TITLE 31.NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION

Part 2. TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT

Chapter 61. DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

Subchapter A. CONTRACTS FOR PUBLIC WORKS

31 TAC §§61.21, 61.24 - 61.26

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission adopts amendments to 31 TAC §61.21 and §61.24, new §61.25, and new §61.26, concerning contracts for public works, without changes to the proposed text as published in the October 15, 1999, issue of the Texas Register (24 TexReg 8916).

The amendments and new sections are necessary to provide a mechanism for the agency to enter into contracts when circumstances make sealed bidding impractical.

The amendment to §61.21, concerning General, adds a new subsection (c) to allow the executive director to solicit proposals for public works projects by means of a Request for Proposal (RFP) process. The amendment to §61.24, concerning Award, alters the title of the section to reflect the fact that the rule pertains to sealed bids rather than the RFP process. New §61.25, concerning Solicitation, Evaluation, and Selection of Proposals, sets forth the protocol for the issuance of an RFP, the evaluation of proposals received in response to an RFP, and the selection of proposals for award. New §61.26, concerning Award in Response to Proposals, specifies the conditions for contract awards in response to an RFP, and provides for the termination of negotiations with proposers under certain circumstances.

The department received no comments concerning adoption of the proposed amendments and new sections.

The amendments and new sections are adopted under Parks and Wildlife Code, Chapter 11, Subchapter B, which requires the commission to adopt policies and procedures consistent with applicable state procurement practices for soliciting and awarding contracts.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on March 23, 2000.

TRD-200002108

Gene McCarty

Chief of Staff

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Effective date: April 12, 2000

Proposal publication date: November 15, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 389-4775