Lawmaker: More transparency needed in state’s procurement process

The House Oversight Committee this week unanimously approved state Rep. Sarah Lightner’s plan holding state government accountable by providing more transparency and oversight to the procurement process.

The Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget (DTMB) is responsible for contracts and purchasing decisions for all of the agencies under the state government umbrella. When a state agency has purchasing needs, they work with DTMB to enter into procurement contracts. The Springport lawmaker said her plan would ensure more transparency and oversight when agencies are exercising the option to extend a contract by requiring DTMB to provide written consent.

“Right now, we have state agencies exercising the option to extend procurement contracts with vendors without any input from DTMB,” Lightner said. “This practice lacks the necessary oversight and transparency because it could lead to procurement contracts that are not in the best interest of Michigan taxpayers, nor state operations. It’s important we make sure the department charged with the responsibility to oversee purchasing decisions of state government not only is providing oversight, but has the means to effectively do so.”

House Bill 4831 now moves to the House Ways and Means Committee for further consideration.