reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-2 - State Purchases › Section 37-2-66. - Solicitation — Public agency.

§ 37-2-66. Solicitation — Public agency.
(a)
A solicitation shall be prepared which describes the public agency’s requirements and sets forth the evaluation criteria. It shall be distributed to interested persons.
(b)
For services reasonably estimated to exceed twenty thousand dollars ($20,000), the committee may require an informational conference be held which describes the criteria to be used in evaluating the statement of qualification, performance data, and selection of firms. Criteria shall include, but is not limited to:
(1)
Competence to perform the services as reflected by technical training and education; general experience; experience in providing the required services; and the qualifications and competence of persons who would be assigned to perform the services;
(2)
Ability to perform the services as reflected by workload and the availability of adequate personnel, equipment, and facilities to perform the services expeditiously;
(3)
Past performance as reflected by the evaluation of private persons and officials of other governmental entities that have retained the services of the firm with respect to such factors as control of costs, quality of work, and an ability to meet deadlines; and
(4)
The proposed approach to the project, where applicable.
(c)
The scope of work shall be discussed and further defined at the bidder’s conference, including on-site visits, if appropriate.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 526, § 2; P.L. 1999, ch. 367, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-2 - State Purchases › Section 37-2-67. - Evaluation of qualifications and performance data.

§ 37-2-67. Evaluation of qualifications and performance data.
(a)
The chief purchasing officer shall evaluate:
(1)
Statements that may be submitted in response to the solicitation of architectural or engineering services; and
(2)
Statements of qualifications and performance data, if their submission was required.
(b)
All statements and statements of qualifications and performance data shall be evaluated in light of the criteria set forth in the solicitation for architectural, engineering, or consultant services.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 526, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-2 - State Purchases › Section 37-2-68. - Final selection — Public agency — Directors.

§ 37-2-68. Final selection — Public agency — Directors.
(a)
The chief purchasing officer shall select no more than (3) firms (or two (2) if only two (2) apply) evaluated as being professionally and technically qualified. The firms selected, if still interested in providing the services, shall make a representative available to the directors of the public agency at such time and place as they shall determine, to provide such further information as they may require.
(b)
The directors of the public agency shall negotiate with the highest qualified firm for a contract for architectural, engineering, or consultant services for the public agency at compensation which the directors determine to be fair and reasonable to the public agency. In making the determination, the directors shall take into account the professional competence of the offerors, the technical merits of the offerors, and the price for which the services are to be rendered. The directors of the public agency shall be responsible for the final selection of the providers of architectural, engineering, or consultant services.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 526, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-2 - State Purchases › Section 37-2-69. - Provision of architectural, engineering, or consultant services not exceeding twenty thousand dollars.

§ 37-2-69. Provision of architectural, engineering, or consultant services not exceeding twenty thousand dollars.
(a) State agencies.
(1) For every state project requiring architectural or engineering services, the fees for which are not reasonably expected to exceed twenty thousand dollars ($20,000), the state agency shall forward to the chief purchasing officer a request for those services through the state purchasing office.
(2)
For every state agency project requiring consultant services, the fees for which are not reasonably expected to exceed twenty thousand dollars ($20,000), the state agency shall forward to the chief purchasing officer a request for such services through the state purchasing office with a proposed scope of work and, if possible, the names of three recommended qualified contractors, along with a written evaluation of the qualifications of each potential contractor.
(3)
The purchasing agent shall request offers from potential contractors in writing and shall notify potential contractors that any contract resulting from such solicitation shall not exceed a total value of twenty thousand dollars ($20,000), including change orders.
(4)
The chief purchasing officer shall be responsible for the final selection of a qualified architectural, engineering, or consultant firm for the project and shall so inform the purchasing agent. The chief purchasing officer shall use the criteria set forth in § 37-2-61 in making that determination. The determination shall be justified in writing.
(b) Public agencies.
For every public agency project requiring architectural, engineering, or consultant services, the fees for which are not reasonably expected to exceed twenty thousand dollars ($20,000), the public agency chief operating officer shall be responsible for the final selection of a qualified architectural, engineering, or consultant firm for the project. The public agency chief operating officer shall notify the board of directors of the public agency of that selection.
The public agency chief operating officer shall use the criteria set forth in § 37-2-66 in making the determination. That determination shall be justified in writing.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 526, § 2; P.L. 1999, ch. 367, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-2 - State Purchases › Section 37-2-71. - Repealed.

§ 37-2-71. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 526, § 2; Repealed by P.L. 1999, ch. 367, § 4, effective July 2, 1999.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-2 - State Purchases › Section 37-2-72. - Professional services — Medical and dental consultant services.

§ 37-2-72. Professional services — Medical and dental consultant services.
(a)
Before a state governmental entity procures the services of an individual consulting physician or dentist, it shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the chief purchasing officer the following:
(1)
The need for the services, including the scope of the services to be performed;
(2)
That no medical or dental personnel employed by the state on a full-time basis is available to perform the services;
(3)
That funding is available, indicating from which sources the funding is to be provided; and
(4)
That medical or dental consultants to be engaged meet the following minimum requirements:
(i)
Appropriate professional license or certification; and
(ii)
Competence to perform the services as reflected by formal training and education, general experience, and experience in providing the required services.
(b)
Medical or dental services which are not provided by individual consulting physicians and dentists shall be obtained through competitive solicitation procedures where service providers shall demonstrate that they possess appropriate professional licenses or certifications and competence to perform the services — as reflected by formal training and education, general experience and experience in providing the required services.
(c)
Nothing herein shall prevent the issuance of a public solicitation of requests for qualifications or the conduct of pricing negotiations prior to contract award. All requests for qualifications shall be solicited through utilization of the Rhode Island vendor information program (RIVIP) as set forth in § 37-2-17.1.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 526, § 2; P.L. 1999, ch. 367, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-2 - State Purchases › Section 37-2-73. - Purchasing of pest control services — Effect of an order by the director of environmental management.

§ 37-2-73. Purchasing of pest control services — Effect of an order by the director of environmental management.
Upon receipt of an order from the director of environmental management pursuant to § 23-25-28(a)(1), the purchasing agent shall take such steps as are necessary to insure that the named business or commercial applicator shall not be eligible to receive state contracts for pest control services for the duration of the period enumerated in the director’s order.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 526, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-2 - State Purchases › Section 37-2-74. - Printing, binding, advertising, and election expenses.

§ 37-2-74. Printing, binding, advertising, and election expenses.
All printing, binding, advertising, and election expenses in connection with all primaries and elections, advertising Rhode Island, and all legislative printing, including the printing of the public laws and acts and resolves, shall be purchased by the secretary of state and in respect to those purchases, the department of state shall be exempt from the requirements of this chapter which relate to the function of purchasing.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 224, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-2 - State Purchases › Section 37-2-75. - Prohibition against the use of lead based paints.

§ 37-2-75. Prohibition against the use of lead based paints.
When purchasing paint products or contracting or subcontracting for painting, construction, improvement, completion, or repair of any public building, any public road, any public bridge, or any public construction, all governmental bodies and public agencies, as defined by §§ 37-2-7(11) and 37-2-7(16), shall be prohibited from the use of lead based paint.
History of Section.
P.L. 1993, ch. 382, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-2 - State Purchases › Section 37-2-76. - State purchase of recycled products.

§ 37-2-76. State purchase of recycled products.
(a)
The state shall, through its purchasing policy and practice, affirmatively promote the use of recycled products. The department of administration in conjunction with the department of environmental management shall, through regulations, establish a time table requiring increased utilization by the state of recycled products. In January of each year, the department of administration shall report to the general assembly the state’s progress in utilizing recycled products materials and supplies for the preceding twelve (12) months.
(b)
With respect to office paper products, at least fifty percent (50%) of the expenditure for office paper products purchased by the state of Rhode Island, its agencies, and departments, shall be recycled paper products by fiscal year 1995.
(c)
The department of administration in conjunction with the department of environmental management shall annually establish comprehensive technical specifications based on research by the department of environmental management for the recycled products, materials, and supplies to be purchased by the state under this section. These specifications shall include the minimum performance and quality attributes as well as minimum preconsumer and post-consumer content.
(d)
The director of the department of administration, acting as chief purchasing officer of the state, shall direct that all subsequent purchases of the subject recycled products, materials, and supplies by the state, its agencies, and departments shall meet the source certification of pre-consumer and/or post-consumer content standards established under subsection (c) of this section.
(e)
Subsequent discovery by the state, its agencies, or departments that products delivered by vendors to the state as “recycled products” do not satisfy the specifications of “recycled” content stated in the award, shall be grounds for the return of all discrepant goods, refunding of all money paid, termination of all outstanding contracts and orders, and at the discretion of the chief purchasing officer suspension of the vendor’s involvement in state procurement for a period of up to twenty-four (24) months.
History of Section.
P.L. 1993, ch. 402, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-2 - State Purchases › Section 37-2-76.1. - Additional definitions.

§ 37-2-76.1. Additional definitions.
For the purposes of § 37-2-76:
(1)
“Office paper products” means any paper used by the state for the purpose of writing, printing, copying, and/or typing, including, but not limited to, computer, bond, xerographic, forms and/or duplicator paper, envelopes, business cards, index cards, and writing pads, either white or colored.
(2)
“Post-consumer content” means those materials generated by a business or consumer which have served their intended end uses and which have been separated or diverted from solid waste. Printer’s waste, lathe wastes, and other wastes generated during production of an end product and undistributed finished products are not “post-consumer content”.
(3)
“Preconsumer content” means any material generated during any steps in the production of an end product, but does not include any waste material or by product that can be reused or has been normally reused within the same plant or another plant of the same parent company.
(4)
“Recycled product” shall mean a product containing preconsumer content and post-consumer content.
History of Section.
P.L. 1993, ch. 402, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-2 - State Purchases › Section 37-2-77. - International Trade Agreements — Procurement rules — General Assembly approval.

§ 37-2-77. International Trade Agreements — Procurement rules — General Assembly approval.
(a)
As used in this section, “International Trade Agreement” means a trade agreement between the federal government and a foreign country to which the state, at the request of the federal government, is a party. International Trade Agreement does not include a trade agreement between the state and a foreign country to which the federal government is not a party.
(b)
Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, state officials, including the governor, may not:
(1)
Commit the state to the government procurement rules of an “International Trade Agreement”; or
(2)
Give consent to the federal government to commit the state to the government procurement rules of an International Trade Agreement.
(c)
The governor may commit the state or give consent to the federal government to commit the state to the government procurement rules of an International Trade Agreement only if the general assembly enacts legislation that explicitly authorizes the governor to commit the state or give consent to the federal government to commit the state to the government procurement rules of a specific International Trade Agreement.
(d)
Any consent that a state official, including the governor, has given for the state to be committed by the government procurement rules of any International Trade Agreement on or before the effective date of this section [June 23, 2006] is declared invalid and the state is not committed by the government procurement rules of any International Trade Agreement for which a state official, including the governor, has given consent for the state to be committed to on or before the effective date of this section [June 23, 2006].
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 171, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 647, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-2 - State Purchases › Section 37-2-78. - Severability.

§ 37-2-78. Severability.
If any part or provision of this chapter or the application of any part or provision to any person, entity, or circumstances is judged invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, the judgment shall be confined in its operation to the part of or provision of or application directly involved in the controversy in which the judgment has been rendered and shall not affect or impair the validity of the remainder of this law or its application to other persons, entities, or circumstances.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 171, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 647, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-2 - State Purchases › Section 37-2-79. - Establishment of the Rhode Island Strategic Purchasing Advisory Commission.

§ 37-2-79. Establishment of the Rhode Island Strategic Purchasing Advisory Commission.
In order to provide a means of collaboration between the state, cities/towns and school committees a permanent advisory commission is established named the “Rhode Island Strategic Purchasing Advisory Commission.” This Advisory Commission will consist of nine (9) members including: (1) the state purchasing agent or his or her designee, who will serve as chair, (2) a designee of the board of regents of the Rhode Island department of elementary and secondary education, (3) a designee of the board of governors of higher education, (4) a designee of the Rhode Island School Committees Association, (5) a designee of the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns, (6) a designee of the Association of School Business Officials, (7) a designee of the Rhode Island Municipal Purchasing Agents Association, (8) a designee of the Rhode Island economic development corporation and, (9) a designee of the state budget officer.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 246, art. 38, § 22.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-2 - State Purchases › Section 37-2-80. - Selection of vendors and services with place of business located in Rhode Island.

§ 37-2-80. Selection of vendors and services with place of business located in Rhode Island.
The State of Rhode Island has a large number of well-qualified vendors and service-oriented businesses. In instances where contracts are entirely supported by state funds and two (2) or more vendors or service providers are judged to be equal on all other factors, the chief purchasing officer shall select a vendor or service provider whose headquarters or primary place of business is located within the state or secondly select those entities that propose a joint venture with a vendor or service provider whose headquarters or primary place of business is within the state.
This section shall not apply to contracts that are financed in part or in their entirety by the federal government, including, but not limited to, contracts supported by the Federal Highway Administration (FHA), the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
History of Section.
P.L. 2010, ch. 243, § 1; P.L. 2010, ch. 250, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-2 - State Purchases › Section 37-2-82. - Utilization of North American Contractor Certification companies.

§ 37-2-82. Utilization of North American Contractor Certification companies.
(a)
All public works renovation projects that exceed an aggregate amount of one million dollars ($1,000,000), and all new construction projects that exceed an aggregate amount of five million dollars ($5,000,000), that include glazing work, shall have glazing work performed by North American Contractor Certification (“NACC”) certified companies and initially, on and after July 1, 2024, shall have one architectural glass and metal technician (“AGMT”) certified worker employed by the company or contractor. On and after January 1, 2025, each crew performing work that meets the criteria of this section shall have one AGMT certified worker on site. On and after January 1, 2026, for each crew performing work that meets the criteria of this section, twenty-five percent (25%) of that crew shall be comprised of AGMT certified individuals on site. On and after January 1, 2027, for each crew performing work that meets the criteria of the section, fifty percent (50%) of that crew shall be comprised of AGMT certified individuals on site.
(b)
As used herein, the term “glazing work” includes, but is not limited to, replacement and installation of windows, curtain walls, interior glass partitions, glass handrails, aluminum entrances, skylights, store fronts, and general installation of architectural glass and metal.
History of Section.
P.L. 2023, ch. 175, § 1, effective July 1, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 176, § 1, effective July 1, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-2.1 - Domestic Steel › Section 37-2.1-1. - Short title.

§ 37-2.1-1. Short title.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Steel Products Procurement Act.”
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 299, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-2.1 - Domestic Steel › Section 37-2.1-2. - Purpose.

§ 37-2.1-2. Purpose.
(a)
This chapter shall be deemed to be an exercise of the police powers of the state for the protection of the health, safety, and general welfare of the people of the state.
(b)
It is hereby determined by the general assembly of Rhode Island and declared as a matter of legislative findings that:
(1)
The United States is one of the leading countries in the production and use of steel and its allied products;
(2)
The use of steel products constitutes a major industry of the United States and, as such, provides the jobs and family incomes of millions of people in the United States;
(3)
The taxes paid to Rhode Island and the United States by employers and employees engaged in the production and sale of steel products are one of the largest single sources of public revenues in this country;
(4)
It has for many years been the policy of the state to aid and support the development and expansion of industry in the United States in order to foster the economic well-being of the state and its people; and
(5)
The economy, general welfare, and national security of the United States are inseparably related to the preservation and development of the steel industry in the United States.
(c)
The general assembly therefore declares it to be the policy of the state that all public officers and agencies should, at all times, aid and promote the development of the steel industry of the United States in order to stimulate and improve the economic well-being of the state and its people.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 299, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-2.1 - Domestic Steel › Section 37-2.1-3. - Purchase of steel and steel products.

§ 37-2.1-3. Purchase of steel and steel products.
(a)
Every public agency shall require that every contract document for the construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, improvement, or maintenance of public works contain a provision that if any steel products are to be used or supplied in the performance of the contract only steel products as herein defined shall be used or supplied in the performance of the contract or any subcontracts thereunder.
(b)
This section shall not apply in any case where the head of the public agency, in writing, determines that steel products as herein defined are not produced in or readily available in the United States or that the steel products shall not exceed fifteen percent (15%) of the costs of any other steel products obtainable nationally or internationally.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 299, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-2.1 - Domestic Steel › Section 37-2.1-4. - Payment.

§ 37-2.1-4. Payment.
No public agency shall authorize, provide for, or make any payments to any person under any contract containing the provision required by § 37-2.1-3 unless the public agency is satisfied that the person has fully complied with that provision. Any payments made to any person by any public agency which should not have been made, as a result of this section, shall be recoverable directly from the contractor or subcontractor who did not comply with § 37-2.1-3 by either the public agency or the attorney general upon suit filed in the court of any county.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 299, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-2.1 - Domestic Steel › Section 37-2.1-5. - Definitions.

§ 37-2.1-5. Definitions.
The following words and phrases when used in this chapter shall have, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the meanings given to them in this section:
(1)
“Person” means natural persons as well as corporations, partnerships, business units, and associations;
(2)
“Public agency” means any and all other public bodies, authorities, officers, agencies, or instrumentalities, whether exercising a governmental or proprietary function;
(i)
The state and its departments, boards, commissions and agencies;
(ii)
Cities, towns, school districts, and any other governmental unit or district; or
(iii)
Any and all other public bodies, authorities, officers, agencies, or instrumentalities, whether exercising a governmental or proprietary function;
(3)
“Public works” means steel to construct, frame or reinforce any public structure, building, highway, waterway, street, bridge, transit system, airport, or other betterment, work, or improvement, whether of a permanent or temporary nature, and whether for governmental or proprietary use;
(4)
“Steel products” means products rolled, formed, shaped, drawn, extruded, forged, cast, fabricated, or otherwise similarly processed, or processed by a combination of two or more of these operations, from steel made in the United States by the open hearth, basic oxygen, electric furnace, Bessemer, or other steel making process; and
(5)
“United States” means the United States of America and includes all territory, continental or insular, subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 299, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-2.2 - Disability Business Enterprises › Section 37-2.2-1. - Short title and purpose.

§ 37-2.2-1. Short title and purpose.
This chapter shall be known as the “Disability Business Enterprises Act.” The purpose of this chapter is to carry out the state’s policy of supporting the fullest possible participation of small disadvantaged businesses owned and controlled by persons with disabilities in state funded and state directed public construction, public projects, and in state purchases of goods and services. This includes assisting disadvantaged disability businesses throughout the life of contracts in which they participate.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 438, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 176, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 150, § 12; P.L. 2004, ch. 257, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 353, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 210, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 245, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-2.2 - Disability Business Enterprises › Section 37-2.2-2. - Definitions.

§ 37-2.2-2. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the following meanings unless the context shall indicate another or different meaning or intent:
(1)
“Persons with disabilities” or “person with a disability” shall mean any individual who has a physical or mental impairment which constitutes a substantial barrier to employment as certified by the department of human services or the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals.
(2)
“Small disadvantaged businesses owned and controlled by persons with disabilities” shall mean small business concern, which is at least fifty-one percent (51%) owned by one or more person(s) with disabilities or, in the case of a publicly owned business, at least fifty-one percent (51%) of the stock of which is owned by one or more disabled person, whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more person(s) with disabilities, and have fifty or fewer employees.
(3)
“A physical or mental impairment” shall mean any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the following body systems: neurological; musculoskeletal; special sense organs; respiratory, including speech organs; cardiovascular; reproductive; digestive; genito-urinary; hemic and lymphatic; skin; and endocrine; or any mental psychological disorder, such as mental retardation, organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness, and specific learning disabilities.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 438, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 176, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 150, § 12; P.L. 1998, ch. 354, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 257, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 353, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 363, § 34; P.L. 2012, ch. 210, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 245, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 501, § 101.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-2.2 - Disability Business Enterprises › Section 37-2.2-3. - Repealed.

§ 37-2.2-3. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 438, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 268, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 150, § 12; P.L. 1998, ch. 354, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 257, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 353, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 2012, ch. 210, § 2, effective June 12, 2012; Repealed by P.L. 2012, ch. 245, § 2, effective June 14, 2012.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-2.2 - Disability Business Enterprises › Section 37-2.2-3.1. - Policy and applicability.

§ 37-2.2-3.1. Policy and applicability.
(a)
It is the policy of the state of Rhode Island that small disadvantaged disability businesses shall have the maximum opportunity to participate in the performance of procurements and projects as outlined in this chapter. This chapter shall apply to any and all state purchasing, including, but not limited to, the procurement of goods and services, construction projects, or contracts funded in whole or in part by state funds, or funds which, in accordance with a federal grant or otherwise, the state expends or administers or in which the state is a signatory to the construction contract.
(b)
The director of administration, in consultation with the governor’s commission on disabilities, is authorized and directed to establish rules and regulation formulas for awarding contracts to small disadvantaged businesses owned and controlled by persons with disabilities in the procurement of goods, services, construction projects, or contracts funded in whole or in part by state funds, in accordance with § 37-2-9(b)(14) on or before January 1, 2013.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 176, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 150, § 12; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 159; P.L. 2004, ch. 257, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 353, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 363, § 34; P.L. 2012, ch. 210, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 245, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-2.2 - Disability Business Enterprises › Section 37-2.2-4. - Disability business enterprise committee — Membership — Duties.

§ 37-2.2-4. Disability business enterprise committee — Membership — Duties.
(a)
There is hereby established within the governor’s commission on disabilities a committee, consisting of seven (7) persons, to be known as the disability business enterprise committee.
(b)
The committee, shall consist of the director of the department of human services or his or her designee; the director of the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals or his or her designee; the chief executive officer of the Rhode Island commerce corporation or his or her designee; the director of administration or his or her designee; and three (3) persons with disabilities appointed by the chairperson of the governor’s commission on disabilities. All members of the committee shall serve without compensation. Of the number appointed originally under this chapter, one-third (⅓) shall be appointed for a term of one year; one-third (⅓) shall be appointed for a term of two (2) years; and one-third (⅓) shall be appointed for a term of three (3) years. Thereafter, vacancies created by expiration of terms shall be filled with appointments for terms of three (3) years. Members whose terms expire may be reappointed to succeed themselves. The chairperson of the governor’s commission on disabilities or his or her designee shall serve as chairperson of the committee. The members of the committee shall elect a vice chairperson and other officers as are necessary from amongst themselves annually.
(c)
The governor’s commission on disabilities shall promulgate such rules and regulations, in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act, chapter 35 of title 42, as are necessary and proper to ensure responsible management, operation, oversight of the committee, and ensure that all businesses referred to in § 37-2.2-3.1 meet all applicable government regulations and standards, including those of the United States department of labor, the state department of human services, and the chief purchasing officer with regard to developing a program which involves small disadvantaged businesses as contractors, § 37-2-9(b)(14).
(d)
The committee shall establish a procedure to certify small disadvantaged disability businesses that qualify under § 37-2.2-3.1 and submit a list of the certified small disadvantaged disability businesses and the products and services provided by them to the chief purchasing officer at least once a year. The chief purchasing officer shall utilize that procurement list in the program which involves small disadvantaged businesses as contractors established by § 37-2-9(b)(14).
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 438, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 176, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 268, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 150, § 12; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 159; P.L. 2004, ch. 257, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 353, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 363, § 34; P.L. 2012, ch. 210, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 245, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-2.2 - Disability Business Enterprises › Section 37-2.2-5. - Nonapplicability to road and highway construction businesses.

§ 37-2.2-5. Nonapplicability to road and highway construction businesses.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the provisions of this chapter shall not apply to any business whose primary business is road or highway construction.
History of Section.
P.L. 2004, ch. 257, § 2; P.L. 2004, ch. 353, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-2.3 - Government Oversight and Fiscal Accountability Review Act › Section 37-2.3-1. - Short title.

§ 37-2.3-1. Short title.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Government Oversight and Fiscal Accountability Review Act.”
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 172, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 646, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-2.3 - Government Oversight and Fiscal Accountability Review Act › Section 37-2.3-2. - Legislative intent.

§ 37-2.3-2. Legislative intent.
The legislature finds and declares that using private contractors to provide public services normally provided by public employees does not always promote the public interest. To ensure that citizens of this state receive high quality public services at low costs, with due regard for the taxpayers of this state, and the service recipients, the legislature finds it necessary to ensure that access to public information guaranteed by the access to public records act is not in any way hindered by the fact that public services are provided by private contractors.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 172, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 646, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-2.3 - Government Oversight and Fiscal Accountability Review Act › Section 37-2.3-3. - Definitions.

§ 37-2.3-3. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
(1)
“Agency” includes any executive office, department, division, board, commission, or other office or officer in the executive branch of the government.
(2)
“Person” includes an individual, institution, federal, state, or local governmental entity, or any other public or private entity.
(3)
“Private contractor employee” includes a worker directly employed by a private contractor, as defined in this section, as well as an employee of a subcontractor or an independent contractor that provides supplies or services to a private contractor.
(4)
“Privatization or privatization contract” means an agreement or combination or series of agreements by which a non-governmental person or entity agrees with an agency to provide services expected to result in a fiscal year expenditure of at least one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000), which would contract services which are substantially similar to and in replacement of work normally performed by an employee of an agency.
“Privatization” or “privatization contract” excludes:
(i)
Contracts resulting from an emergency procurement;
(ii)
Contracts with a term of one hundred eighty (180) days or less on a non-recurring basis;
(iii)
Contracts to provide highly specialized or technical services not normally provided by state employees;
(iv)
Any subsequent contract which renews or rebids a privatization contract that was subject to the provisions of this statute after its enactment; and
(v)
An agreement to provide legal services or management consulting services.
(5)
“Privatization contractor” is any vendor, contractor, consultant, subcontractor, independent contractor or private business owner that contracts with a state agency to perform services in accordance with the definition of a “privatization contract.”
(6)
“Services” includes, with respect to a private contractor, all aspects of the provision of services provided by a private contractor pursuant to a privatization contract, or any services provided by a subcontractor of a private contractor.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 172, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 646, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 121, § 3; P.L. 2008, ch. 139, § 3; P.L. 2011, ch. 363, § 35; P.L. 2014, ch. 145, art. 9, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-2.3 - Government Oversight and Fiscal Accountability Review Act › Section 37-2.3-4. - Fiscal monitoring of privatization contracts.

§ 37-2.3-4. Fiscal monitoring of privatization contracts.
Each private contractor shall file a copy of each executed subcontract or amendment to the subcontract with the agency, which shall maintain the subcontract or amendment as a public record, as defined in the access to public records act.
(1) Audits.
Privatization contracts shall be subject to audit or review, as defined by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, by the office of the auditor general at the discretion of the auditor general. Any audit or review shall be conducted in compliance with generally accepted auditing standards.
(2) Access.
All privatization contracts shall include a contract provision specifying language that provides public access to the complete contract.
(3) Fiscal accountability.
As part of the budgetary process, each state agency shall include in their submitted budget request a listing of all privatization contracts for the prior, current and subsequent fiscal years. For the prior fiscal year, the listing shall include the name of each contractor; a description of the services provided; the amount expended for the fiscal year; the positions employed by title, if applicable; and the hourly wage paid by position, if applicable. For the current and upcoming fiscal years, the listing shall include the name of each contractor, if known at the time the listing is prepared; a description of the services to be provided; the amount budgeted for the contract in each fiscal year; the positions to be employed by title, if known and applicable; and the hourly wage to be paid by position, if known and applicable. Positions shall be reflected as full-time equivalent positions. The listings shall be published annually online at the state’s transparency portal or an equivalent website, available for public inspection, no later than December 1 of each year.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 172, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 646, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 145, art. 9, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-2.4 - Habilitation Procurement Program › Section 37-2.4-1. - Definitions.

§ 37-2.4-1. Definitions.
The words defined in this section have the meanings set forth below whenever they appear in this chapter, unless context in which they are used clearly requires a different meaning or a different definition as prescribed for a particular section, group of sections, or provision:
(1)
“Board” means the habilitation procurement board created under this section;
(2)
“Habilitation facility” means a program that is operated primarily for the purpose of the employment and training of persons with a disability by a government agency or a qualified organization licensed by the State of Rhode Island providing vocational rehabilitation to support people with disabilities and:
(i)
Maintains an employment ratio of at least forty percent (40%) of the program employees under the procurement contract in question have severe disabilities;
(ii)
Complies with any applicable occupational health and safety standards prescribed by the United States Department of Labor or is a supported employment program approved by the state of Rhode Island office of rehabilitation services;
(iii)
Has its principal place of business in Rhode Island;
(iv)
Produces any goods provided under this section in Rhode Island; and
(v)
The services provided, in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, are provided by individuals with the majority being domiciled residents of the state of Rhode Island.
(3)
“Person with a disability” means any individual who has a severe physical or mental impairment that constitutes a substantial barrier to employment, as certified by the department of human services or the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals.
History of Section.
P.L. 2011, ch. 244, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 261, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 414, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 451, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-2.4 - Habilitation Procurement Program › Section 37-2.4-2. - Habilitation procurement board.

§ 37-2.4-2. Habilitation procurement board.
(a)
There is created the habilitation procurement board within the division of purchasing and general services of the department of administration. The board shall be composed of the following five (5) members:
(1)
The chief purchasing officer as defined in subdivision 37-2-7(3) or his/her designee;
(2)
The director of the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals created under title 40.1 or his/her designee;
(3)
The director of the department of human services created under title 40 or his/her designee;
(4)
A person with a disability who shall be appointed to a three (3) year term by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate;
(5)
A representative of the private business community who shall be appointed to a three (3) year term by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate;
(b)
The board shall meet, as needed, to facilitate the procurement of goods and services from habilitation facilities by a public procurement unit under this chapter by:
(1)
Identifying goods and services that are available from habilitation facilities according to the requirements under subsections 37-2.4-3(a), (b) and (c);
(2)
Helping to ensure that the goods and services are provided at reasonable quality and delivery levels;
(3)
Recommending to the chief purchasing officer prices in accordance with subdivision 37-2.4-3(a)(3) for goods and services that are identified in subdivision (b)(1) of this section;
(4)
Developing, maintaining, and recommending to the chief purchasing officer a preferred procurement contract list of goods and services identified and priced under subdivisions (b)(1) and (2) of this section;
(5)
Reviewing bids received by a habilitation facility and making a recommendation of contract award to the chief purchasing officer, the awarding authority that will issue the final purchase order and renew specified contracts for set contract times, without competitive bidding, for the purchase of goods and services as provided for in § 37-2.4-3; and
(6)
Collecting and reporting program data.
(c)
The provisions of subsection 37-2.4-2(b) and subdivision 37-2.4-3(1) are an exception to the procurement provisions under this chapter.
(d)
If two (2) or more certified habilitation facilities bid on the solicitation of services, the purchasing agent, as defined in subdivision 37-2-7(19), of the state agency shall award a contract to one of the certified habilitation facility based on a competitive price determination.
(e)
The board is authorized to create advisory committees to assist it in the performance of the board’s responsibilities.
History of Section.
P.L. 2011, ch. 244, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 261, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-2.5 - Prohibition on Contracting with Iran › Section 37-2.5-1. - Legislative findings.

§ 37-2.5-1. Legislative findings.
It is hereby found by the general assembly as follows:
(1)
In imposing sanctions on Iran, the United States Congress and the President of the United States have determined that the illicit nuclear activities of Iran, combined with its development of unconventional weapons and ballistic missiles, and its support of international terrorism, represent a serious threat to the security of the United States and its allies around the world.
(2)
The International Atomic Energy Agency has repeatedly called attention to Iran’s unlawful nuclear activities, and as a result, the United Nations Security Council has adopted four (4) rounds of sanctions designed to compel the government of Iran to cease those activities and comply with its obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, commonly known as the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
(3)
The human rights situation in Iran has steadily deteriorated since the fraudulent elections of 2009, as evidenced by the brutal repression, torture, murder and arbitrary detention of peaceful protestors, dissidents and minorities.
(4)
On July 1, 2010, President Obama signed into law the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010, which expressly authorizes state and local governments to prevent investment in, including prohibiting entry into or renewing contracts with, companies operating in Iran and includes provisions that preclude companies that do business in Iran from contracting with the United States government.
(5)
It is the intention of the general assembly to implement this authority granted under Section 202 of the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010.
(6)
There are moral and reputational reasons for state and local governments to not engage in business with foreign companies that have business activities benefiting foreign states, such as Iran, that pursue illegal nuclear programs, support acts of terrorism and commit violations of human rights.
(7)
Short-term economic profits cannot be a justification to circumvent even in spirit those international sanctions designed to thwart Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
(8)
The concerns of this general assembly regarding Iran are strictly the result of the actions of the government of Iran and should not be construed as enmity toward the Iranian people.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 173, § 2; P.L. 2013, ch. 225, § 2.