84R27887 MTB-D
 
  By: Zaffirini, et al. S.B. No. 543
 
  (Elkins, Otto, Walle, Gutierrez, Leach, et al.)
 
  Substitute the following for S.B. No. 543:  No.
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to oversight of and requirements applicable to state
  contracts and other state financial and accounting issues;
  authorizing fees.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 821.009(b), Government Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         (b)  Notwithstanding any other law and in addition to the
  requirements of Subchapter E, Chapter 2262, before a contract
  described by Subsection (a) may be entered into by the retirement
  system, a representative of the office of the attorney general
  shall review the form and terms of the contract and may make
  recommendations to the retirement system for changes to the
  contract if the attorney general determines that the office of the
  attorney general has sufficient subject matter expertise and
  resources available to provide this service.
         SECTION 2.  Section 825.103(g), Government Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         (g)  Notwithstanding any other law and except as provided by
  Section 2262.202, Chapters 2261 and 2262 do not apply to the
  retirement system.  The Contract Management and Oversight
  [Advisory] Team shall assist the retirement system at the request
  of the retirement system.  The retirement system may use the
  training program for contract management provided under Chapter
  2262.
         SECTION 3.  Section 2054.065(a)(2), Government Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
               (2)  "Team" means the Contract Management and Oversight
  [Advisory] Team established under Subchapter E [C], Chapter 2262.
         SECTION 4.  Section 2101.001(1), Government Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
               (1)  "Enterprise resource planning" includes the
  administration of a state agency's:
                     (A)  general ledger;
                     (B)  accounts payable;
                     (C)  accounts receivable;
                     (D)  budgeting;
                     (E)  inventory;
                     (F)  asset management;
                     (G)  billing;
                     (H)  payroll;
                     (I)  projects;
                     (J)  grants;
                     (K)  human resources, including administration of
  performance measures, time spent on tasks, and other personnel and
  labor issues; and
                     (L)  purchasing, including solicitations and
  contracting.
         SECTION 5.  Section 2101.011, Government Code, is amended by
  adding Subsection (e) to read as follows:
         (e)  A state agency's annual financial report must include
  any claims made against the agency for the preceding fiscal year and
  the amount paid by the agency in relation to each claim.
         SECTION 6.  Section 2101.035, Government Code, is amended by
  adding Subsections (i), (j), and (k) to read as follows:
         (i)  State agencies other than a university system or an
  institution of higher education as defined by Section 61.003,
  Education Code, shall report contract and purchasing information in
  the uniform manner required by the comptroller.
         (j)  The centralized accounting and payroll system, or any
  successor system used to implement the enterprise resource planning
  component of the uniform statewide accounting project, developed
  under this section and Section 2101.036 must provide alerts to the
  comptroller to notify the comptroller of a state contract other
  than a contract of a university system or an institution of higher
  education as defined by Section 61.003, Education Code, that has a
  high risk of loss to the state based on parameters identified by
  rule by the comptroller, including:
               (1)  a change order of more than 20 percent of the value
  of the original contract; and
               (2)  a contract entered into in an amount that exceeds a
  predetermined threshold amount.
         (k)  If, through the uniform statewide accounting system or a
  component of that system, the comptroller or an officer or employee
  of the comptroller's office releases or publishes information that
  is confidential or excepted from required disclosure in reliance on
  a determination made by a state agency about the status of the
  information as confidential or excepted from disclosure, the
  comptroller, officer, or employee, as appropriate, is:
               (1)  immune from any civil or criminal liability for
  releasing or publishing the information; and
               (2)  not required to comply with the notification
  requirements of Section 2054.1125 of this code and Chapter 521,
  Business & Commerce Code, in relation to the release or publication
  of the information.
         SECTION 7.  Section 2101.036, Government Code, is amended by
  amending Subsection (d) and adding Subsection (e) to read as
  follows:
         (d)  Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter or
  other law and except as provided by Subsection (e), this section and
  any rules implementing this section apply only in relation to a
  state agency as defined by Section 2054.003.
         (e)  A state agency in the legislative branch of state
  government may elect to participate in the centralized accounting
  and payroll system, or any successor system used to implement the
  enterprise resource planning component of the uniform statewide
  accounting project, developed under this section.
         SECTION 8.  Section 2102.005, Government Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 2102.005.  INTERNAL AUDITING REQUIRED. A state agency
  shall conduct a program of internal auditing that includes:
               (1)  an annual audit plan that is prepared using risk
  assessment techniques and that identifies the individual audits to
  be conducted during the year; and
               (2)  periodic audits of:
                     (A)  the agency's major systems and controls,
  including:
                           (i) [(A)]  accounting systems and controls;
                           (ii) [(B)]  administrative systems and
  controls; [and]
                           (iii) [(C)]  electronic data processing
  systems and controls; and
                           (iv)  contract management processes and
  controls; and
                     (B)  one or more of the agency's contracts with
  high-risk factors.
         SECTION 9.  Section 2113.102(a), Government Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         (a)  A state agency may not use appropriated money to
  contract with a person to audit [the financial records or accounts
  of] the agency except:
               (1)  as provided by[:
               [(1)]  Subsections (b), (c), and (d); and
               (2)  in accordance with Section 321.020 [Chapter 466,
  pertaining to the state lottery;
               [(3)     Chapter 2306, pertaining to the Texas Department
  of Housing and Community Affairs; and
               [(4)     Chapter 361, Transportation Code, pertaining to
  the Texas Turnpike Authority division of the Texas Department of
  Transportation].
         SECTION 10.  Subchapter I, Chapter 2155, Government Code, is
  amended by adding Section 2155.5035 to read as follows:
         Sec. 2155.5035.  USE OF SCHEDULE BY STATE AGENCY.  (a)  A
  state agency purchasing goods or services that exceed $50,000 under
  a contract listed on the schedule shall submit a request for pricing
  to:
               (1)  at least three vendors included on the schedule in
  the category to which the purchase relates; or
               (2)  all vendors included on the schedule in the
  category to which the purchase relates if fewer than three vendors
  are included in the category.
         (b)  The price listed for a good or service under a multiple
  award contract is a maximum price.  A state agency may negotiate a
  lower price for goods or services under a contract listed on a
  schedule developed under this chapter.
         SECTION 11.  Section 2155.504, Government Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         Sec. 2155.504.  USE OF SCHEDULE BY LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
  [GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES]. (a)  A [state agency or] local government
  may purchase goods or services directly from a vendor under a
  contract listed on a schedule developed under this subchapter. A
  purchase authorized by this section satisfies any requirement of
  state law relating to competitive bids or proposals and satisfies
  any applicable requirements of Chapter 2157.
         (b)  The price listed for a good or service under a multiple
  award contract is a maximum price. A [An agency or] local
  government may negotiate a lower price for goods or services under a
  contract listed on a schedule developed under this subchapter.
         SECTION 12.  Section 2162.103(a), Government Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (a)  In comparing the cost of providing a service, the
  council shall consider the:
               (1)  cost of supervising the work of a private
  contractor; [and]
               (2)  cost of a state agency's performance of the
  service, including:
                     (A)  the costs of the comptroller, attorney
  general, and other support agencies; and
                     (B)  other indirect costs related to the agency's
  performance of the service;
               (3)  installation costs and any other initial costs
  associated with a contract with a private contractor;
               (4)  other costs associated with the transition to
  using a private contractor's services; and
               (5)  cost savings to the state if a private contractor
  were awarded the contract.
         SECTION 13.  Sections 2165.356(a) and (b), Government Code,
  are amended to read as follows:
         (a)  Not later than the 60th day before the date the
  commission is scheduled to vote on approval of a qualifying project
  contract, the commission must submit to the Contract Management and
  Oversight [Advisory] Team established under Subchapter E [C],
  Chapter 2262, documentation of the modifications to a proposed
  qualifying project made during the commission's evaluation and
  negotiation process for the project, including a copy of:
               (1)  the final draft of the contract;
               (2)  the detailed qualifying project proposal; and
               (3)  any executed interim or other agreement.
         (b)  The Contract Management and Oversight [Advisory] Team
  shall review the documentation submitted under Subsection (a) and
  provide written comments and recommendations to the
  commission.  The review must focus on, but not be limited to, best
  practices for contract management and administration.
         SECTION 14.  Section 2166.2551, Government Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         Sec. 2166.2551.  CONTRACT NOTIFICATION. The commission or
  an agency whose project is exempted from all or part of this chapter
  under Section 2166.003 shall provide written notice to the
  Legislative Budget Board of a contract for a construction project
  if the amount of the contract, including an amendment,
  modification, renewal, or extension of the contract, exceeds
  $50,000 [$14,000]. The notice must be on a form prescribed by the
  Legislative Budget Board and filed not later than the 10th day after
  the date the agency enters into the contract.
         SECTION 15.  Section 2254.006, Government Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         Sec. 2254.006.  CONTRACT NOTIFICATION. A state agency,
  including an institution of higher education as defined by Section
  61.003, Education Code, shall provide written notice to the
  Legislative Budget Board of a contract for professional services,
  other than a contract for physician or optometric services, if the
  amount of the contract, including an amendment, modification,
  renewal, or extension of the contract, exceeds $50,000 [$14,000].
  The notice must be on a form prescribed by the Legislative Budget
  Board and filed not later than the 10th day after the date the
  agency enters into the contract.
         SECTION 16.  Section 2254.0301(a), Government Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (a)  A state agency shall provide written notice to the
  Legislative Budget Board of a contract for consulting services if
  the amount of the contract, including an amendment, modification,
  renewal, or extension of the contract, exceeds $50,000 [$14,000].  
  The notice must be on a form prescribed by the Legislative Budget
  Board and filed not later than the 10th day after the date the
  entity enters into the contract.
         SECTION 17.  Sections 2261.001(a) and (c), Government Code,
  are amended to read as follows:
         (a)  This chapter applies only to each procurement of goods
  or services made by a state agency that is neither made by the
  comptroller nor made under purchasing authority delegated to the
  agency by or under Section 51.9335 or 73.115, Education Code, or
  Section [2155.131 or] 2155.132.
         (c)  The comptroller on request shall determine whether a
  procurement or type of procurement:
               (1)  is made under purchasing authority delegated to an
  agency by or under Section [2155.131 or] 2155.132; or
               (2)  is made under some other source of purchasing
  authority.
         SECTION 18.  Section 2261.002, Government Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         Sec. 2261.002.  DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:
               (1)  "Contract" includes an agreement or other written
  expression of terms of agreement, including an amendment, a
  modification, a renewal, or an extension, for the purchase of goods
  or services that is entered into or paid for, wholly or partly, by a
  state agency during a fiscal year and a grant, other than a grant
  made to a school district or a grant made for other academic
  purposes, under which the recipient of the grant is required to
  perform a specific act or service, supply a specific type of
  product, or both.
               (2)  "Contract deliverable" means a unit or increment
  of work required by a contract, including goods, services, reports,
  or documents.
               (3)  "Contract manager" means a person who:
                     (A)  is employed by a state agency; and
                     (B)  has significant contract management duties
  for the state agency.
               (4)  "Executive director" means the administrative
  head of a state agency.
               (5)  "General counsel" means the general counsel of a
  state agency.
               (6)  "Major contract" means a contract, including a
  renewal of a contract, that has a value of at least $1 million. The
  term includes a service contract.
               (7)  "State agency" has the meaning assigned by Section
  2151.002.
         SECTION 19.  Subchapter A, Chapter 2261, Government Code, is
  amended by adding Sections 2261.004, 2261.005, 2261.006, 2261.007,
  2261.008, and 2261.009 to read as follows:
         Sec. 2261.004.  STATE AGENCY REPOSITORY AND RECORDS.
  (a)  Each state agency shall maintain in a central location all
  contracts for that agency.
         (b)  Each state agency shall maintain a comprehensive list of
  all contracts for that agency.
         (c)  In this subsection, "contract" includes a sole source
  contract.  Each state agency shall maintain accurate records of all
  essential information relating to agency contracts, including
  information on:
               (1)  a contract delay or changes to a contract in which
  total expenditures under the contract increase by more than 20
  percent from the original contract amount; and
               (2)  cost overruns, including a written explanation of
  why expenditures have increased under a contract.
         (d)  Notwithstanding Section 441.185, contracts and other
  related information required to be maintained under this section by
  a state agency must be retained for the duration of the contract.
         Sec. 2261.005.  CONTRACT REPORTING. (a)  In this section,
  "contract" includes a construction contract.
         (b)  The following sections prescribe reporting requirements
  for certain contracts:
               (1)  Section 322.020;
               (2)  Section 2054.008;
               (3)  Section 2166.2551;
               (4)  Section 2254.006;
               (5)  Section 2254.028; and
               (6)  Section 2254.0301.
         Sec. 2261.006.  PROFESSIONAL SERVICES. A state agency shall
  procure professional services in accordance with Subchapter A,
  Chapter 2254.
         Sec. 2261.007.  CONTRACT GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES. Each
  state agency shall establish formal guidelines and procedures for
  all employees involved in the contracting process:
               (1)  regarding who may approve a contract for the
  agency;
               (2)  for contract planning and solicitation;
               (3)  for contract negotiations;
               (4)  for contract management; and
               (5)  for contract oversight.
         Sec. 2261.008.  INTERAGENCY AGREEMENTS AND CONTRACTS. An
  interagency agreement or contract of a state agency is governed by
  Chapter 771.
         Sec. 2261.009.  INTERLOCAL CONTRACTS. An interlocal
  contract to which a state agency is a party is governed by Chapter
  791. 
         SECTION 20.  Subchapter B, Chapter 2261, Government Code, is
  amended by adding Section 2261.054 to read as follows:
         Sec. 2261.054.  BEST VALUE STANDARD FOR CONTRACTING FOR
  GOODS AND SERVICES. In determining the best value for the state,
  the purchase price and whether the goods or services meet
  specifications are the most important considerations. A state
  agency may consider, subject to Sections 2155.074(c) and 2155.075,
  other relevant factors, including:
               (1)  installation costs;
               (2)  life cycle costs;
               (3)  the quality and reliability of the goods and
  services;
               (4)  the delivery terms;
               (5)  indicators of probable vendor performance under
  the contract such as past vendor performance, the vendor's
  financial resources and ability to perform, the vendor's experience
  or demonstrated capability and responsibility, and the vendor's
  ability to provide reliable maintenance agreements and support;
               (6)  the cost of any employee training associated with
  a purchase;
               (7)  the effect of a purchase on agency productivity;
               (8)  the vendor's anticipated economic impact on the
  state or a subdivision of the state, including potential tax
  revenue and employment; and
               (9)  other factors relevant to determining the best
  value for the state in the context of a particular purchase.
         SECTION 21.  The heading to Subchapter C, Chapter 2261,
  Government Code, is amended to read as follows:
  SUBCHAPTER C. CONTRACT FORMATION AND PROVISIONS
         SECTION 22.  Subchapter C, Chapter 2261, Government Code, is
  amended by adding Sections 2261.103, 2261.104, 2261.105, 2261.106,
  and 2261.107 to read as follows:
         Sec. 2261.103.  USE OF UNIFORM FORMS.  A state agency may use
  any forms developed by the comptroller as templates, guides, or
  samples for contracts entered into by the agency.
         Sec. 2261.104.  ESSENTIAL CONTRACT PROVISIONS. (a)  The
  following are required provisions in each contract to which the
  provisions are applicable, other than a grant:
               (1)  legal authority;
               (2)  statement of work;
               (3)  indemnification or damage claims;
               (4)  consideration;
               (5)  specifications;
               (6)  funding out clause;
               (7)  antitrust;
               (8)  payment;
               (9)  dispute resolution;
               (10)  term of contract;
               (11)  confidential information;
               (12)  abandonment or default;
               (13)  right to audit;
               (14)  force majeure;
               (15)  independent contractor; and
               (16)  termination.
         (b)  If a state agency determines that the circumstances of a
  proposed contract require more protection for the state than the
  provisions in Subsection (a) provide, the agency shall include a
  provision in the contract providing for that protection.
         Sec. 2261.105.  CONTRACT PROVISIONS REQUIRED BY STATE LAW.
  (a)  In any contract for the acquisition of goods or services to
  which a state agency is a party, a provision required by other
  applicable law to be included in the contract is considered to be a
  part of the executed contract without regard to whether:
               (1)  the provision appears on the face of the contract;
  or
               (2)  the contract includes any provision to the
  contrary.
         (b)  If a state agency determines that the circumstances of a
  proposed contract require more protection for the state than the
  provisions described by Subsection (a) provide, the agency shall
  include a provision in the contract providing for that protection.
         Sec. 2261.106.  CONTRACT RENEWAL. A state agency shall
  establish a standardized process for renewing all contracts of the
  agency.
         Sec. 2261.107.  CONTRACT DURATION. (a) A state agency:
               (1)  must establish a reasonable term for a contract
  before solicitation of the contract; and
               (2)  shall make an effort to keep the maximum length of
  a contract to four years without reissuing a competitive
  solicitation, including any contract renewals or extensions.
         (b)  A contract term established under Subsection (a)(1)
  must be included in a solicitation document.
         (c)  A state agency may not enter into a contract that has an
  indefinite term.
         SECTION 23.  Subchapter D, Chapter 2261, Government Code, is
  amended by adding Section 2261.152 to read as follows:
         Sec. 2261.152.  CONTRACT PAYMENT. (a) For each contract for
  goods or services that is subject to this chapter, a state agency
  shall require that payment under the contract be linked to clear and
  measurable achievements, such as length of time of work, contract
  deliverables, or performance measures.
         (b)  A state agency may not make a final payment on a contract
  for goods or services that is subject to this chapter unless the
  agency verifies that all contract deliverables have been received.
         SECTION 24.  The heading to Subchapter E, Chapter 2261,
  Government Code, is amended to read as follows:
  SUBCHAPTER E.  CONTRACT MONITORING AND [CONTRACTOR] OVERSIGHT
         SECTION 25.  Section 2261.202, Government Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         Sec. 2261.202.  CONTRACT MONITORING RESPONSIBILITIES.  (a)  
  As one of its contract management policies, each state agency that
  makes procurements to which this chapter applies shall establish
  and adopt by rule a policy that clearly defines the contract
  monitoring roles and responsibilities, if any, of agency staff,
  including internal audit staff and other inspection,
  investigative, or audit staff.
         (b)  The policy must establish clear lines of
  accountability, staff roles and responsibilities, and
  decision-making authority for program staff, contract management
  staff, and executive management staff.
         SECTION 26.  Subchapter E, Chapter 2261, Government Code, is
  amended by adding Sections 2261.204, 2261.205, 2261.206, 2261.207,
  2261.208, 2261.209, 2261.210, 2261.211, 2261.212, 2261.213, and
  2261.214 to read as follows:
         Sec. 2261.204.  INFORMATION ON CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE.
  After a contract with a value of $25,000 or more is completed or
  otherwise terminated, each state agency shall review the
  contractor's performance under the contract and report to the
  comptroller on the results of the review using forms made available
  to the state agency.
         Sec. 2261.205.  CONTRACTING STAFF. (a)  Each state agency
  that enters into contracts other than interagency contracts shall
  establish a career ladder program for contract management in the
  agency.
         (b)  An employee hired as a contract manager may participate
  in procurement planning, contract solicitation, contract
  formation, price establishment, and other contract activities.
         (c)  Each state agency shall determine, in consultation with
  the state auditor, the amount and significance of contract
  management duties sufficient for an employee to be considered a
  contract manager, program staff, or a contract specialist.
         Sec. 2261.206.  APPROVAL OF CONTRACTS. (a) Each state
  agency shall adopt a policy to establish a monetary threshold above
  which agency contracts and amendments to or extensions of agency
  contracts require written authorization by the agency executive
  director.
         (b)  Each state agency shall annually report to the
  comptroller a list of persons authorized to approve contracts at
  the agency. The list must include each person's name, position, and
  supervisory responsibility, if any.
         Sec. 2261.207.  NEGOTIATION OF MAJOR CONTRACT BY SINGLE
  EMPLOYEE PROHIBITED. A state agency may not negotiate a major
  contract with only one employee engaging in the negotiation.
         Sec. 2261.208.  CONTRACT REVIEW; REPORTING. (a)  A
  contractor's performance must be periodically reviewed throughout
  the term of a contract.
         (b)  A state agency shall ensure ongoing communication
  between executive management staff, contract management staff, and
  program staff of the results of the reviews performed under
  Subsection (a) with specific attention to contracts that are:
               (1)  anticipated to be completed later than originally
  estimated; or
               (2)  expected to cost more than the amount that was
  originally budgeted.
         (c)  To implement this section, a state agency shall create a
  system for agency-wide reporting on the status of, activity on, and
  contractor performance for each contract.
         Sec. 2261.209.  CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION TEAM. (a) This
  section applies to a state agency that has a contract with a value
  of $5 million or more.
         (b)  A state agency to which this section applies shall
  create a contract administration team to:
               (1)  ensure and verify the performance of agency
  contracts with a value of $5 million or more; and
               (2)  maintain within the agency contract oversight
  expertise to effectively manage contractors.
         Sec. 2261.210.  CONTRACT MONITORING PROCESS. A state agency
  shall establish and implement a monitoring process for agency
  contracts that includes:
               (1)  identifying the appropriate criteria for use in
  measuring contract performance;
               (2)  creating a schedule for monitoring contract
  performance;
               (3)  comparing work accomplished to work planned to be
  accomplished;
               (4)  analyzing contract performance variances; and
               (5)  addressing contracting performance problems with
  corrective action.
         Sec. 2261.211.  RISK MANAGEMENT PROCESS. (a) A state agency
  shall establish and implement a:
               (1)  process for evaluating the potential risk to the
  state, such as product risk, process risk, financial risk, and
  schedule risk, if contract implementation or performance problems
  occur, including a process for:
                     (A)  risk identification or identifying items
  that may prevent the agency from achieving contracting goals or
  objectives;
                     (B)  risk analysis or assessing the impact and
  likelihood of a risk;
                     (C)  risk evaluation or developing strategies or
  approaches to address risks that have been identified and analyzed;
                     (D)  risk treatment or the managerial approach to
  risk;
                     (E)  risk reduction or planning and performing
  actions to mitigate risk due to a managerial decision to reduce
  risk;
                     (F)  contingency planning or developing plans for
  corrective action to be taken if a potential risk occurs; and
                     (G)  risk monitoring or tracking the
  implementation of a risk reduction plan until the risk is
  sufficiently mitigated; and
               (2)  procedure for corrective action to be used when
  contract implementation or performance problems occur.
         (b)  In creating the process required by Subsection (a)(1),
  the state agency shall consider:
               (1)  the complexity and subject matter of agency
  contracts;
               (2)  the dollar value of agency contracts, including
  contract extensions and amendments, and whether the procurement
  will result in a major contract;
               (3)  the anticipated payment methodology;
               (4)  the experience of agency staff with the type of
  procurement;
               (5)  whether the results of the procurement will impact
  the public or only impact the agency;
               (6)  time constraints or the expected duration of the
  procurement; and
               (7)  the type, availability, and experience of staff
  resources required to implement the objectives of the procurement.
         (c)  Based on the assessed risk of a state agency contract,
  the agency shall, for each contract:
               (1)  determine the appropriate frequency and method of
  contract monitoring;
               (2)  allocate contract monitoring resources; and
               (3)  develop a contract auditing plan.
         Sec. 2261.212.  CONTRACT COMMUNICATION. (a) A state agency
  shall maintain effective communication procedures regarding
  contract performance.
         (b)  The chief financial officer of a state agency, or an
  individual designated by the executive director with similar
  contract administration duties and responsibilities, shall report
  at least monthly to the executive director on the status of agency
  contracts. The report must include a clear indication of:
               (1)  any contract cost overruns or contracts that are
  performing poorly; and
               (2)  contracts that may cause the state to delay or
  default on service delivery.
         Sec. 2261.213.  REPORT ON CERTAIN PURCHASES.  (a)  Not later
  than December 1 of each year, the comptroller shall publish a report
  on the number and dollar value of sole source and emergency
  purchases made in the previous fiscal year.
         (b)  Each state agency shall timely provide to the
  comptroller the information the comptroller requires for the
  purpose of creating the report under Subsection (a) in the manner
  and form specified by the comptroller.
         (c)  The comptroller shall establish requirements for the
  provision of information under Subsection (b) in consultation with
  the Contract Management and Oversight Team created under Subchapter
  E, Chapter 2262, the Health and Human Services Commission, and the
  Texas Department of Transportation.
         (d)  The comptroller may not require a state agency to
  provide information under Subsection (b) on a contract related to
  health and human services if:
               (1)  the value of the contract cannot be determined at
  the time of execution of the contract; and
               (2)  any qualified vendor is eligible for the contract.
         Sec. 2261.214.  CONTRACT DATABASE. (a)  Each state agency
  that becomes a participant in the centralized accounting and
  payroll system as authorized by Sections 2101.035 and 2101.036, or
  any successor system used to implement the enterprise resource
  planning component of the uniform statewide accounting project,
  shall use the system to identify and record each contract entered
  into by the agency as specified by the rules, policies, or
  procedures developed by the comptroller, after consultation with
  the Department of Information Resources.
         (b)  The comptroller shall provide as necessary information
  and state agency contract data contained in the centralized
  accounting and payroll system to other state agencies with
  oversight duties, including the Legislative Budget Board, the state
  auditor's office, and the Department of Information Resources.
         SECTION 27.  Chapter 2261, Government Code, is amended by
  adding Subchapters F, G, H, and I to read as follows:
  SUBCHAPTER F.  CHANGES TO CONTRACTS
         Sec. 2261.251.  CONTRACT AMENDMENTS, EXTENSIONS, AND CHANGE
  ORDERS. (a) This section does not apply to a contract amendment,
  extension, or change order that does not change the cost or terms of
  the contract.
         (b)  An extension of or amendment to a state agency contract,
  including a change order, is subject to the same agency approval
  processes as the original contract.
         (c)  A state agency may not extend or amend a contract unless
  the agency complies with the same agency approval processes for the
  extension or amendment as required for the original contract and
  the agency states in writing why the extension or amendment is
  necessary or advantageous to the state.
         (d)  This section does not affect whether a state agency is
  required to undertake a new solicitation process in the manner
  required for a new contract in order to extend or amend a contract.
         (e)  For state agency contracts valued in excess of $1
  million, the agency executive director must authorize a contract
  amendment in writing.
         Sec. 2261.252.  LARGE CHANGE IN CONTRACT VALUE; COST
  OVERRUNS.  (a)  If a proposed contract amendment or extension
  changes the monetary value of a major contract by at least 20
  percent or $1 million, the state agency must submit the amendment or
  extension for review to the agency's executive director before the
  agency amends or extends the contract.
         (b)  Subsection (a) does not apply to a proposed contract
  amendment required by a state or federal statute.
         (c)  The executive director shall be timely notified of any
  unanticipated contract cost overrun.
         Sec. 2261.253.  CERTAIN CONTRACT EXTENSIONS AND RENEWALS.  
  This subchapter does not apply to contract extensions or renewals
  that are specifically established as a component of the original
  procurement.
  SUBCHAPTER G.  TRAINING
         Sec. 2261.301.  TRAINING FOR CONTRACT MANAGERS. (a)  A
  state agency shall require a contract manager to complete the
  training program for contract managers developed and administered
  by the comptroller.
         (b)  A state agency shall maintain a list of contract
  managers who have completed the training program for contract
  managers.
         (c)  A state agency may develop qualified contract manager
  training to supplement the training required under this section.
         Sec. 2261.302.  TRAINING FOR GOVERNING BODIES.  All members
  of the governing body of a state agency shall complete at least one
  abbreviated course of the training program for contract managers
  developed and administered by the comptroller. This section does
  not apply to a state agency that does not enter into any contracts.
  SUBCHAPTER H. CONTRACT PLANNING AND SOLICITATION
         Sec. 2261.351.  CONTRACT PLANNING. Before a state agency
  solicits a contract, the agency must:
               (1)  identify, justify, and document the need for the
  good or service;
               (2)  identify general contracting objectives,
  assumptions, and constraints;
               (3)  consider alternatives to soliciting the contract;
  and
               (4)  determine the preferred method of delivery for the
  good or service.
         Sec. 2261.352.  SOLICITATION OF CONTRACT. (a) A
  solicitation for a contract must include the following:
               (1)  a description of the work;
               (2)  a specific and measurable standard of performance;
               (3)  a list of the test conditions, methods, or
  procedures for verifying that the contract deliverable meets the
  standard;
               (4)  a method or process to monitor and ensure quality
  in the contract deliverable;
               (5)  an acceptance process for each contract
  deliverable that is expected to be delivered;
               (6)  a compensation structure that is consistent with
  the type and value of work performed; and
               (7)  a remedy, if appropriate, for failure to meet
  contract deliverables.
         (b)  In preparing a contract solicitation, a state agency
  must include in the requirements for the contract deliverables:
               (1)  the quality level of the good or service;
               (2)  the amount of completion that is required;
               (3)  the suitability of the good or service for the work
  to be done for the agency; and
               (4)  a defined and documented method of evaluation to
  be used in making the award and in determining the best value bid
  for the procurement.
  SUBCHAPTER I. CONTRACT CLOSING
         Sec. 2261.401.  CLOSING PROCEDURE. A state agency shall
  create and follow a procedure for contract closing that includes
  procedures for:
               (1)  verification that all:
                     (A)  required goods or services have been
  delivered or performed, inspected, and accepted; and
                     (B)  existing options have been exercised or have
  expired;
               (2)  issuance of a contract completion notice by one of
  the parties;
               (3)  acquisition of all required forms, reports, and
  clearances;
               (4)  verification that other applicable terms have been
  met;
               (5)  verification that there are no outstanding claims
  or disputes; and
               (6)  final payment.
         SECTION 28.  Section 2262.001(1), Government Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
               (1)  "Team" means the Contract Management and Oversight
  [Advisory] Team created under Subchapter E [C].
         SECTION 29.  Section 2262.0015, Government Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         Sec. 2262.0015.  APPLICABILITY TO CERTAIN CONTRACTS.
  (a)  The comptroller by rule shall establish threshold
  requirements that exclude small or routine contracts, including
  purchase orders, from the application of Subchapters A, B, and D
  [this chapter].
         (b)  Subchapters A, B, and D do [This chapter does] not apply
  to an enrollment contract described by 1 T.A.C. Section 391.183 as
  that section existed on November 1, 2013.
         SECTION 30.  Section 2262.002(b), Government Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (b)  Except as otherwise provided by this chapter, this
  [This] chapter does not apply to contracts of the Texas Department
  of Transportation that:
               (1)  relate to highway construction or highway
  engineering; or
               (2)  are subject to Section 201.112, Transportation
  Code.
         SECTION 31.  Sections 2262.051(c) and (d), Government Code,
  are amended to read as follows:
         (c)  The guide must provide required and recommended
  contracting processes and procedures and information regarding the
  primary duties of [a] contract management [manager], including how
  to:
               (1)  develop and negotiate a contract;
               (2)  fairly and objectively select a contractor; [and]
               (3)  monitor contractor and subcontractor performance
  under a contract and ensure compliance with provisions in a
  contract that hold the contractor accountable for performance
  results;
               (4)  develop an accurate and comprehensive statement of
  work and conform contract documents to the statement of work;
               (5)  evaluate and ensure compliance with contract
  deliverables and performance metrics and any associated remedies
  and incentives;
               (6)  maintain required documentation for contracting
  decisions, contract changes, and problems with a contract;
               (7)  communicate any serious issue or risk that is
  identified with a contract in a timely manner to the agency's
  governing body or the single state officer who governs the agency;
               (8)  create a risk management process under Section
  2261.211;
               (9)  build and maintain a working relationship with the
  contractor, including instruction on communication and timely
  management of problems;
               (10)  create a procedure for selecting and applying a
  preferred dispute resolution method;
               (11)  implement an escalation process to address
  contract disagreements;
               (12)  evaluate and approve requests for payments that
  are consistent with the contract; and
               (13)  develop a process for contract closure and
  performance evaluation of a contractor under a contract.
         (d)  The guide must include model provisions for state agency
  contracts. The guide must:
               (1)  distinguish between essential provisions that a
  state agency must include in a contract to protect the interests of
  this state and recommended provisions that a state agency may
  include in a contract;
               (2)  recognize the unique contracting needs of an
  individual state agency or program and provide procedures for
  documenting agency decisions that do not follow required
  contracting processes and procedures but are [sufficient
  flexibility to accommodate those needs,] consistent with
  protecting the interests of this state; and
               (3)  include maximum contract periods under which a new
  competitive solicitation is not necessary[; and
               [(4)     include the model contract management process
  developed under Section 2262.104 and recommendations on the
  appropriate use of the model].
         SECTION 32.  Section 2262.053(d), Government Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (d)  The comptroller shall administer training under this
  section and may assess a fee for the training in an amount
  sufficient to recover the comptroller's costs under this section.
         SECTION 33.  Section 2262.0535, Government Code, is amended
  by adding Subsection (c) to read as follows:
         (c)  The comptroller may assess a fee for the training
  provided under this section in an amount sufficient to recover the
  comptroller's costs under this section. 
         SECTION 34.  Chapter 2262, Government Code, is amended by
  adding Subchapters E and F to read as follows:
  SUBCHAPTER E. CONTRACT MANAGEMENT AND OVERSIGHT TEAM
         Sec. 2262.201.  DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:
               (1)  "High-risk contract" means a state agency contract
  or purchase order that:
                     (A)  has a value of at least $10 million;
                     (B)  has a value of less than $10 million, but has
  high-risk factors as identified by the team;
                     (C)  is entered into with an entity that is
  incorporated outside of the United States;
                     (D)  is entered into with an entity that, during
  the five-year period preceding the date of the purchase or award of
  the contract, has had a contract with a state agency or federal
  governmental entity terminated or canceled for:
                           (i)  a violation of, or noncompliance with,
  the terms of the contract;
                           (ii)  delivery of an ineffective product,
  service, or system;
                           (iii)  significant delays or cost overruns;
                           (iv)  fraud;
                           (v)  misconduct; or
                           (vi)  any other event that resulted in the
  termination or cancellation of the contract for cause; or
                     (E)  meets other criteria that may be established
  by the team, including that the contract or purchase order:
                           (i)  is awarded by an agency with
  significant audit findings related to contracting in the previous
  two fiscal years;
                           (ii)  is expected to cost more than 20
  percent of the awarding agency's budget available from all sources;
                           (iii)  outsources a program or key function
  of a program of the awarding agency;
                           (iv)  has a value of more than $1 million and
  is awarded on an emergency basis or is a sole source contract; or
                           (v)  has a value of more than $1 million and
  has change orders that increase the cost of the contract by more
  than 20 percent of the original contract cost, excluding routine
  contract renewals.
               (2)  "Major information resources project" has the
  meaning assigned by Section 2054.003(10).
               (3)  "Quality assurance team" means the quality
  assurance team established under Section 2054.158.
               (4)  "Solicitation" means a solicitation for bids,
  offers, qualifications, proposals, or similar expressions of
  interest for a high-risk contract.
         Sec. 2262.202.  APPLICABILITY OF SUBCHAPTER. (a)  This
  subchapter applies to contracts of the Texas Department of
  Transportation that:
               (1)  do not relate to highway construction or highway
  engineering; or
               (2)  are not subject to Section 201.112, Transportation
  Code.
         (b)  This subchapter does not apply to a contract of the
  Employees Retirement System of Texas or the Teacher Retirement
  System of Texas except for a contract with a nongovernmental entity
  for claims administration of a group health benefit plan under
  Subtitle H, Title 8, Insurance Code.
         Sec. 2262.203.  ESTABLISHMENT; GENERAL DUTIES.  The
  Legislative Budget Board shall establish a Contract Management and
  Oversight Team to:
               (1)  develop criteria for identifying high-risk
  factors in contracts;
               (2)  consult with state agencies on and review
  high-risk contracts as provided by Section 2262.204;
               (3)  provide recommendations and assistance to state
  agency personnel throughout the contract management process;
               (4)  coordinate and consult with the quality assurance
  team on all high-risk contracts relating to a major information
  resources project; and
               (5)  coordinate and consult with the comptroller to:
                     (A)  develop criteria for high-risk contracts
  under Section 2262.201(1)(E);
                     (B)  identify strategies to mitigate contract
  risks; and
                     (C)  monitor contract activity using information
  from the centralized accounting and payroll system or any successor
  system used to implement the enterprise resource planning component
  of the uniform statewide accounting project developed under
  Sections 2101.035 and 2101.036.
         Sec. 2262.204.  NOTICE AND REVIEW; WAIVER.  (a)  Each state
  agency must provide written notice to the team not later than the
  30th day before the date the agency publicly releases solicitation
  documents for a high-risk contract.
         (b)  A state agency must submit to the team information and
  documentation requested by the team that relate to a high-risk
  contract, including information on contract development, vendor
  selection, and ongoing contract oversight.
         (c)  The team shall review information and documentation
  submitted under Subsection (b) and make recommendations to ensure
  that potential risks related to the high-risk contract have been
  identified and mitigated.
         (d)  A state agency shall implement the team's
  recommendations and provide any additional documentation required
  by the team to demonstrate that risks related to the high-risk
  contract have been mitigated.  If a recommendation made by the team
  is not implemented, the agency must provide written notice to the
  team before the 31st day after the date the agency received the
  recommendation.
         (e)  If, after receiving notice provided under Subsection
  (d), the team determines that significant risks related to the
  high-risk contract remain, the team shall provide written notice of
  that fact to the Legislative Budget Board, the governor, and the
  comptroller with a description of the risk and recommendations to
  mitigate the risk, including cancellation of the high-risk
  contract.
         (f)  The team may adopt criteria for waiving the consultation
  and review requirements of this section.
         Sec. 2262.205.  SOLICITATION AND CONTRACT CANCELLATION.  
  After review of the written notice provided by the team under
  Section 2262.204(e), the Legislative Budget Board, the governor, or
  the comptroller may recommend that a state agency cancel a
  solicitation or a high-risk contract if:
               (1)  a proposed contract would place the state at an
  unacceptable risk if executed; or
               (2)  an executed contract is experiencing performance
  failure or payment irregularities.
  SUBCHAPTER F. VENDOR RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM FOR STATE CONTRACTS
         Sec. 2262.251.  DEFINITION. In this subchapter, "office"
  means the State Office of Risk Management.
         Sec. 2262.2515.  APPLICABILITY.  This subchapter does not
  apply to a contract for goods with a value of $50,000 or less.
         Sec. 2262.252.  COMPLIANCE VERIFICATION. (a) Each state
  agency shall submit to the office ongoing contracts of the agency
  for verification of vendor compliance with contract terms and
  requirements and to correct contract compliance deficiencies as
  provided by rules adopted by the office under Section 2262.253.
         (b)  The office may contract with a third-party
  credentialing organization to provide compliance verification as
  provided by this subchapter.
         (c)  Not later than December 31 of each even-numbered year,
  the office shall provide a report to the legislature on the office's
  findings under this subchapter and recommendations to ensure state
  contract compliance and mitigate risk to the state.
         (d)  Notwithstanding Subsection (a), the office may not
  require a state agency to submit for compliance verification a
  contract related to health and human services if:
               (1)  the value of the contract cannot be determined at
  the time of execution of the contract; and
               (2)  any qualified vendor is eligible for the contract.
         Sec. 2262.253.  RULES RELATING TO COMPLIANCE VERIFICATION.
  (a) The office shall adopt rules to implement this subchapter.
         (b)  At a minimum, rules adopted under Subsection (a) must:
               (1)  provide standards for:
                     (A)  selecting and submitting a statistically
  significant sampling of contracts for review under this subchapter;
                     (B)  identifying vendor noncompliance or
  deficiency as a result of a contract review under this subchapter;
  and
                     (C)  implementing corrective action in relation
  to vendor noncompliance or deficiency;
               (2)  in relation to verification system requirements,
  provide criteria for:
                     (A)  monitoring of vendor compliance with
  contract terms and requirements through the life cycle of the
  contract; and
                     (B)  implementation of Internet-based software
  that has the capability to exchange information and facilitate
  payments and real-time reporting of collected information;
               (3)  in relation to requirements for contract
  compliance verification:
                     (A)  designate verification checklists, including
  requirements for interviews and recordkeeping, exposure analyses,
  equipment and facility forms, and pre-verification and
  post-verification compliance;
                     (B)  provide standards for verifying vendor
  certificates of insurance, policy types and limits, policy
  expirations and renewals, and endorsements;
                     (C)  provide standards for additional vendor
  screenings, including:
                           (i)  financial screening, including
  reviewing profit and loss statements, cash flow statements, balance
  statements, and federal employer identification numbers and other
  taxpayer identification numbers;
                           (ii)  license screening, including any
  required certifications and professional licenses;
                           (iii)  state and federal debarment and
  exclusion screening;
                           (iv)  compliance with legal requirements;
                           (v)  compliance with safety standards,
  including workers' compensation and automobile insurance coverage;
  and
                           (vi)  review of vendor compliance with
  security standards for information systems; and
                     (D)  address any additional issues the office
  determines to be necessary to achieve best practices in the
  verification of contracts for compliance with contract terms and
  requirements and to correct contract compliance deficiencies; and
               (4)  set a reasonable fee to be paid by a vendor who
  enters into a contract with a state agency in an amount that is
  sufficient to recover the office's costs under this subchapter and
  that is less than one percent of the contract, not to exceed $1,000.
         Sec. 2262.254.  REQUIRED CONTRACT PROVISION RELATING TO
  VENDOR RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM. Each state agency shall include in
  each of its contracts a clause that provides that the vendor agrees
  that the vendor may be charged a reasonable fee as provided by
  Section 2262.253(b)(4).
         SECTION 35.  Subchapter C, Chapter 2262, Government Code, is
  repealed.
         SECTION 36.  (a)  The Contract Advisory Team is abolished.
         (b)  The validity of an action taken by the Contract Advisory
  Team before the team was abolished by this Act is not affected by
  the abolition.
         (c)  All powers and duties of the Contract Advisory Team are
  transferred to the Contract Management and Oversight Team
  established by this Act.
         (d)  A rule, form, policy, procedure, or decision of the
  Contract Advisory Team continues in effect as a rule, form, policy,
  procedure, or decision of the Contract Management and Oversight
  Team until superseded by an act of the Contract Management and
  Oversight Team.
         (e)  A reference in law to the Contract Advisory Team means
  the Contract Management and Oversight Team.
         (f)  Any action or proceeding involving the Contract
  Advisory Team is transferred without change in status to the
  Contract Management and Oversight Team, and the Contract Management
  and Oversight Team assumes, without a change in status, the
  position of the Contract Advisory Team in a negotiation or
  proceeding to which the Contract Advisory Team is a party.
         SECTION 37.  Except as otherwise provided by this Act, this
  Act applies only in relation to a contract:
               (1)  for which a state agency first advertises or
  otherwise solicits bids, proposals, offers, or qualifications on or
  after the effective date of this Act;
               (2)  that is extended or modified on or after the
  effective date of this Act; or
               (3)  for which a change order is submitted on or after
  the effective date of this Act.
         SECTION 38.  Sections 2166.2551, 2254.006, and
  2254.0301(a), Government Code, as amended by this Act, apply only
  to a state agency contract for which the agency is required to
  provide notice to the Legislative Budget Board that is entered into
  on or after the effective date of this Act.
         SECTION 39.  To the extent of any conflict, this Act prevails
  over another Act of the 84th Legislature, Regular Session, 2015,
  relating to state agency contracting and oversight.
         SECTION 40.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2015.