This act shall take effect immediately; provided, however, that: (a) the amendments to subdivisions 5 and 6 of section 355 and subdivi- sions a and a-1 of section 6218 of the education law made by sections two and five of this act shall not affect the expiration of such provisions pursuant to section 4 of subpart B of part D of chapter 58 of the laws of 2011, as amended, and shall be deemed to expire therewith; (b) the amendments to paragraph b of subdivision 16 of section 355 of the education law made by section three of this act shall not affect the expiration of such paragraph pursuant to section 3 of subpart C of part D of chapter 58 of the laws of 2011, as amended, and shall expire there- with; and (c) the amendments to subdivision 12 of section 373 of the education law made by section four of this act shall not affect the expiration of such subdivision pursuant to section 4 of subpart A of part D of chapter 58 of the laws of 2011, as amended, and shall expire therewith. PART B Section 1. Subdivision 1 of section 2879 of the public authorities law, as amended by chapter 564 of the laws of 1988, is amended to read as follows: 1. Every public authority and public benefit corporation, a majority of the members of which consist of persons either appointed by the governor or who serve as members by virtue of holding a civil office of the state, or a combination thereof, (such entities to be hereinafter in this section referred to as "corporation") shall adopt by resolution comprehensive guidelines CONSISTENT WITH THE METHODS OF EVALUATING BIDS AND PROPOSALS AND AWARDING OF CONTRACTS AUTHORIZED BY SECTIONS ONE HUNDRED THIRTY-SIX-A, ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-THREE AND ONE HUNDRED SIXTY- S. 3984--A 7 THREE-A OF THE STATE FINANCE LAW AND SUBDIVISION SIX OF SECTION EIGHT OF THE PUBLIC BUILDINGS LAW, UNLESS EXPRESSLY AUTHORIZED OTHERWISE BY LAW, which detail the corporation's operative policy and instructions regard- ing the use, awarding, monitoring and reporting of procurement contracts. Guidelines approved by the corporation shall be annually reviewed and approved by the corporation. § 2. This act shall take effect immediately. PART C Section 1. The public authorities law is amended by adding a new section 2882 to read as follows: § 2882. THIRD PARTY CONTRACTING PROHIBITED. 1. UNLESS AUTHORIZED BY SPECIAL ACT OF THE LEGISLATURE, NO STATE AUTHORITY SHALL ENTER INTO A CONTRACT OR AGREEMENT OR EXTEND AN EXISTING CONTRACT OR AGREEMENT WITH ANOTHER ENTITY, (I) WHERE THE EXCLUSIVE OR PRIMARY ROLE OF SUCH ENTITY UNDER THE CONTRACT OR AGREEMENT IS TO PROCURE GOODS OR SERVICES OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, PUBLIC WORK, CONSTRUCTION, ALTER- ATIONS, OR IMPROVEMENTS TO PUBLIC FACILITIES, GRANT CONTRACTS, EMPLOY- MENT CONTRACTS, REVENUE OR CONCESSION CONTRACTS, THE EXCHANGE OF PERSONAL OR REAL PROPERTY, THE EXCHANGE OF SERVICES, OR ANY COMBINATION THEREOF THROUGH A CONTRACT OR AGREEMENT WITH A THIRD PARTY AND (II) WHERE SUCH ENTITY IS ACTING AS A PROCUREMENT CONDUIT, RATHER THAN BEING DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE GOODS OR SERVICES. 2. THE COMPTROLLER MAY PROMULGATE SUCH RULES AND REGULATIONS AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO ENFORCE THIS SECTION, INCLUDING THE STANDARDS FOR DETERMIN- ING WHETHER A CONTRACT IS PROHIBITED BY THIS SECTION. § 2. This act shall take effect immediately and shall apply to contracts entered into on and after such date. PART D Section 1. The state finance law is amended by adding a new section 148 to read as follows: § 148. COMPTROLLER APPROVAL OF THE RESEARCH FOUNDATION OF THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK CONTRACTS. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER PROVISION OF LAW, BEFORE ANY CONTRACT MADE FOR OR BY THE RESEARCH FOUNDATION OF THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK WHICH IS TO BE PAID IN WHOLE OR IN PART FROM MONIES APPROPRIATED OR ASSIGNED BY THE STATE SHALL BE EXECUTED OR BECOME EFFECTIVE, WHENEVER SUCH CONTRACT EXCEEDS ONE MILLION DOLLARS IN AMOUNT, IT SHALL FIRST BE APPROVED BY THE STATE COMPTROLLER AND FILED IN HIS OR HER OFFICE. THE COMPTROLLER SHALL MAKE A FINAL WRITTEN DETERMI- NATION WITH RESPECT TO APPROVAL OF SUCH CONTRACT WITHIN NINETY DAYS OF THE SUBMISSION OF SUCH CONTRACT TO HIS OR HER OFFICE UNLESS THE COMP- TROLLER SHALL NOTIFY, IN WRITING, THE RESEARCH FOUNDATION OF THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION OF THE NINETY DAY PERIOD, AND FOR GOOD CAUSE, OF THE NEED FOR AN EXTENSION OF NOT MORE THAN FIFTEEN DAYS, OR A REASONABLE PERIOD OF TIME AGREED TO BY THE RESEARCH FOUNDATION OF THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AND PROVIDED, FURTHER, THAT SUCH WRITTEN DETERMINATION OR EXTENSION SHALL BE MADE PART OF THE PROCUREMENT RECORD. § 2. This act shall take effect immediately and shall apply to contracts entered into on and after such date. PART E S. 3984--A 8 Section 1. Subdivision 3 of section 141 of the economic development law, as amended by section 14 of part L of chapter 55 of the laws of 2012, is amended to read as follows: 3. "Procurement contract" shall mean any written agreement entered into by an agency for the acquisition of goods, services, or construction of any kind, INCLUDING AGREEMENTS AWARDED BY AN AGENCY TO A SINGLE SOURCE, A SOLE SOURCE OR PURSUANT TO ANY OTHER METHOD OF PROCURE- MENT THAT IS NOT COMPETITIVE, in the actual or estimated amount of fifty thousand dollars or more. The term does not include an agreement for employment in the civil service. § 2. Paragraph (c) of subdivision 2 and subdivision 5 of section 142 of the economic development law, as amended by chapter 137 of the laws of 2008, are amended and a new paragraph (d) is added to subdivision 2 to read as follows: (c) for all [other] procurement contracts issued by agencies PURSUANT TO A COMPETITIVE METHOD OF PROCUREMENT INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, AN INVITATION FOR BID, REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS OR OTHER MEANS OF SOLICITA- TION, FOR AN AMOUNT IN EXCESS OF FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS (i) the name of the contracting agency; (ii) the contract identification number; (iii) a brief description of the goods or services sought, the location where goods are to be delivered or services provided and the contract term; (iv) the address where bids or proposals are to be submitted; (v) the date when bids or proposals are due; (vi) a description of any eligibil- ity or qualification requirement or preference; (vii) a statement as to whether the contract requirements may be fulfilled by a subcontracting, joint venture, or co-production arrangement; (viii) any other informa- tion deemed useful to potential contractors; (ix) the name, address, and telephone number of the person to be contacted for additional informa- tion; and (x) a statement as to whether the goods or services sought had in the immediately preceding three year period been supplied by a foreign business enterprise. (D) FOR ALL PROCUREMENT CONTRACTS ISSUED BY AGENCIES TO A SINGLE SOURCE, A SOLE SOURCE OR PURSUANT TO ANY OTHER METHOD OF PROCUREMENT THAT IS NOT COMPETITIVE, FOR AN AMOUNT IN EXCESS OF FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS (I) THE NAME OF THE CONTRACTING AGENCY; (II) THE NAME OF THE RECIPIENT OF THE INTENDED CONTRACT, IF KNOWN AT THE TIME; (III) THE CONTRACT IDENTIFICATION NUMBER; (IV) A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE GOODS OR SERVICES SOUGHT, THE LOCATION WHERE GOODS ARE TO BE DELIVERED OR SERVICES PROVIDED AND THE CONTRACT TERM; (V) A DESCRIPTION OF ANY ELIGI- BILITY OR QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENT OR PREFERENCE; (VI) A STATEMENT AS TO WHETHER THE CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS MAY BE FULFILLED BY A SUBCONTRACT- ING, JOINT VENTURE, OR CO-PRODUCTION ARRANGEMENT; (VII) ANY OTHER INFOR- MATION DEEMED USEFUL TO POTENTIAL CONTRACTORS; (VIII) THE NAME, ADDRESS, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED FOR ADDITIONAL INFOR- MATION; AND (IX) A STATEMENT AS TO WHETHER THE GOODS OR SERVICES SOUGHT HAD IN THE IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THREE YEAR PERIOD BEEN SUPPLIED BY A FOREIGN BUSINESS ENTERPRISE. 5. In addition to any other notice of procurement contract opportu- nities required in this section, for procurement contracts in the amount of two hundred thousand dollars or more to be awarded by all [state] agencies, each agency shall prepare for inclusion in the procurement opportunities newsletter (a) a semi-annual listing of projected procure- ment purchases by category, INCLUDING PROJECTED PURCHASES TO BE AWARDED TO A SINGLE SOURCE, A SOLE SOURCE OR PURSUANT TO ANY OTHER METHOD OF PROCUREMENT THAT IS NOT COMPETITIVE; (b) an explanation of how to apply for placement on any bidder list maintained by the agency; and (c) a S. 3984--A 9 description of procedures for providing advance notification by mail to individuals or business entities on such bidder lists of any request for proposals, in accordance with rules and regulations promulgated by the agency. The commissioner, in consultation with each agency, shall arrange a schedule for each agency's semi-annual listing. § 3. Subdivisions 1 and 4 of section 143 of the economic development law, subdivision 1 as added by chapter 564 of the laws of 1988 and subdivision 4 as added by section 16 of part L of chapter 55 of the laws of 2012, are amended to read as follows: 1. Prior to awarding any procurement contract, each agency shall submit to the commissioner information sufficient to enable publication of the notices of procurement contract opportunities described in subdi- vision two of section one hundred forty-two of this article. Such infor- mation shall be submitted to the commissioner in sufficient time to allow a minimum of fifteen business days between publication of such notice and the date on which a bid or proposal is due, except where a shorter period is specifically authorized by law PROVIDED, HOWEVER: (A) IN THE CASE OF PROCUREMENT CONTRACTS ISSUED BY A PUBLIC BENEFIT CORPORATION OR STATE AUTHORITY WHOSE CONTRACTS AND PAYMENTS ARE NOT APPROVED AND PRE-AUDITED BY THE COMPTROLLER, TO A SINGLE SOURCE, A SOLE SOURCE OR PURSUANT TO ANY OTHER METHOD OF PROCUREMENT THAT IS NOT COMPETITIVE, IN SUFFICIENT TIME TO ALLOW A MINIMUM OF FIFTEEN BUSINESS DAYS BETWEEN PUBLICATION OF SUCH NOTICE AND THE DATE ON WHICH THE STATE AUTHORITY OR PUBLIC BENEFIT CORPORATION INTENDS TO MAKE A CONTRACT AWARD; OR (B) IN THE CASE OF PROCUREMENT CONTRACTS ISSUED BY AGENCIES OTHER THAN PUBLIC BENEFIT CORPORATIONS OR STATE AUTHORITIES, TO A SINGLE SOURCE, A SOLE SOURCE OR PURSUANT TO ANY OTHER METHOD OF PROCUREMENT THAT IS NOT COMPETITIVE, IN SUFFICIENT TIME TO ALLOW A MINIMUM OF FIFTEEN BUSINESS DAYS BETWEEN PUBLICATION OF SUCH NOTICE AND THE DATE THE AGENCY INTENDS TO DELIVER THE REQUEST FOR EXEMPTION FROM ADVERTISING TO THE STATE COMP- TROLLER. 4. At the time an agency enters into a contract with a single or sole source provider pursuant to section one hundred sixty-three of the state finance law, OR PURSUANT TO ANY OTHER METHOD OF PROCUREMENT THAT IS NOT COMPETITIVE, for an amount in excess of fifty thousand dollars, such agency shall submit an announcement of the intended contract for inclu- sion in the procurement opportunities newsletter, and shall specify the recipient of the contract. § 4. Section 146 of the economic development law, as amended by chap- ter 173 of the laws of 2014, is amended to read as follows: § 146. Approval of comptroller. The comptroller shall not approve or file any procurement contract for the acquisition of goods or services, OR CONSTRUCTION OF ANY KIND, in the amount of fifty thousand dollars or more unless notice as provided in section one hundred forty-two of this article shall first have been published in the procurement opportunities newsletter at least fifteen business days prior to the date on which a bid or proposal was due OR, IN THE CASE OF PROCUREMENT CONTRACTS ISSUED TO A SINGLE SOURCE, A SOLE SOURCE OR PURSUANT TO ANY OTHER METHOD OF PROCUREMENT THAT IS NOT COMPETITIVE, AT LEAST FIFTEEN BUSINESS DAYS PRIOR TO THE DATE ON WHICH THE AGENCY INTENDS TO DELIVER THE REQUEST FOR EXEMPTION FROM ADVERTISING TO THE STATE COMPTROLLER AND ENTER INTO THE CONTRACT. Provided, however, such requirement of publication of advance notice shall not apply to contracts exempt from such requirement under section one hundred forty-four of this article; provided further, that the comptroller shall not be required to disapprove a contract if he or S. 3984--A 10 she determines that there has been substantial compliance with the requirements of section one hundred forty-two and section one hundred forty-three of this article. The foregoing provisions of this section shall not be construed to limit, in any manner, the right of the comp- troller to demand evidence of adequate competition or such other proofs as he or she may require in the discharge of his or her responsibilities pursuant to section one hundred twelve of the state finance law or any other provision of law. § 5. This act shall take effect immediately. PART F Section 1. The state finance law is amended by adding a new section 139-l to read as follows: § 139-L. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST OF STATE OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES IN STATE PROCUREMENTS; PROHIBITED. (A) NO STATE OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE AS DEFINED IN SECTION SEVENTY-THREE OF THE PUBLIC OFFICERS LAW SHALL: 1. HAVE ANY INTEREST, FINANCIAL OR OTHERWISE, DIRECT OR INDIRECT, IN ANY CONTRACT OTHER THAN ONE PERMISSIBLE PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH (A) OF SUBDIVISION FOUR OF SECTION SEVENTY-THREE OF THE PUBLIC OFFICERS LAW; OR 2. TAKE ANY ACTION OR OTHERWISE INVOLVE HIMSELF OR HERSELF IN ANY ACTIVITY WHICH, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS CHAPTER OR THE PUBLIC OFFICERS LAW, WOULD BE DEEMED A CONFLICT OF INTEREST FOR A STATE OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE THAT MAY REASONABLY BE EXPECTED TO IMPAIR THE OFFICER'S OR EMPLOYEE'S INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT OR ABILITY TO ACT IMPARTIALLY AND IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE STATE, OR THAT MAY REASONABLY CREATE THE APPEARANCE OF IMPROPRIETY THROUGH THE APPEARANCE OF FAVORITISM OR PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT. (B) IF SUCH CONFLICT OF INTEREST EXISTS, THE STATE OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE MUST IMMEDIATELY RECUSE HIMSELF OR HERSELF IN WRITING FROM THE PROCURE- MENT AND SUBMIT SUCH RECUSAL TO THE STATE AGENCY OFFICER IN CHARGE OF PROCUREMENT AND CONTRACTING TO BE INCLUDED IN THE PROCUREMENT RECORD TO THE STATE AGENCY'S ETHICS OFFICER, AND TO THE AGENCY HEAD. § 2. Article 1 of the public authorities law is amended by adding a new title 3 to read as follows: TITLE 3 ETHICAL STANDARDS FOR STATE AUTHORITIES SECTION 10. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST OF STATE AUTHORITY BOARD MEMBERS, OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES IN AUTHORITY PROCUREMENTS; PROHIB- ITED. § 10. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST OF STATE AUTHORITY BOARD MEMBERS, OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES IN AUTHORITY PROCUREMENTS; PROHIBITED. 1. NO STATE AUTHOR- ITY BOARD MEMBER, OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE SHALL WITH RESPECT TO ANY STATE CONTRACT OR STATE AUTHORITY CONTRACT: (A) HAVE ANY INTEREST, FINANCIAL OR OTHERWISE, DIRECT OR INDIRECT, IN ANY CONTRACT OTHER THAN ONE PERMISSIBLE PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH (A) OF SUBDIVISION FOUR OF SECTION SEVENTY-THREE OF THE PUBLIC OFFICERS LAW; OR (B) TAKE ANY ACTION OR OTHERWISE INVOLVE HIMSELF OR HERSELF IN ANY ACTIVITY WHICH, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS CHAPTER OR THE PUBLIC OFFICERS LAW, WOULD BE DEEMED A CONFLICT OF INTEREST THAT MAY REASONABLY BE EXPECTED TO IMPAIR THE BOARD MEMBER'S, OFFICER'S OR EMPLOYEE'S INDE- PENDENT JUDGMENT OR ABILITY TO ACT IMPARTIALLY AND IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE STATE AUTHORITY, OR THAT MAY REASONABLY CREATE THE APPEARANCE OF IMPROPRIETY THROUGH THE APPEARANCE OF FAVORITISM OR PREFERENTIAL TREAT- MENT. S. 3984--A 11 2. IF SUCH CONFLICT OF INTEREST EXISTS, THE STATE AUTHORITY BOARD MEMBER, OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE MUST IMMEDIATELY RECUSE HIMSELF OR HERSELF IN WRITING AND SUBMIT SUCH RECUSAL TO THE STATE AUTHORITY'S ETHICS OFFI- CER AND ANY OFFICIAL OR COMMITTEE CHARGED WITH OVERSEEING ETHICAL CONDUCT IN THE AUTHORITY, THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICIAL OF THE AUTHORITY AND THE BOARD CHAIR, AS APPROPRIATE, THE APPOINTING OFFICIAL, AND THE OFFICER IN CHARGE OF THE AUTHORITY'S PROCUREMENTS TO BE INCLUDED IN THE STATE AUTHORITY'S PROCUREMENT RECORD. ANY STATE AUTHORITY BOARD MEMBER WHO SUBMITS SUCH RECUSAL SHALL ALSO SUBMIT SUCH RECUSAL TO THE APPOINT- ING OFFICIAL WITH RESPONSIBILITY FOR SUCH BOARD MEMBER'S APPOINTMENT AND, IN THE CASE OF BOARD MEMBERS APPOINTED AT THE RECOMMENDATION OF ANOTHER OFFICIAL, MUST ALSO SUBMIT SUCH RECUSAL TO THE RECOMMENDING OFFICIAL. § 3. This act shall take effect immediately. § 2. Severability clause. If any clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivi- sion, section or part of this act shall be adjudged by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such judgment shall not affect, impair, or invalidate the remainder thereof, but shall be confined in its operation to the clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivision, section or part thereof directly involved in the controversy in which such judg- ment shall have been rendered. It is hereby declared to be the intent of the legislature that this act would have been enacted even if such invalid provisions had not been included herein. § 3. This act shall take effect immediately provided, however, that the applicable effective date of Parts A through F of this act shall be as specifically set forth in the last section of such Parts.
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