TITLE 1.ADMINISTRATION

Part 5. TEXAS BUILDING AND PROCUREMENT COMMISSION

Chapter 115. FACILITIES LEASING PROGRAM

Subchapter A. STATE LEASED PROPERTY

1 TAC §115.1

The Texas Building and Procurement Commission (TBPC) proposes an amendment to 1 TAC §115.1, concerning the rules governing state government leasing. The section defines the words and terms to be used in Chapter 115, Subchapter A, related to leasing of space for state government agencies, boards and commissions. The proposed amendment clarifies the definitions to be used.

Cindy Reed, Deputy Executive Director, has determined that for the first five year period the rule is in effect, there will be no fiscal implication for the state or local governments as a result of enforcing or administering the amended rule.

Ms. Reed has determined that for each year of the first five year period the amendment is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule will be negligible. There will be no effect on large, small or micro-businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the rule and there is no impact on local employment.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Cynthia de Roch, General Counsel, Texas Building and Procurement Commission, P.O. Box 13047, Austin, Texas 78711-3047. Comments may also be sent via e-mail to travis.langdon@tbpc.state.tx.us. Comments must be received no later than 15 days from the date of publication of the proposal in the Texas Register .

The amendment is proposed under the authority of the Texas Government Code, Title 10, Subtitle D, §2152.003 and §2167.008.

The following code is affected by these rules: Government Code, Title 10, Subtitle D, Chapter 2167.

§115.1.Definitions.

The following words and terms, when used in this subchapter, shall have the following meanings[ , unless the context clearly indicates otherwise ].

(1) Commission--The Texas Building and Procurement Commission (TBPC). [ Potential lessor list--A list of prospective potential lessors maintained by the Commission which sets out the names and addresses of building owners and agents who have shown an interest in leasing space to the state and from whom bids or proposals can be solicited for obtaining leased space for state use. ]

(2) Negotiated Lease--A lease negotiated directly with a public or private entity on behalf of the state by TBPC or its tenant representative. [ Commission--The General Services Commission, or its successor agency, the Texas Building and Procurement Commission. ]

(3) Request for Proposal (RFP)--A procurement for lease space conducted by TBPC or its tenant representative through a public process under the guidelines set forth by procedures established by the Leasing Division and approved by TBPC. [ Emergency Lease--A lease negotiated with a private source for a term not to exceed 24 months, as determined by the commission. ]

(4) State agency or agency--A board, a commission, or other authorized agency of the state government.

[ (5) Unduly restrictive specifications--Specifications that unnecessarily limit competition by setting requirements unrelated to the state's actual needs, which have the effect of favoring one or more prospective bidders over all the rest.]

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on August 25, 2003.

TRD-200305497

Cynthia de Roch

General Counsel

Texas Building and Procurement Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: October 5, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 463-4257


1 TAC §§115.2 - 115.11

(Editor's note: The text of the following sections proposed for repeal will not be published. The sections may be examined in the offices of the Texas Building and Procurement Commission or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)

The Texas Building and Procurement Commission (TBPC) proposes the repeal of 1 TAC §§115.2 - 115.11, concerning the rules governing state government leasing. The sections establish the procedure that TBPC is to follow when leasing space for state government agencies, boards, and commissions. The proposed repeal of §§115.2 - 115.11 is necessary because the sections do not accurately reflect the procedure or statutory authority that is currently being followed.

Cindy Reed, Deputy Executive Director, has determined that for the first five year period the repeal is in effect, there will be no fiscal implication for the state or local governments as a result of the repeal of the rules

Ms. Reed has determined that for each year of the first five year period the repeal is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of repealing the rules will be negligible. There will be no effect on large, small or micro-businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the repeal and there is no impact on local employment.

Comments on the proposals may be submitted to Cynthia de Roch, General Counsel, Texas Building and Procurement Commission, P.O. Box 13047, Austin, Texas 78711-3047. Comments may also be sent via e-mail to travis.langdon@tbpc.state.tx.us. Comments must be received no later than 15 days from the date of publication of the proposal in the Texas Register.

The repeal is proposed under the authority of the Texas Government Code, Title 10, Subtitle D, §2152.003 and §2167.008.

The following code is affected by the repeal: Government Code, Title 10, Subtitle D, Chapter 2167.

§115.2.General.

§115.3.Receipt and Processing of Requisitions for Leased Space.

§115.4.Filling Lease Space Requests from Nonprivate Public Sources.

§115.5.Leasing from a Private Source.

§115.6.Amendment of Lease.

§115.7.Transfer by Lessor.

§115.8.Potential Lessors' List.

§115.9.Delegation of Leasing Authority.

§115.10.Use of Private Firms to Obtain Space.

§115.11.Report on Noncompliance.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on August 25, 2003.

TRD-200305499

Cynthia de Roch

General Counsel

Texas Building and Procurement Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: October 5, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 463-4257


1 TAC §§115.2 - 115.12

The Texas Building and Procurement Commission (TBPC) proposes new rules to 1 TAC §§115.2 - 115.12, concerning the leasing of space. The sections establish the procedure that TBPC is to follow when leasing space for state government agencies, boards, and commissions. The proposed new rules bring the language of the rules into compliance with current procedure and with statutory authority.

Cindy Reed, Deputy Executive Director, has determined that for the first five year period the rules are in effect, there will be no fiscal implication for the state or local governments as a result of enforcing or administering the new rules.

Ms. Reed has determined that for each year of the first five year period the new rules are in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rules will be negligible. There will be no effect on large, small or micro-businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the rules and there is no impact on local employment.

Comments on the proposals may be submitted to Cynthia de Roch, General Counsel, Texas Building and Procurement Commission, P.O. Box 13047, Austin, Texas 78711-3047. Comments may also be sent via e-mail to travis.langdon@tbpc.state.tx.us. Comments must be received no later than 15 days from the date of publication of the proposal in the Texas Register.

The new rules are proposed under the authority of the Texas Government Code, Title 10, Subtitle D, §§2152.003, 2165.102 and 2167.008.

The following codes are affected by the rules: Government Code, Title 10, Subtitle D, Chapter 2167, §2165.104(c), Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated, article 9102 (Vernon 1999) and the Texas Occupation Code, Chapter 51 (Vernon 1999).

§115.2.Prerequisites for Leasing Space.

(a) When a board, commission or agency requests to lease space that is not property owned by the state, the Leasing Division shall verify that state owned space is not available.

(b) All requests for lease space must be submitted by the office of the executive director or the agency head of the requesting party.

(c) The chief administrative officer must certify the availability of funds for the leased space in question and verify the number of FTE's existing for the requested lease space location.

(d) By virtue of Texas Government Code §2165.104(c) no standard exemptions exist for any agency, board or commission regarding space requirements. All requests for space exemptions from state statute or rule shall be determined on a case by case basis by TBPC. No exemption granted by TBPC will be considered as establishing a precedent for any future exemption requests.

§115.3.Leasing Space for Health and Human Services Agencies.

(a) All Health and Human Services (HHSC) agencies requests for lease space must be submitted by the office of the executive commissioner.

(b) The chief administrative officer of HHSC must certify the availability of funds for the leased space in question and verify the number of FTEs existing at the requested lease space location.

§115.4.Delegation of Authority to State Agencies.

A request by an agency for delegated leasing authority must have the approval of the governing body of the agency making the request. Any agency under the authority of an individual commissioner or executive director, appointed by or directly accountable to the Governor, must provide evidence of notification to the Office of the Governor in order for such a request to be valid.

§115.5.Elimination of Barriers to Persons With Disabilities in Leased Buildings.

All occupying agencies of state leased space must report violations of Article 9102, Revised Statutes directly to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations (TDLR).

§115.6.Leasing Services to State Agencies.

(a) Any agency excluded from the leasing requirements must request in writing from the agency head assistance from TBPC for leasing services.

(b) The head of the agency requesting leasing assistance must agree to pay the standard charge established by TBPC before the request for lease assistance can be considered.

§115.7.Leasing Space From Private Source.

The Leasing Division shall establish procedures for leasing space from a private source.

§115.8.Use of Private Firms to Obtain Space.

(a) Any private brokerage or real estate firm assisting TBPC in obtaining lease space for state agencies shall have no conflicts of interest in representing the State of Texas.

(b) No broker, real estate firm, tenant representative or person representing the state as an agent in a leasing matter may, during the term of the agency contract, simultaneously represent, participate or profit from the actions of buyers, sellers, owners or any other person whose interests would be different than those of the state in regard to the business affairs of the agency.

§115.9.Option to Purchase.

The Leasing Division or its tenant representative shall provide a fiscal analysis of any 'Option to Purchase' proposal to demonstrate to TBPC that the proposal has evident advantages to the State compared to the leasing or direct purchase of real property.

§115.10.Remedial Action Against Lessor.

(a) No state agency occupying state leased space shall commit any act or action that may endanger the state's interest under the lease contract.

(b) Any state agency that TBPC determines has acted in bad faith against the state's interest shall be reported to the Office of the Speaker of the House, the House Committee on Appropriations, the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, and the Senate Committee on Finance.

§115.11.Sublease to Child Care Provider.

TBPC may assign the operation of a child care center at a state leased facility to another state agency or to an institution of higher education.

§115.12.Report on Noncompliance.

The Leasing Division of TBPC shall cite instances of non-compliance to all entities mentioned in §2167.105 within 30 days of the discovery of non-compliance. The Leasing Division shall provide a summary of all instances of non-compliance at the end of each biennium to those respective entities and shall include a summation of total non-compliance for each agency found to be in violation.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on August 25, 2003.

TRD-200305500

Cynthia de Roch

General Counsel

Texas Building and Procurement Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: October 5, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 463-4257


Chapter 122. FACILITIES PLANNING

Texas Building and Procurement Commission (TBPC) proposes amendments to 1 TAC Chapter 122, Facilities Planning, Subchapter A, §122.1 and §122.2, and Subchapter B, §122.3. The amendments will implement new statutes, update, restructure, and revise language, and create more efficient agency processes throughout the rules.

William N. Bonham, Director of Facilities Construction and Space Management, has determined that for the first five year period that the rules are in effect, there will be no fiscal implication for state or local government as a result of enforcing the rules.

Mr. Bonham has determined that for each year of the first five year period the amendments are in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rules will be clarity and consistency. There will be no cost to small, large or micro-businesses or persons, and no impact on local employment as a result of enforcing the rules.

Comments on the proposed amendments may be submitted to Cynthia de Roch, General Counsel, Texas Building and Procurement Commission, P.O. Box 13047, Austin, Texas 78701-3047. Comments must be received no later than 15 days from the date of publication of the proposal in the Texas Register.

Subchapter A. APPLICATION FOR STATE-LEASED OR OWNED FACILITIES

1 TAC §122.1, §122.2

The amendments are proposed under the authority of the Texas Government Code, Title 10, Subtitle D, §§2152.003, 2165.102 and 2165.108

The proposed amendments will affect the Texas Government Code, Title 10, Subtitle D, Chapter 2165, §2166.251 and §2166.260.

§122.1.Definitions.

The following words and terms, when used in this section, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

(1) Agency Employee [ employee ]--The full-time equivalent (FTE) of a person performing services on site under the direction of a state agency, including hours worked by full-time employees, part-time employees, and consultant and contract individuals as defined by the state auditor; including employees paid from funds maintained outside the treasury and hours worked by volunteers performing necessary services. [ Requests must include all contract and volunteer employees' work-hours and functions. ]

(2) Agency Head [ head ]--The highest-ranking executive officer with full-time responsibility for the operations of the agency . [ ; ]

(3) Agency Site [ site ]--A building or building complex on a single site or under a single lease contract, where agency business is transacted or services are provided . [ ; ]

(4) Commission-- The Texas Building and Procurement Commission (TBPC) [ The General Services Commission ]

(5) Agency Space Allocation--The area assigned to an agency, not to exceed 135 square feet per FTE, calculated on the basis of Gross Area less the following exceptions [ Usable square feet--An area within the exterior walls of a building for the exclusive use of the occupying agency, including space exempted by rule but does not include ]:

(A) Space designated and regularly used for public activities, including ancillary space such as lobbies, corridors, toilet rooms and refreshment areas associated with the public space. This does not include lobbies and other space ancillary to space primarily intended for internal use by FTE's in the course of interfacing with clients, or to accommodate occasional visits by members of the public. [ public hallways, restrooms, stairwells, and elevator shafts; ]

(B) Vertical shafts or chases used for circulation (elevators or stairs) or mechanical, electrical, telecommunication, or data cabling distributions. [ mechanical rooms or closets for heating, air conditioning, plumbing, janitorial, electrical, telephone, and other general building services; ]

(C) Mechanical, electrical, telecommunication, and data cabling rooms which house equipment serving more than a single tenant. [ interior atriums, courts, or monumental spaces for public use; and ]

(D) Other areas to be determined by TBPC [ fire towers and fire tower courts ].

(E) When applying these criteria to planning standards for leased space, the Gross Area will be calculated using the definitions as defined in this section, regardless of whatever basis may be referenced in the lease contract.

(F) Final decision on questions arising from differing interpretations of these guidelines shall be made by TBPC.

(6) Gross Area--Gross Floor Areas shall be the area within the inside perimeter of the outside walls of the building with no deduction for hallways, stairs, closets, interior wall thickness, columns, or other features. When floors open to an atrium, the inside finished surface of the walls enclosing the atrium shall be used in lieu of an outer building wall. [ Net usable square feet--For the purpose of calculating an agency's space allocation ratio, that portion of the usable square feet of an occupying agency's space other than spaces specifically exempted under §122.3(d) and (e) of this title (relating to Space Allocation). ]

(7) Space Allocation Ratio [ allocation ratio ]--The mathematical result of dividing the occupying agency's Space Allocation [ net usable square feet ] by the total number of agency employees per site.

(8) Space Use Study--A study conducted by TBPC [ the commission on a cost-recovery basis ] to determine space requirements for state agencies.

(9) State Agency--A board, commission, department, or other authorized agency of the state.

(10) Usable Area--The Usable Area of a building shall be computed by measuring from the finished surface of the office side of a corridor and/or permanent wall, to the center of partitions that separate interior spaces from adjoining Usable Areas, and the inside finished surface of the dominant portion of the permanent outer building walls.

(11) [ (10) ] Variance--A request for more than 135 [ 153 ] square feet of [ net ] usable space per agency employee at a particular site.

§122.2.Requests for Allocation, Relinquishment, or Modification of [ Space in ] State[ -Leased or ] Owned Facilities Under the Commission's Control .

[ Under the Commission's Control ] Requests for allocation, relinquishment, or modification of space in state-leased and owned facilities under TBPC's [ the commission's ] control shall be made in writing to TBPC's [ the commission's ] director of Facilities Construction and Space Management Division by the agency head or designee of the requesting agency.

(1) Requests shall provide the following information:

(A) Statement of justification demonstrating added staff (enumerate number of FTEs and agency unit), inadequacy of current facilities, lease expiration, or other . [ ; ]

(B) Written certification that funds are authorized and available to accomplish the requested action.

(C) [ (B) ] Identification of action requested to include: the desire to occupy, add, relinquish, and/or modify state-owned or leased space; lease new space; modify, renew, extend, or terminate current lease contract (include lease number[ . ])[ ; ] or other . [ ; ]

(D) [ (C) ] Function of occupying agency program to include: direct delivery client service or administrative office; laboratory; warehouse; storage; print shop; boat storage; parking space; or other . [ ; ]

(E) [ (D) ] Desire location to include: current facility; different facility; city; special location factors; or others . [ ; ]

(F) [ (E) ] Term of need to include: short-term (48 months or less) or long-term (specify duration); date occupancy or action is needed; and/or other critical schedule factors . [ ; ]

(G) [ (F) ] Present occupancy status of subject agency program describing whether the unit is now housed in state-owned (name and address of facility), state-leased, or not housed; present lease number; number of current FTEs; and agency's current space allocation. [ usable square feet occupied; ]

(H) [ (G) ] Special conditions related to critical agency functions that require facility services beyond regular business hours, or other . [ ; and ]

(I) [ (H) ] Requesting agency contact , [ and ] telephone and fax numbers for agency program requiring space or modification.

(2) TBPC [ The commission ] will grant or deny a request in writing.

[(3) In allocating space in state-owned facilities, priority shall be given to agencies receiving a greater share of operating expense funds from the General Revenue Fund.]

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on August 25, 2003.

TRD-200305496

Cynthia de Roch

General Counsel

Texas Building and Procurement Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: October 5, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 463-4257


Subchapter B. SPACE ALLOCATION

1 TAC §122.3

The amendments are proposed under the authority of the Texas Government Code, Title 10, Subtitle D, §§2152.003, 2165.102 and 2165.108

The proposed amendments will affect the Texas Government Code, Title 10, Subtitle D, Chapter 2165, §2166.251 and §2166.260.

§122.3.Space Allocation.

(a) The Texas Government Code, Title 10, Subtitle D, §2165.104 requires TBPC [ the commission ] to allocate space to state agencies in the best and most efficient manner possible. In addition, TBPC [ the commission ] may not allocate space to a state agency under Articles I, II, V, VI, VII, and VIII of the General Appropriations Act, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, the Texas Education Agency, the State Board of Educator Certification, the Office of Court Administration of the Texas Judicial system, or other specified state agency in an amount that exceeds an average of 135 [ 153 ] usable square feet space allocation of office space for each agency employee for each agency site.

(b) This section applies to the use of state-leased and owned office facilities obtained and/or managed through TBPC. [ For the purpose of calculating the space allocation ratio at a particular site: all offices, workstations, workspaces, storage spaces, support spaces, and circulation spaces within the agency's usable square-footage shall be included except that type of space listed in subsections (d) and (e) of this section. ]

[(c) This section applies to the use of state-leased and owned office facilities obtained through the commission.]

(c) [ (d) ] This section does not apply to:

[(1) agency sites where 15 or fewer employees are located;]

[(2) aircraft hangar, associated storage and administrative space;]

[(3) printing and reprographic plant and associated storage and administrative space;]

[(4) radio antenna space;]

[(5) boat storage space;]

[(6) vehicle parking space;]

(1) [ (7) ] residential space for a Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation program;

[(8) residential space for a Texas Youth Commission program;]

(2) [ (9) ] space to be utilized for less than one month for meetings, conferences, seminars, conventions, displays, examinations, auctions, or similar purposes;

(3) an agency site which renders application of this section as impractical, as determined by TBPC; or

(4) an agency site which renders application of this section as impractical because of the site type of space or use of space, as determined by TBPC.

[(10) warehouse space;]

[(11) scientific, audio visual, or photographic (darkroom) laboratory space;]

[(12) contiguous storage (non-office) space exceeding 1,000 usable square feet;]

[(13) hearing rooms required to conduct hearings required under the Administrative Procedure Act, Texas Government Code, Chapter 2001;]

[(14) law or public access library space;]

[(15) records storage or archives (non-office) space; or]

[(16) hospital or clinic and associated administrative space.]

[(e) the following types of requested space uses will be excluded by the commission from calculation of the space allocation ratio when clearly enumerated and justified as described below:]

[(1) consolidated statewide or regional space uses:]

[(A) computer or telecommunication operations centers when request includes network and connectivity diagram showing service locations, agencies, and programs;]

[(B) full-time training centers when request includes relevant agency programs, and corresponding state or federal mandates;]

[(C) conference rooms shared by different agencies when request includes signatory acknowledgment of participant agencies;]

[(2) health and human service direct delivery client service space uses:]

[(A) rehabilitation workshops;]

[(B) public client waiting areas;]

[(C) client training classrooms when request includes relevant agency programs' corresponding state or federal mandates;]

[(D) space provided to itinerant staff of another agency at client-service locations when request includes signatory acknowledgment of participant agencies;]

[(E) playrooms;]

[(F) employment resource rooms when request includes corresponding state or federal mandate;]

[(G) observation rooms in clinical or protective services offices;]

[(H) Sunshine or Bridge rooms in protective services offices;]

[(I) medical examination rooms and clinical laboratories of the Department of Health;]

[(J) storage areas for pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, or client equipment and appliances;]

[(3) cafeterias;]

[(4) shared conference rooms scheduled by the commission or by commission delegated agencies;]

[(5) telephone or data (LAN, local area network) closets;]

[(6) trial preparation rooms and litigation file rooms at litigation offices of the attorney general;]

[(7) testing areas and public waiting areas at Department of Public Safety driver license offices;]

[(8) public client waiting areas; and]

[(9) a pro rata share of internal circulation space associated with excluded uses at the site.]

(d) [ (f) ] Variances or Waivers of allocation limits: Any agency request for more than 135 [ 153 ] square feet of [ net usable ] space per agency employee at a particular site must be [ must be ] submitted to TBPC [ the commission ] demonstrating conformance with one of the criteria in subsection (e) [ (g) ] of this section.

(1) Each request must be signed by the agency head and the chairman of the agency's governing body [ (if any). This authority may not be delegated within the requesting agency ].

(2) TBPC [ The commission ] will grant or deny a request in writing.

(3) Requests granted or denied by TBPC [ the commission ] may be provided to the Legislative Budget Board, the Governor's Budget and Planning Office, the Chair of the Senate Finance Committee and the Chair [ chairman ] of the House Appropriations Committee.

(e) [ (g) ] TBPC [ The commission ] may allocate usable office space in excess of 135 [ 153 ] square feet per agency employee, if TBPC [ the commission ] determines that:

(1) as concluded by a [ based upon a ] Space Use Study conducted by TBPC [ the commission ], a particular type of space should be excluded;

(2) a strict application of the standard to a given site is not practical; or [ would unavoidably and critically impair an agency's functions; ]

(3) [ it ] is in the best financial interest of [ to ] the state to do so . [ ; ]

[(4) the number of persons routinely working in a space is substantially different from the agency employee calculation;]

[(5) a request is consistent with an agency's plan previously accepted by the commission for implementation of this rule;]

[(6) an emergency lease is necessary to provide facilities in the best interest of the state and strict compliance would unavoidably and critically impair an agency's functions;]

[(7) a negotiated lease with a political subdivision is in the best interest of the State and strict compliance would unavoidably and critically impair an agency's functions; or]

[(8) a negotiated lease in the absence of competition is in the best interest of the State and strict compliance would unavoidably and critically impair an agency's functions.]

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on August 25, 2003.

TRD-200305498

Cynthia de Roch

General Counsel

Texas Building and Procurement Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: October 5, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 463-4257


Chapter 123. FACILITIES CONSTRUCTION AND SPACE MANAGEMENT DIVISION

The Texas Building and Procurement Commission (TBPC) proposes amendments to 1 TAC Chapter 123, Facilities Construction and Space Management Division, Subchapter A, §123.1 and §123.2 and Subchapter C, §§123.23 - 123.28, concerning the delegation of authority and exclusions from TBPC of authority, project responsibility, analysis process, construction process, the selection of design professionals, and contractor qualifications. The proposed amendments implement new statutes, update, restructure, and revise language, and create more efficient agency processes throughout the rules.

William N. Bonham, Director of Facilities Construction and Space Management, has determined that for the first five year period that the rules are in effect, there will be no adverse effect on state or local government as a result of enforcing the rules.

Mr. Bonham has determined that for each year of the first five year period the amendments are in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rules will be clarity and consistency. There will be no cost to small, large or micro businesses or persons as a result of enforcing the rules.

Comments on the proposed amendments may be submitted to Cynthia de Roch, General Counsel, Texas Building and Procurement Commission, P.O. Box 13047, Austin, Texas 78701-3047. Comments may also be sent via e-mail to travis.langdon@tbpc.state.tx.us. Comments must be received no later than 15 days from the date of publication of the proposal in the Texas Register .

Subchapter A. GENERAL MATTERS

1 TAC §123.1, §123.2

The amendments are proposed under the authority of the Texas Government Code, Title 10, Subtitle D, §2152.003 and §2166.062, which provides the Texas Building and Procurement Commission with the authority to promulgate rules consistent with the code.

The amendments are proposed to bring all rules governing the division's activities into accordance with the Texas Government Code, Title 10, Subtitle D, Chapter 2166. The changes also affect §2152.104(a).

§123.1.Definitions.

The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

(1) Commission--The [ six member board of the General Services Commission of the State of Texas, or its successor organization, the seven member board of the ] Texas Building and Procurement Commission (hereinafter referred to as "TBPC") .

(2) Contractor's Qualification Form--The documents provided by TBPC [ TBPC provided document ] which contractors must complete and return to TBPC in order to be considered for a construction contract award.

(3) Cost of Services--The costs incurred by TBPC in providing construction project administration services, including project management, professional inspection, staff time, prior project analysis cost, travel expense, the estimated cost of minor and incidental materials used in pursuit of a project, and may include an overhead rate to cover employee benefit costs.

(4) Design Professional--Persons licensed by the State of Texas to practice architecture in accordance with Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1051 [ Civil Statutes, Article 249a (relating to Architects) ] or engineering in accordance with Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1001 [ Civil Statutes, Article 3271a (relating to the Texas Engineering Practice Act) ].

(5) Facilities Construction and Space Management Division (FCSMD)--The TBPC division responsible for administration of construction projects under TBPC's [ the commission's ] jurisdiction, and such other projects that TBPC [ the commission ] has agreed to manage.

(6) TBPC-- Texas Building and Procurement Commission (TBPC)--the agency responsible for building management and construction including administration of construction projects under TBPC's jurisdiction, and the projects that TBPC has agreed to manage [ The General Services Commission, or its successor agency, the Texas Building and Procurement Commission (herein referred to collectively as "TBPC"), ] for the State of Texas.

(7) Notice to Proceed--A TBPC written order issued to a general contractor under contract on a project which establishes the start and completion dates for the contract and the project schedule.

(8) Planning Fund--A fund administered by FCSMD from which authorized planning expenditures are initially paid.

(9) Project Analysis--A study done before the legislative appropriation process for a project to develop a reliable estimate of the cost of the project to be used in the appropriations process, and as authorized by Texas Government Code, Title 10, Subtitle D, Chapter 2166, Subchapter D.

(10) Project--A building construction project as defined in Texas Government Code, §2166.001(4) that is financed wholly or partly by a specific appropriation, a bond issue or federal money. The term includes the construction of:

(A) a building, structure or appurtenant facility or utility, including the acquisition and installation or original equipment and original furnishings; and

(B) an addition to, alteration, rehabilitation or repair of, an existing building, structure, or appurtenant facility or utility.

(11) Project Request Forms-- A [ The ] TBPC [ provided ] document that includes funds certification information that [ which using ] agencies must complete and return to TBPC in order to initiate a project for construction.

(12) Using Agency--An instrumentality of the state that occupies and uses a state-owned or state-leased building, or TBPC [ the commission ], with respect to a state-owned building maintained by TBPC [ the commission ].

(13) Uniform General Conditions (UGC)--The terms and conditions for state building construction projects promulgated in accordance with Texas Government Code, Title 10, Subtitle D, Chapter 2166, Subchapter G.

(14) Wage Rates--The schedule of the hourly rate of pay plus payments made to or on behalf of employees for benefits such as health insurance, pension plans, death benefits and vacation pay.

§123.2.Delegation of Authority.

(a) TBPC [ The commission ] may act to exercise any power or authority set out in Chapter 123 of this title (relating to the FCSMD [ Facilities Construction and Space Management Division ]), or it may delegate such authority to the executive director. The executive director, in exercising delegated authority, may further delegate his authority to another member of the FCSMD staff.

(b) Operating Procedures for Chapter 123 of this title may be found in FCSMD's Internal Procedures Manual.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on August 25, 2003.

TRD-200305513

Cynthia de Roch

General Counsel

Texas Building and Procurement Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: October 5, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 463-4257


Subchapter C. CONSTRUCTION PROJECT ADMINISTRATION

1 TAC §§123.23 - 123.28

The amendments are proposed under the authority of the Texas Government Code, Title 10, Subtitle D, §2152.003 and §2166.062, which provides the Texas Building and Procurement Commission with the authority to promulgate rules consistent with the code.

The amendments are proposed to bring all rules governing the division's activities into accordance with the Texas Government Code, Title 10, Subtitle D, Chapter 2166. The changes also affect §2152.104(a).

§123.23.General Project Responsibility.

(a) [ The ] TBPC is responsible for the administration of project analyses and construction projects for all state agencies except as otherwise provided in Texas Government Code, § §2166.003 , [ and § ]2166.004, 2165.007 and other statutes.

(b) [ The ] TBPC will act as the owner for the benefit of the using agency and shall provide timely and complete information to the using agency for any pending project for which it is responsible.

(c) [ The ] TBPC shall act in the best interests of the State of Texas in administering project contracts for which it is responsible.

(d) Each construction project administered by TBPC shall bear the cost of services rendered thereon. At the start of a construction project, an estimate of the cost of services provided by TBPC will be provided to the using agency. This estimate may be changed by agreement of TBPC and the using agency.

(e) The funds for all project expenses shall be transferred to TBPC using an inter-agency agreement (IAC) signed by both parties and an interagency transfer voucher (ITV) to convey the funds. This process shall occur immediately after the project request is received and analyzed by TBPC and before work commences on the project. Once the project is accepted and the initial funding requirements are identified, the IAC and ITV shall be processed and the funds transferred. [ One-half of the cost of services shall be transferred to TBPC upon approval of the total project cost by the using agency. The remaining half of the cost of services fee shall be transferred to TBPC upon award of the primary construction contract for each project or approval to begin construction on projects using alternate delivery procedures. TBPC shall use the fees collected to pay for the expenses of performing its services. ]

(f) FCSMD shall develop detailed operating procedures that outline the process for construction project management.

§123.24.Project Analysis Process.

(a) The using agency is responsible for initiating a project analysis. The using agency shall initiate a project analysis by submitting to the FCSMD a request that a project analysis be prepared for [ of ] a proposed project [ be prepared ]. Standard request forms are provided by the FCSMD and are available on the TBPC website, under the Facility Design and Construction link to Forms [ FCSMD Computer Management System (CMS) ].

(b) To ensure results are available in a timely manner, requests for project analyses shall be made no later than January 1 of even-numbered years in order to ensure completion in time for submission with an using agency's budget prior to the regular session of the legislature.

(c) Project analyses shall be prepared based on FCSMD detailed operating procedures.

§123.25.Construction Project Process.

(a) Initiation of a construction project.

(1) The using agency is responsible for initiating a construction project. The using agency may commence the process by submitting a request [ on its letterhead ] to initiate work on the project on its letterhead or [ through the CMS. Project Request forms are provided by the FCSMD and are available ] on the TBPC website, under the Facility Design and Construction link to Forms [ CMS ]. The using agency must identify the source and amount of funds to be applied to the project. If the funds for the project are not directly appropriated to the TBPC [ GSC ], the using agency must execute an interagency agreement with the TBPC [ GSC ], which will govern the payment of all services and contracts necessary to accomplish the project.

(2) Projects should be initiated at the earliest opportunity after authorization by the legislature [ Legislature ], but not later than January 1 of even-numbered years. This timeframe is required for a contract award to be made within the fiscal year for which appropriated project funds are available.

(b) Selection of Construction Delivery Method: When a project has been requested by a using agency or appropriated to TBPC, FCSMD shall assess which construction method provides the state with the best value:

(1) Lowest and Best Bid

(2) Design-Build

(3) Construction Manager at Risk

(4) Competitive Sealed Proposals

(c) FCSMD shall develop detailed operating procedures to manage the construction project process.

§123.26.Exclusions from TBPC [ Commission ] Authority.

(a) Pursuant to the Texas Government Code, §§2166.003(a)(6) and (7), 2166.004 and 2166.063, certain types of repair and rehabilitation projects are not subject to TBPC construction administration, or are otherwise excluded from TBPC's jurisdiction.

(b) Applications for a determination that a project is excluded shall be provided to [ the ] FCSMD in writing on or before June 1 of each fiscal year. [ The ] FCSMD shall advise using agencies of this deadline [ that ] because an approval after the June 1 deadline may result in funds not being [ be ] spent during that fiscal year and [ , that ] TBPC assumes no liability thereof. Each application must provide the proposed changes, budget information, and method of construction intended by the using agency.

(c) FCSMD shall develop detailed operating procedures for implementing the exclusion process.

§123.27.Selection of Design Professionals for Construction Projects.

[(a) Registration of Design Professionals.]

[(1) On or before May 1 of odd-numbered years, the FCSMD shall advertise in appropriate media, including the TBPC web site, the Texas Electronic State Business Daily and such other media generally available to the public, for all interested design professionals to register with the TBPC for the following biennium.]

[(2) Registration with the TBPC will be accomplished by filling out a questionnaire, either in writing or electronically, and submitting it on or before July 1 of odd numbered years, or anytime before or after that date.]

(a) [ (b) ] [ Selection process for construction project design professionals. ] FCSMD shall develop detailed operating procedures for selection of design professionals .

(b) [ (c) ] Prime and non-prime [ Non-prime ] design selections. [ The ] TBPC shall conduct selections of design professionals for non-prime design work in accordance with Texas Government Code, Chapter 2254, Subchapter A, for non-prime design professionals and Chapter 2166, Subchapter D, for design professionals who may perform prime and non-prime design services. [ The ] TBPC reserves the authority to award multiple, indefinite quantity services agreements to design professionals in the disciplines needed by FCSMD.

§123.28.Contractor Qualifications.

(a) Interested contractors shall submit a contractor's qualification form to [ the ] FCSMD in a timely fashion and no later than the date established in the notice to bidders. Forms are available for pick up with bid documents or on TBPC website, under the Facility Design and Construction link to Forms . Incomplete forms will [ shall ] be rejected.

(b) FCSMD shall develop detailed operating procedures for contractor selection.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on August 25, 2003.

TRD-200305515

Cynthia de Roch

General Counsel

Texas Building and Procurement Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: October 5, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 463-4257


Chapter 125. SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISION--TRAVEL AND VEHICLE

Subchapter A. TRAVEL MANAGEMENT SERVICES

1 TAC §§125.1, 125.3, 125.5, 125.7, 125.9, 125.11, 125.15, 125.17, 125.19, 125.29

The Texas Building and Procurement Commission (TBPC) proposes amendments to 1 TAC Chapter 125, Subchapter A, §§125.1, 125.3, 125.5, 125.7, 125.9, 125.11, 125.15, 125.17, 125.19, and 125.29, concerning the agency's Travel Management Services. The amendments provide TBPC with greater flexibility in the acquisition of travel services that are in the best interest of the state. The amendments also allow officers and employees of junior colleges and school districts as well as municipal officers and employees to use TBPC's travel services contracts when on official business.

The amendments are necessary to implement the provisions of House Bill 3042, House Bill 898 and House Bill 1061. Additionally, the amendments eliminate outdated and unnecessary language related to various travel program procedures and requirements.

Cindy Reed, Deputy Executive Director, has determined that for the first five year period the rules are in effect, there will be no fiscal implication for the state or local governments as a result of enforcing or administering the amended rules. A moderate reduction in travel costs for municipalities, school districts, and public junior colleges participating in the travel services contracts is anticipated.

Ms. Reed has determined that for each year of the first five year period the amendments are in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rules will be greater compliance with the statutory requirements of Texas Government Code, Chapter 2171. Allowing municipalities, school districts, and public junior colleges to participate in travel service contracts could result in a moderate reduction in travel expenses to local governments. There will be no effect on large, small or micro-businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the rules and there is no impact on local employment.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Cynthia de Roch, General Counsel, Texas Building and Procurement Commission, P.O. Box 13047, Austin, Texas 78711-3047. Comments may also be sent via e-mail to travis.langdon@TBPC.state.tx.us. Comments must be received no later than 15 days from the date of publication of the proposal in the Texas Register.

The amendments are proposed under the authority of the Texas Government Code, §§2152.003, 2171.002, 2171.052, and 2171.055.

The following code is affected by the amendments: Government Code, §§2171.002, 2171.052, and 2171.055.

§125.1.General.

[(a) The travel and vehicle fleet services program of the commission administers the State Travel Management Program.]

(a) [ (b) ] [ State ] Travel [ Management Program ] services are provided to state agencies, their employees, elected or appointed officers, and other persons entitled to reimbursement for official state business travel expenses incurred on behalf of the state.

(b) In addition, use of contracts for travel services is extended to:

(1) an officer or employee of a Texas public junior college, as defined by §61.003, Education Code, who is engaged in official public junior college business travel, provided the public junior college has elected to participate in the program that provides these services;

(2) an officer or employee of a Texas school district, who is engaged in official school district business travel, provided the school district has elected to participate in the program that provides these services.

(3) [ (c) ] [ Use of the State Travel Management Program's Contract Airline Fares is extended to ] a Texas county employee or persons who are in the custody of the state, provided that the county has elected to participate in the program that provides this service.

(4) an officer or employee of a municipality, who is engaged in official municipal business provided that the municipality has elected to participate in the program that provides this service.

[(d) It is the policy of the commission to administer the State Travel Management Program to provide timely and efficient travel services to eligible entities as defined in subsections (b) and (c) of this section, and to generate savings, whenever possible.]

(c) [ (e) ] These rules are intended to be consistent with the State of Texas Travel Allowance Guide published by the comptroller of public accounts.

§125.3.Definitions.

The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

(1) Accumulated Depreciation [ depreciation ]--The total amount of vehicle depreciation recorded in the Vehicle Information Program.

(2) Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC)--The organization of participating airlines which provides a common method of approving travel agency locations for the sale of domestic air transportation.

(3) Alternative Fuel [ fuel ]--Compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, electricity, methanol (or M85), or ethanol (or E85).

(4) Alternative Fuel Vehicle [ fuel vehicle ]--A motor vehicle capable of using alternative fuel in the original equipment manufactured engine, or in a converted traditional gasoline or diesel engine.

(5) Assigned Vehicle [ vehicle ]--A state vehicle normally driven by the same employee or small specific group of employees.

(6) Book Value [ value ]--The capitalized value less the accumulated depreciation.

(7) Capitalized Value [ value ]--The original cost of a vehicle, plus later adjustments for major additions or improvements.

(8) City Pair [ pair ]--A one-way airline flight between two cities, from origin to destination, regardless of stopovers or connections.

(9) Commission--The Texas Building and Procurement (TBPC) [ General Services ] Commission.

(10) Computerized Reservations System (CRS)--One of a number of interactive electronic systems linking individual travel agencies to a central airline-owned computer, allowing agents to make availability inquiries and travel reservations.

(11) Corporate Travel Charge Card [ travel charge card ]--A method of payment for travel services.

(12) Depreciation Rate [ rate ]--A uniform mathematical factor which reflects a vehicle's loss of market value due to wear, deterioration, or obsolescence.

(13) Direct Labor [ labor ]--The cost of labor associated with repairing or servicing vehicles, whether performed by a contractor or state employee.

(14) Disposal Date [ date ]--The date on which a state vehicle is no longer included in a state agency's property inventory.

(15) Downtime--The total number of working hours a state vehicle, otherwise eligible for assignment, is out of service for repair or maintenance.

(16) Driver's Handbook [ handbook ]--A reference manual or guide detailing state agency operational policy and procedure for state vehicles.

(17) Facility--A building used for meetings, conventions, conferences, and seminars.

(18) Field Employee--A state employee whose regular duties require work in locations other than agency headquarters or regional offices and who regularly require a vehicle for ongoing daily duties.

(19) Fleet Officer [ officer ]--The individual designated by each state agency who is responsible for the timely and accurate submission of all required information utilized by the vehicle fleet management system.

(20) Gross Vehicle Weight [ vehicle weight ] (GVW)--The greatest weight of vehicle and load which the manufacturer recommends that a vehicle accommodate. The GVW includes the total weight of chassis, cab, body, special equipment, oil, water, gasoline, driver, and the maximum payload.

[(21) Group/Meeting Planning Requisition--The form developed by the program for state agencies to request Group/Meeting Planning Services. ]

(21) [ (22) ] Indirect Labor [ labor ]--The labor cost of vehicle fleet related employees whose time cannot be identified with repairing or servicing individual vehicles.

(22) [ (23) ] International Airlines Travel Agent Network (IATAN)--The organization of participating airlines which provides a common method of approving authorized agency locations for the sale of international air transportation.

(23) [ (24) ] Negotiated Rate [ rate ]--A price for a travel service negotiated or awarded by the program.

(24) [ (25) ] Nonparticipating State Agency [ state agency ]--Any state agency that has not submitted a properly completed and approved travel service requisition.

(25) [ (26) ] Nonresident Bidder [ bidder ]--A person who is not a resident bidder.

(26) [ (27) ] Official State Business Travel [ state business travel ]--The travel undertaken by a state official or employee to conduct official state business or to represent the state in an official capacity.

(27) [ (28) ] Official County Business Travel [ county business ]--The travel undertaken by a county officer or employee, including a county sheriff, deputy sheriff, or juvenile probation officer, to conduct official county business or to represent the county in an official capacity.

(28) Official Municipal Business Travel--The travel undertaken by a municipal officer or employee, to conduct official municipal business or to represent the municipality in an official capacity.

(29) Official Public Junior College Business Travel--The travel undertaken by a public junior college officer or employee to conduct official public junior college business or to represent the public junior college in an official capacity.

(30) Official School District Travel--The travel undertaken by a school district officer or employee, to conduct official school district business or to represent the school district in an official capacity.

(31) [ (29) ] On-Site Location--A full-service travel agency office located on state property, in accordance with Chapter 2165, Subchapter E of the Government Code [ government code ] that processes travel reservations for high-volume state agencies.

(32) [ (30) ] OVFM--Office of Vehicle Fleet Management.

(33) [ (31) ] Participating County--A county that has submitted the documentation required by TBPC to participate in State travel services contracts [ that has executed a Commissioner's Court Resolution and paid the participation fee for the county to use the contract airline fares ].

(34) Participating Municipality--A municipality that has submitted the documentation required by TBPC to participate in State travel services contracts.

(35) Participating Public Junior College--A public junior college that has submitted the documentation required by TBPC to participate in State travel services contracts.

(36) Participating School District--A school district that has submitted the documentation required by TBPC to participate in State travel services contracts.

(37) [ (32) ] Participating State Agency [ state agency ]--A state agency that has submitted the documentation required by TBPC to participate in State travel services contracts [ a properly completed and approved travel service requisition ].

(38) [ (33) ] Passenger Name Record (PNR)--A record in a computer reservation system that contains all travel arrangements and information for a particular trip for a specific traveler.

(39) [ (34) ] Pool Vehicle [ vehicle ]--A vehicle normally garaged in a central location for use by any authorized employee of the state agency.

(40) [ (35) ] Program--The State Travel Management Program.

(41) [ (36) ] Proposal--The response made by a travel vendor to provide goods or services in accordance with the terms and conditions of an issued request for proposal.

(42) [ (37) ] Proposal Evaluation Team [ evaluation team ]--The group of individuals selected by the program to evaluate proposals made in response to an issued request for proposal.

(43) [ (38) ] Rental Car [ car ]--A vehicle not owned by the State of Texas and rented from a rental car vendor.

(44) [ (39) ] Request For Proposal [ for proposal ]--An official solicitation to receive proposals from competitive sources in accordance with specific terms and conditions contained in the solicitation documents.

(45) [ (40) ] Resident Bidder [ bidder ]--A person whose principal place of business is in this state, including a contractor whose ultimate parent company or majority owner has its principal place of business in this state.

(46) [ (41) ] Revenue Sharing--A percentage of revenue received by the state from contract travel vendors.

(47) [ (42) ] Salvage Value [ value ]--The amount expected to be realized from the disposal of a vehicle at the conclusion of its useful life.

(48) [ (43) ] Satellite Ticket Printer (STP) Location--A location at which travel documents are printed by means of a ticket printing device.

(49) [ (44) ] Special Purpose Vehicle [ purpose vehicle ] (SPV)--A motor vehicle commercially designed to be used primarily for purposes other than to provide transportation service for personnel, supplies, or equipment.

(50) [ (45) ] Standard Labor Rate [ labor rate ] (SLR)--A rate computed to approximate the total hourly cost of salaries and related fringe benefits.

(51) [ (46) ] State Agency--

(A) any department, commission, board, office, council, or other agency in the executive branch of state government created by the constitution or by a statute of this state;

(B) the Supreme Court of Texas, the Court of Criminal Appeals of Texas, a court of civil appeals, or the Texas [ Civil ] Judicial Council;

(C) [ a university system or ] an institution of higher education as defined in the Texas Education Code, §61.003[ , other than a public junior college ].

(52) [ (47) ] State Employee [ employee ]--A person employed by a state agency, or an elected or appointed state official.

(53) [ (48) ] State Vehicle [ vehicle ]--Any state-owned vehicle which is propelled by a self-contained engine and is licensed to operate on public highways.

(54) [ (49) ] Texas State Travel Directory--The directory distributed by the program which lists travel guidelines, contract travel vendors and negotiated rates. All or part of the Texas State Travel Directory and updates are accessible on TBPC's [ the commission's ] web site [ at www.gsc.state.tx.us ].

(55) [ (50) ] Transfer Date [ date ]--The date a vehicle is transferred from one state agency to another.

(56) [ (51) ] Transition--A designated period of time that a terminated contract travel vendor agency or travel agent provides travel services until a successor is selected and performing services as required by TBPC's [ the commission's ] contract.

(57) [ (52) ] Travel Agency [ agency ]--Any individual, corporation, association, partnership, company, or firm designated as an appointed airline industry agent by the Airlines Reporting Corporation or the International Airlines Travel Agent Network, an airline, or a company, corporation, association, partnership, or firm owned by an airline or group of airlines which provides travel reservations and ticketing services.

(58) [ (53) ] Travel Agency Services Contract [ agency services contract ]--Terms and conditions established by TBPC's [ the commission's ] State Travel Management Program to ensure travel agencies meet minimum requirements to provide travel services for the State of Texas.

(59) [ (54) ] Travel Service Requisition [ service requisition ]--The form and/or process developed by the program for state agencies , municipalities, counties, public junior colleges, and school districts to request services provided by the State Travel Management Program.

(60) [ (55) ] Travel Status [ status ]--When a state employee conducts official state business for which travel expenses may be eligible for reimbursement in accordance with the Comptroller of Public Accounts State of Texas Travel Allowance Guide.

(61) [ (56) ] Travel Vendor [ vendor ]--A provider of any travel or transportation service.

(62) [ (57) ] Traveler--A person who is eligible to use the program's contract services and negotiated rates.

(63) [ (58) ] Vehicle Fleet Management System [ fleet management system ]--A computerized data retrieval system to assist each state agency in the management of its vehicle fleet.

(64) [ (59) ] Vehicle Inventory [ inventory ]--A list of state agency vehicles by type and class which is utilized to determine their average cost of operation.

§125.5.Available Services.

[ The State ] Travel [ Management Program ] services may include:

(1) travel agency services--reservation and ticketing services for airline, hotel, and rental car rates and requirements under contracts established by TBPC's [ the commission's ] State Travel Management Program;

(2) corporate travel charge card services--charge accounts and /or cards provided for official state , municipality, county, public junior college, or school district business travel use;

(3) negotiated rate services--negotiated rates for travel services including but not limited to airline fares, lodging establishments, and rental cars;

[(4) group/meeting planning services--services provided to state agencies with site selection, rate negotiation, and contracting assistance for meetings, conventions, conferences, and/or seminars.]

§125.7.Travel Agency Services.

(a) TBPC may contract with travel agents which meet certain reasonable requirements as prescribed by TBPC. Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b) [ (c) ] of this section, airlines, lodging, [ and ] rental car reservation , and ticketing services are obtained from travel agencies. Travel agency employees or authorized state agency employees may process reservation and ticketing requests.

[ (b) Travel agency services are provided under contracts between travel agencies and the commission. The commission shall contract with multiple travel agencies that meet certain minimum requirements established by the commission's program. ]

(1) Travel agency services are available to : [ all state agencies and institutions of higher education. ]

(A) all state agencies and institutions of higher education;

(B) all Texas counties which participate in the program services;

(C) all Texas municipalities which participate in the program services;

(D) all Texas public junior colleges participating in the program services; and

(E) all Texas school districts participating in the program services.

(2) The term of the contract is established by TBPC [ the commission ].

(3) State agencies may select a [ one or more ] contract travel agency or agencies at any time during the term of the contract.

(b) [ (c) ] In accordance with Texas Government Code, Title 10, Chapter 2171.052, TBPC's [ the commission's ] program may negotiate directly with vendors to obtain travel and transportation services.

§125.9.Corporate Travel Charge Card Services.

(a) Charge accounts and cards are provided for official [ state ] business travel use. Accounts may be established for individual state employees, the participating state agency, or both.

(b) Corporate travel charge card services are provided by contract established between TBPC [ the commission ] and the selected charge card vendor.

(c) Contract corporate travel charge card services are available to :

(1) all participating state agencies in accordance with §125.19 of this title ; and [ . ]

(2) all participating municipalities, counties, public junior colleges and school districts in accordance with §125.29 and §125.31 of this title.

(d) An employee is not required to obtain a state corporate travel charge card. However, all contract airfares must be charged on the state's corporate travel charge card.

(e) Participating state agencies , municipalities, counties, public junior colleges and school districts, may choose to have charges billed as follows:

(1) Individual billing. All official [ state ] business travel charges are billed directly to the individual employee who is reimbursed through :

(A) standard travel voucher procedures for state agencies; and [ . ]

(B) the applicable reimbursement requirements as defined by the individual municipalities, counties, public junior colleges and school districts.

(2) Central billing. All official [ state ] business travel charges, allowable by law, are billed to the state agency , municipality, county, public junior college, or school district .

(A) the [ The ] state agency pays the charge card vendor through established voucher payment procedures.

(B) the municipalities, counties, public junior colleges, and school districts pay the charge card vendor through their applicable payment procedures.

(f) A state agency shall approve issuing a corporate travel charge card to an employee if the employee is expected to take at least three trips or spend at least $500 per fiscal year for official state travel business. However, a state agency may approve issuing a card to an employee who does not meet this requirement.

(g) A state agency , municipality, county, public junior college or school district, shall cancel a corporate travel charge card upon the employee's termination of employment, and may cancel the card and/or impose other disciplinary action if the employee does not comply with subsection (i) of this section or with any other provision of the corporate travel charge card policies established by the state agency , municipality, county, public junior college or school district .

(h) A state agency shall monitor employee corporate travel charge card spending and payment delinquency and may take disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.

(i) By accepting an individual corporate travel charge card, the employee accepts the responsibility for paying all charges timely and agrees that the card is intended for official [ state ] business travel use. Payment of charges on individual corporate travel charge cards is the sole responsibility of the individual. The state shall not be responsible for the charges, regardless of the type of charge, nor shall the state be liable for nonpayment by the employee.

§125.11.Negotiated Rate Services.

(a) Negotiated rates for travel services for official [ state ] business travel are contracted between TBPC [ the commission ] and travel vendors.

(b) The negotiated rates :

(1) are to be used by state agencies in accordance with §125.19 of this title ; and [ . ]

(2) may be used by municipalities, counties, public junior colleges and school districts in accordance with §125.29 and §125.31 of this title.

(c) Negotiated rates may be extended for personal business use only at the discretion of the contract travel vendors.

(d) The negotiated rates will be [ listed in the Texas State Travel Directory and ] made accessible on TBPC's [ at the commission's ] web site [ at www.gsc.state.tx.us ].

(e) Negotiated rates are established by written contract. Contract rates are binding for the specified term agreed upon by TBPC [ the commission ] and the travel vendor.

(f) State agencies may request the program to attempt to establish negotiated rates with specific travel vendors. The program will honor such requests when it determines that it is in the best interest of the state.

(g) A state agency required to use TBPC's [ the commission's ] travel services contracts may not establish a separate[ , similar ] contract for travel or travel related services without TBPC [ commission ] approval. A state agency shall submit any proposed travel services contract document to the program for review and approval before the contract is signed. Contracts determined to be unfavorable to the state, or to have a negative effect [ affect ] on the Program's contracts , will not be approved.

§125.15.Certification of Capability To Provide Services.

Pursuant to Texas Government Code, Title 10, §2171.051 , prior to the [ State Travel Management ] program [ Program ] services being provided to a state agency, the division director of the program [ Support Services Division ] shall certify to the executive director of TBPC [ the commission ] that the program is capable of providing such services. The executive director of TBPC [ the commission ] shall approve the use of services provided by the program to requesting state agencies after receipt of the required certification.

§125.17.Travel Vendor Selection Process.

[ (a) ] TBPC [ the commission ] contracts for all travel services through competitive bidding, or competitive sealed proposals, or negotiation in accordance with TBPC's polices and procedures .

[(b) The program may solicit competitive bids by issuing a request for proposal using the following procedures:]

[(1) Notice of the request for proposal shall be published in the Texas Register and the Texas Electronic Marketplace and distributed to prospective travel vendors.]

[(2) A request for proposal shall include but not be limited to the following:]

[(A) a detailed description of the services sought;]

[(B) any available supporting statistical information which is to be taken into account by prospective travel vendors in preparing proposals;]

[(C) the criteria to be used in evaluating proposals for final awards;]

[(D) the specified date, time, and place for submission of proposals; and]

[(E) qualifications prospective travel vendors must meet to be considered for award.]

[(3) A pre-proposal conference may be held after a request for proposal is issued. The time, date, and location of the conference shall be stated in the request for proposal.]

[(4) Proposals and the required number of copies must be submitted by the specified date, time, and place stated in the request for proposal.]

[(5) The program may select a team to evaluate proposals.]

[(6) The evaluation team may request oral presentations by any or all prospective travel vendors submitting proposals.]

[(7) During discussions or oral presentations with prospective travel vendors, no information from competing proposals shall be disclosed to other prospective travel vendors.]

[(8) Upon completion of oral presentations or discussions, prospective travel vendors may be requested to revise any or all portions of their proposals.]

[(9) Based upon the evaluation of the proposals, the director of the Support Services Division shall determine and recommend to the executive director of the commission the travel vendor(s) selected for contract awards.]

[(10) Notice of Award(s) shall be made to the travel vendor(s) whose proposal(s) are most advantageous and are in the best interest of the state considering the evaluation criteria set forth in the request for proposal. The commission may reject all or any part of the proposal(s) when in the best interest of the state.]

[(11) The contract(s) resulting from the request for proposal process consists of the following:]

[(A) The request for proposal;]

[(B) The transcribed preproposal conference questions and answers;]

[(C) Any addenda to the request for proposal;]

[(D) The successful travel vendor's response; and]

[(E) The notice of award(s).]

§125.19.Participation by State Agencies.

(a) State agencies' participation in the program is as follows:

(1) State agencies in the executive branch of state government shall participate in the program and use the travel agency, charge card, rental car, airline, hotel, and other travel services negotiated by the program;

(2) Institutions of higher education are not required to use the travel agency services contracts, but are required to use all other travel services contracts when such purchases are made using general revenue funds or educational and general funds as defined by the Education Code, §51.009;

(3) The Employees Retirement System of Texas is not required to participate in the contract travel agency services or other travel services purchased from funds other than general revenue funds.

(b) A state agency that is not required to use TBPC's [ the commission's ] travel services contracts, shall:

(1) Participate at its own option.

(2) Use the corporate travel charge card services if a state agency decides to use travel agency services contracts.

(3) Give TBPC's [ the commission's ] program at least 30 [ 60 ] days advance written notice if the state agency terminates its participation in the program.

(c) To begin participating in the travel agency and/or corporate travel charge card contracts, a state agency must submit a completed travel service requisition to the program and TBPC [ then the commission ] will:

(1) preview [ Preview ] and approve participation in the program by the requesting state agency [ in the Program ] upon a determination that the program is capable of providing those services requested; and

(2) if [ If ] the program cannot provide those services requested, then the Program [ director of Support Services Division ] shall not approve the travel service requisition and shall [ so ] notify the requesting state agency in writing as to the reasons for this determination.

(d) TBPC's [ The commission's ] travel services contracts must be used unless at least one exception listed in paragraphs (1) - (4) of this subsection exists. Travel Agent contracts are not affected by the conditions listed in paragraphs (2) - (5) of this subsection.

(1) Contract travel agency alternative. Use of an authorized alternative method is allowable because the state traveler is already in travel status which renders the use of a contract travel agency impractical or unnecessary; airline reservations are not required; reservations can be secured through a different source that results in a lower overall cost to the state; or travel is undertaken as part of a group program for which reservations must be made through a specified source to obtain a particular rate and/or service.

(2) Lower total cost to the state. Use of a non-contract travel vendor is less than the contract fare or rate which is offered to the general public, and/or when all trip expenses are evaluated, including ground transportation, insurance fees, parking fees, taxes, and travel time, the use results in a lower total overall cost to the state. If the contract travel vendor offers the same lower fare or rate, the contract travel vendor must be used, unless a valid exception exists.

(3) Efficient use of services. Use of a non-contract travel vendor is necessary because the contract travel vendor is sold out, is not able to provide services at the time or location necessary to accomplish the purpose of the trip, has a real or anticipated labor disruption, or is providing negotiated rates for group travel.

(4) Health and safety issues. Use of a non-contract travel vendor may be allowed when a state traveler finds that the accommodations provided by the vendor may reasonably present a risk to the state traveler or person under the state's custody in the following circumstances:

(A) accommodations [ Accommodations ] may lack a reasonable amount of security or safety, and/or may present a health risk based on the state traveler's individual needs;

(B) accommodations [ Accommodations ] fail to provide an adequate amount of services required for a person with disabilities; or

(C) accommodations [ Accommodations ] have limited availability of medical emergency facilities or equipment that may be required by a state traveler or person under the state's custody.

(5) Corporate travel charge card alternative. Use of a personal charge card is allowable only for non-contract airfares used in accordance with this chapter if it offers insurance benefits not available from the state's corporate travel charge card contract.

(e) An exception must be indicated on or with a voucher or other payment document as specified by the comptroller of public accounts. State agencies shall establish travel procedures to comply with this subsection and submit them to the program for approval.

(f) A state agency required to use TBPC's [ the commission's ] travel services contracts may not purchase or reimburse a person for the purchase of commercial airline or rental car transportation in an amount exceeding the contract rate established by TBPC [ the commission ] unless an exception identified in subsection (d) of this section exists. The exception must be indicated on or with the voucher or other payment document as specified by the comptroller of public accounts.

(g) Contract rates will be distributed by TBPC [ the commission ] to state agencies and the comptroller of public accounts when contracts are established by the program.

(h) When a voucher or other payment document for travel services is submitted to the comptroller of public accounts and it does not show that a travel service contract was properly used or an exception listed in subsection (d) of this section is not reflected, the comptroller of public accounts will handle the document as specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection.

(1) Pre-payment audits by the comptroller of public accounts.

(A) except [ Except ] as provided in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph, the comptroller of public accounts may not refuse to process a voucher or other payment document solely because it involves the non-use of a travel services contract negotiated by the Program. The comptroller of public accounts will report instances of non-compliance to TBPC [ the commission ].

(B) the [ The ] comptroller of public accounts will not process a voucher or other payment document that requests payment or reimbursement of commercial airline or rental car transportation that exceeds the amount of the contract rate unless a valid exception is noted. The comptroller of public accounts will report instances of non-compliance to TBPC [ the commission ].

(2) Post-payment audits by the comptroller of public accounts.

(A) except [ Except ] as provided in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph, the comptroller of public accounts may not require a state agency to obtain a refund of a payment or reimbursement made under a voucher or other payment document that shows the non-use of a contract travel service. The comptroller of public accounts shall report instances of non-compliance to TBPC [ the commission ].

(B) the [ The ] comptroller of public accounts may take the actions authorized by Government Code, §403.071(h), concerning a voucher or other payment document that shows a payment or reimbursement of commercial airline or rental car transportation that exceeds the program's contract rate. The comptroller of public accounts shall report instances of non-compliance to TBPC [ the commission ].

(i) A state agency may submit a written request for exemption from the required use of one or more travel services contracts. TBPC [ The commission ] will approve an exemption if it determines that such an exemption would provide an economic or service benefit to the state, taking into account any effect [ affect ] on TBPC's [ the commission's ] contracts and ability to obtain favorable contracts in the future. An exemption expires when the related contract is terminated or replaced.

§125.29.Texas Counties , Texas Municipalities, School Districts, and Texas Public Junior Colleges Use of Contracts for [ Contract Airline Fares and/or ] Travel [ Agency ] Services.

(a) A Texas municipal officer or employee, county officer or employee, school district officer or employee who is engaged in official business, public junior college officer or employee as defined in the Texas Education Code §61.003 or persons who are in the custody of the state may use the following program services:

(1) contract travel agency services as defined in §125.5 of this title;

(2) contract corporate travel charge card services as defined in §125.5 of this title;

(3) negotiated rates services as defined in §125.5 of this title.

[(1) contract airline fares for purposes of obtaining reduced airline fares; and/or]

[(2) contract travel agency services for purposes of obtaining reduced travel agent fees.]

(b) A Texas municipality or county seeking to participate in the program to use the contract airline fares and/or the contract travel agency services shall execute and submit a commissioner's court resolution or other documentation required by TBPC [ Commissioner's Court Resolution ] that indicates compliance with all applicable travel program guidelines. [ The Commissioner's Court Resolution shall include, but is not limited to the following provisions: ]

[(1) Agreement to pay an applicable participation fee;]

[(2) Participation dates;]

[(3) Use of contract airline fares;]

[(4) Use of contract travel agency services;]

[(5) Consent to travel vendor reporting requirements; and]

[(6) Contract termination.]

(c) A Texas public junior college or school district seeking to participate in the use of TBPC's travel and transportation service contracts shall execute and submit documentation required by TBPC which indicates compliance with the applicable travel program guidelines.

(d) [ (c) ] TBPC may [ The commission will ] charge [ Texas counties ] a participating county, municipality, school district or public junior college a fee not to exceed the costs incurred by TBPC in providing the services in subsection (a) of this section. TBPC shall annually review and adjust these fees to ensure recovery of costs incurred in providing these services [ participation fee to recover the commission's cost incurred in administering this program ].

(1) County participation fees collected shall be deposited to the credit of the county travel account which is an account in the general revenue fund that is appropriated only for the purposes of the county travel program.

(2) Municipal participation fees collected shall be deposited to the credit of the municipal travel account which is an account in the general revenue fund that is appropriated only for the purposes of the municipal travel program.

(3) Public junior college participation fees collected shall be deposited to the credit of the public junior college travel account which is the account in the general revenue fund that is appropriated only for the purposes of the public junior college travel program.

(4) School district participation fees collected shall be deposited to the credit of the school district travel account which is the account in the general revenue fund that is appropriated only for the purposes of the school district travel program.

(e) [ (d) ] Texas counties , municipalities, public junior colleges and school districts participating in this program must comply with all rules and procedures as outlined in TBPC's [ the commission's airline and/or ] travel services [ agency ] contracts.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on August 25, 2003.

TRD-200305532

Cynthia de Roch

General Counsel

Texas Building and Procurement Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: October 5, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 463-4257


1 TAC §125.13, §125.27

(Editor's note: The text of the following sections proposed for repeal will not be published. The sections may be examined in the offices of the Texas Building and Procurement Commission or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)

The Texas Building and Procurement Commission (TBPC) proposes the repeal of 1 TAC Chapter 125, Subchapter A, §125.13 and §125.27, concerning the agency's Travel Management Services. The repeal of §125.13 would eliminate the requirement for TBPC to provide group meeting planning services to other state agencies.

TBPC is not required by statute to provide group meeting planning services. It has been determined by TBPC that these services are minimally used and do not provide a cost-benefit to the State. The repeal of §125.27 would eliminate an obsolete contracting procedure thereby conforming the agency rules with TBPC's travel service contracting authority under Texas Government Code, §2171.052, as amended by House Bill 3042.

Cindy Reed, Deputy Executive Director, has determined that for the first five year period the repeal is in effect, there will be no fiscal implication for the state or local governments as a result of enforcing or administering the repeal.

Ms. Reed has determined that for each year of the first five-year period the repeal is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of repealing the rules will be a more efficient use of TBPC's staff. There will be no effect on large, small or micro-businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the repeal and there is no impact on local employment.

Comments on the proposals may be submitted to Cynthia de Roch, General Counsel, Texas Building and Procurement Commission, P.O. Box 13047, Austin, Texas 78711-3047. Comments may also be sent via e-mail to travis.langdon@TBPC.state.tx.us. Comments must be received no later than 15 days from the date of publication of the proposal in the Texas Register.

The repeal is proposed under the Texas Government Code, §§2152.003, 2171.002, 2171.052 and 2171.055.

The following statutes are affected by the repeal: Texas Government Code, §§2152.03, 2171.002, 2171.051, 2171.052 and 2171.055.

§125.13.Group/Meeting Planning Services.

§125.27.Travel Agency Services Contracts.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on August 25, 2003.

TRD-200305534

Cynthia de Roch

General Counsel

Texas Building and Procurement Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: October 5, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 463-4257


Subchapter B. STATE VEHICLE FLEET MANAGEMENT

1 TAC §§125.41, 125.43, 125.45

The Texas Building and Procurement Commission (TBPC) proposes amendments to 1 TAC §§125.41, 125.43, and 125.45, concerning vehicle fleet maintenance services and the name of TBPC. These sections establish the scope and duties of the Office of Vehicle Fleet Management.

The amendments correct the website address and remove the requirement that the Texas Building and Procurement Commission provide vehicle fleet maintenance services to agencies in Travis County and allow TBPC to provide these services at its discretion, through the Office of Vehicle Fleet Management.

The amendments remove the responsibility for TBPC's fleet management from the Office of Vehicle Fleet Management (OVFM). This amendment corrects the existing rule to reflect the current practice that the appropriate TBPC personnel, not the OVFM, provide the day to day management of TBPC's fleet of vehicles.

The amendments place the responsibility for the "Vehicle Fleet Management System" with the OVFM, change the data reporting period from twice annually to a monthly basis, and align examples of required data items with the State Vehicle Management Plan. These amendments are a result of statutory changes made to Chapter 2171 by House Bill 3042.

Cindy Reed, Deputy Executive Director, has determined that for the first five year period the rules are in effect, there will be no fiscal implication for the state or local governments as a result of enforcing or administering the amended rules.

Ms. Reed has determined that for each year of the first five year period the amendments are in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rules will be unchanged from the current public benefit received from these services. There will be no effect on large, small or micro-businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the rules and there is no impact on local employment.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Cynthia de Roch, General Counsel, Texas Building and Procurement Commission, P.O. Box 13047, Austin, Texas 78711-3047. Comments may also be sent via e-mail to travis.langdon@TBPC.state.tx.us. Comments must be received no later than 15 days from the date of publication of the proposal in the Texas Register.

The amendments are proposed under the authority of the Texas Government Code, §2152.003 and §2171.002.

The following code is affected by the amendements: Government Code, Title 10, Subtitle D, Chapter 2171.

§125.41.Office of Vehicle Fleet Management.

(a) Through the Office of Vehicle Fleet Management, TBPC [ The commission ] administers the state vehicle fleet management program which consists of the State Vehicle Fleet Management Plan[ , vehicle fleet maintenance services ] and a computerized Vehicle Fleet Management System [ through the OVFM ].

(b) TBPC [ The commission ] will implement and monitor, at the direction of the Council on Competitive Government (CCG), the State Vehicle Fleet Management Plan, approved and adopted by CCG. A current Plan is available for viewing at the Building and Procurement [ General Services ] Commission's Website: www.tcbp.state.tx.us [ www.gsc.state.tx.us ]. The Plan delineates the responsibilities of each state agency, institution of higher education and OVFM to develop, implement, maintain, and monitor current vehicle fleet data as required by the Plan.

(c) TBPC may, for a fee, offer [ The commission offers ] vehicle fleet maintenance services to all state agencies in Travis County on a full cost recovery basis. The services include preventive [ preventative ] maintenance and routine mechanical repair work. TBPC may [ The commission shall ] negotiate contracts or service arrangements [ arrangement ] for major overhauls and extensive mechanical work [ such as major engine overhauls, transmission repair, and similar requirements ].

(d) The computerized Vehicle Fleet Management System is a database that contains information on vehicle inventories, maintenance and repair history, mileage, fuel usage, and expenses incurred for all state agencies.

(e) TBPC may [ The commission will ] sponsor an annual fleet management conference to consider:

(1) adjustments to the Vehicle Fleet Management System;

(2) current fleet management issues; and

(3) the improvement of fleet management expertise among state agencies.

§125.43.Assignment and Use of Pooled Vehicles.

(a) Each vehicle in TBPC's [ the commission's ] vehicle fleet pool, with the exception of vehicles assigned to field employees, is assigned to the agency motor pool and is available for checkout as needed. Some vehicles, because of mission critical status, may be permanently assigned to sub-pools within divisions and available only to employees within those divisions.

(b) Commission employees must present a valid Texas driver's license each time a pooled vehicle is checked out.

(c) Pooled vehicle assignments will be made by designated TBPC personnel [ the OVFM ] to ensure that all commission vehicles are used and rotated to balance mileage and time usage among all pooled vehicles.

(d) Pooled vehicles assigned on a regular or daily basis to individual administrative or executive employees, require written documentation that the assignment is critical to TBPC's [ the commission's ] needs and mission of the agency. Documentation for all assigned TBPC [ commission ] vehicles will be kept on file with designated TBPC personnel [ in the OVFM ].

§125.45.Vehicle Fleet Management System.

(a) The Vehicle Fleet Management System is the responsibility of the Office of Vehicle Fleet Management [ commission's fleet manager ]. TBPC [ The commission ] maintains the main repository and database for all vehicle information submitted by each agency in accordance with this subsection. TBPC [ The commission ] is responsible for developing the form, format, and composition of all data submitted electronically or otherwise to the vehicle fleet management system to assure system continuity.

(b) Each agency fleet officer is responsible for establishing, maintaining, and submitting to TBPC on a monthly basis [ the commission twice each fiscal year ] accurate vehicle information in the form and format established by TBPC [ the commission ].

(1) Information to be recorded in each agency's fleet management system for submission to TBPC's [ the commission's ] repository and database includes, but is not limited to:

(A) acquisition date, vehicle make, model, type, class, year, gross vehicle weight rating, exempt license plate number, manufacturer, vehicle identification number, whether a special purpose vehicle, and whether a pool or assigned vehicle;

(B) acquisition cost, capitalized value, [ current book value, ] repair and maintenance expenses, direct and indirect labor expense, [ accumulated depreciation and its present rate, ] replacement policy, current mileage, vehicle disposal date, and disposal price or salvage value;

(C) type, and quantity of all fuels and lubricants used, including their cost and [ , ] type, [ size of vehicle engine, ] vehicle lifetime odometer reading, and miles traveled per month;

(D) insurance and accident related expense;

[(E) standard labor rate for any state agency operated repair facility;]

(E) [ (F) ] downtime, transfer date, disposal date and any other information necessary to compute the average cost of operation, per month, of the various classes and types of vehicles; and

(F) [ (G) ] vehicle location by city and county.

[(2) Information for the reporting period from September 1 to February 28 must be submitted on or before March 30 each year. Information covering the reporting period from March 1 to August 31 must be submitted on or before September 30 each year.]

(2) [ (c) ] The Vehicle Fleet Management System maintained by TBPC [ the commission ] constitutes the primary instrument used to provide fleet management assistance. [ Following the March 30 and September 30 fiscal year detailed submissions, information submitted from each agency's files will be compiled into the main repository and database. ] Fleet management reports detailing operating trends, cost analysis, and special exception reports listing agencies with unusually high operating expenses will be generated and made available to agency fleet officers.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on August 25, 2003.

TRD-200305533

Cynthia de Roch

General Counsel

Texas Building and Procurement Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: October 5, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 463-4257


1 TAC §125.47

(Editor's note: The text of the following section proposed for repeal will not be published. The section may be examined in the offices of the Texas Building and Procurement Commission or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)

The Texas Building and Procurement Commission (TBPC) proposes the repeal of 1 TAC §125.47, concerning vehicle fleet maintenance service. The repeal is proposed as the Texas Building and Procurement Commission is no longer required to provide the services described therein because of amendments to Texas Government Code §2171.102 contained in House Bill 3042.

Cindy Reed, Deputy Executive Director, has determined that for the first five year period the repeal is in effect, there will be no fiscal implication for the state or local governments as a result of enforcing or administering the repeal.

Ms. Reed has determined that for each year of the first five-year period the repeal is in effect, the public benefit anticipated will be unchanged from the current public benefit received from these services. There will be no effect on large, small or micro-businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the repeal and there is no impact on local employment.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Cynthia de Roch, General Counsel, Texas Building and Procurement Commission, P.O. Box 13047, Austin, Texas 78711-3047. Comments may also be sent via e-mail to travis.langdon@TBPC.state.tx.us. Comments must be received no later than 15 days from the date of publication of the proposal to the Texas Register.

The repeal is proposed under the authority of the Texas Government Code, §2152.003 and §2171.002.

The following code is affected by the repeal: Government Code, Title 10, Subtitle D, Chapter 2171.

§125.47.Vehicle Fleet Maintenance Services.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on August 25, 2003.

TRD-200305535

Cynthia de Roch

General Counsel

Texas Building and Procurement Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: October 5, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 463-4257


Part 15. TEXAS HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION

Chapter 393. INFORMAL DISPUTE RESOLUTION AND INFORMAL RECONSIDERATION

1 TAC §393.1

The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) proposes new Chapter 393, Informal Dispute Resolution and Informal Reconsideration and §393.1, Informal Dispute Resolution, setting forth rules for the informal dispute resolution process. In that process, a nursing facility, assisted living facility, or an intermediate care facility for persons with mental retardation/related conditions has the opportunity to dispute deficiencies and/or violations cited against the facility by the State survey agency or its designee. The proposed rule was developed as a result of Senate Bill 1839, which was passed by the 77th Texas Legislature. Senate Bill 1839, codified at Texas Government Code §531.058, required the establishment of informal dispute resolution and informal reconsideration functions by HHSC. Senate Bill 1839 prohibits HHSC's delegation of the informal dispute resolution process to any other state agency.

HHSC based the proposed rule on operating procedures developed by HHSC in conjunction with an extensive work group including informal dispute resolution stakeholders, e.g., long-term care providers and provider agencies as well as attorneys who represent the providers, representatives from Texas Department of Human Services (DHS), ombudsmen, advocates, and consumers of long-term care services. In addition, HHSC included the requirements for IDR set out in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) State Operations Manual, Section 7212.

The text of the proposed rule is set out below. The proposed rule identifies the timelines, some of which are set by SB 1839, that the requesting provider, DHS and HHSC must meet. The proposed rule defines the requirements for each aspect of the Informal Dispute Resolution (IDR) process, including submission of an IDR request, submission of supporting documentation, and face-to-face and telephone IDR conferences. The proposed rule also explains the possible outcomes of an IDR.

Thomas Suehs, Chief Financial Officer, has determined that for the first five years the rule is in effect, there will be no fiscal impact to the state or local governments as a result of administering and enforcing the proposed new rule.

Thomas Suehs, Chief Financial Officer, has also determined that for the first five years the rule is in effect, the public benefit is that long-term care stakeholders will have easily accessible and specific rules under which a fair and objective informal dispute resolution program will be administered.

The proposed rule will not result in additional costs to persons required to comply with the proposed new rule, nor does the proposed new rule have any anticipated adverse effect on small or micro-businesses. The rule will not affect local employment.

HHSC has determined that the proposed rule is not a "major environmental rule," as defined by §2001.0225, Government Code. "Major environmental rule" is defined to mean a rule the specific intent of which is to protect the environment or reduce risks to human health from environmental exposure and that may adversely affect in a material way the economy, a sector of the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, or the public health and safety of the state or a sector of the state. The proposed new rule is not specifically intended to protect the environment or reduce the risks to human health from environmental exposure.

HHSC has determined that the proposed rule does not restrict or limit an owner's right to his or her property that would otherwise exist in the absence of governmental action and, therefore, does not constitute a taking under §2007.043, Government Code.

Public comment may be submitted in writing to Cindy Bourland, Health and Human Services Commission, by mail addressed to P. O. Box 13247, Austin, TX 78711, or by facsimile to 512/424-6590. Comments will be accepted for 30 days following publication of this proposal in the Texas Register . Further information may be obtained by calling Cindy Bourland at 512/424-6507.

The new rule is proposed under §531.033, Government Code, which provides the commissioner of HHSC with broad rulemaking authority and under §531.058, Government Code, which provides HHSC the authority to establish an informal dispute resolution program for certain long-term care facilities.

The proposed rule affects Chapter 531 of the Government Code.

§393.1.Informal Dispute Resolution.

(a) The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) provides an informal dispute resolution (IDR) process for nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities for persons with mental retardation (ICFs/MR), and assisted living facilities through which a facility may dispute deficiencies/violations cited against that facility by the State survey agency or its designee. ICFs/MR are entitled to an IDR only if the cited deficiencies/violations do not pose an imminent threat of danger to the health and safety of an ICF/MR resident.

(b) HHSC must receive a facility's written request for an IDR no later than the 10th calendar day after the facility's receipt of the statement of deficiencies/violations by certified mail from the State survey agency or its designee. If the 10th calendar day falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the due date becomes the following business day.

(1) The facility must submit its written request for an IDR on the form designated for that purpose by HHSC. HHSC will make that form publicly available, e.g., maintained on the HHSC website.

(2) The facility must also file with its IDR request the registration information, as required by Section 531.058, Texas Government Code.

(c) The facility must concurrently provide a copy of its request for an IDR to the State survey agency's regional office (Regional Office) under which the facility operates. The facility must provide confirmation to HHSC that the Regional Office has been notified of the IDR request. HHSC will not consider an IDR request to have been received until the facility provides a fully executed IDR request form as well as confirmation that the facility provided a copy of that IDR request form to the relevant Regional Office.

(d) Within 3 business days of its receipt of the facility's written request for an IDR, HHSC will notify the facility of its receipt of the request.

(e) Within 5 calendar days of HHSC's receipt of the facility's request for an IDR, HHSC must receive from the facility 2 copies of the facility's rebuttal letter and attached supporting documentation. If the 5th calendar day falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the due date becomes the following business day. The rebuttal letter must contain:

(1) a list of the deficiencies/violations disputed (only those deficiencies/violations listed on the IDR request form and addressed in the rebuttal letter/supporting documentation will be reviewed);

(2) the reason(s) each deficiency/violation is disputed;

(3) the outcome desired by the facility for each disputed deficiency/violation; and

(4) documentation or information, e.g., a witness statement, that directly demonstrates that each disputed deficiency/violation is not sustainable. Such documentation should:

(A) be labeled and legible;

(B) be non-duplicative;

(C) include highlights of specific entries to be reviewed for each disputed deficiency/violation; and

(D) describe the relevance of the documentation/information to the disputed deficiency/violation.

(f) The facility should submit its rebuttal letter, including any supporting documentation or information, in the following format:

(1) Begin each attachment on a new page with a labeled tab or other descriptive identification.

(2) Tab, label, or otherwise identify each with consecutive numbers or letters on the right-hand side or lower edge of the document.

(3) Reference each tab in the rebuttal letter. An attachment must be identified in the rebuttal letter, tabbed, and labeled or otherwise identified, or HHSC will not review the attachment.

(4) Organize the attachments by deficiency/violation and cross-reference to the disputed deficiency/violation in the rebuttal letter.

(5) Identify which attachment(s) relate to a disputed deficiency/violation, in the event that the facility disputes more than one deficiency/violation.

(6) Indicate, if known, whether or not any of the attachments were provided to State survey agency personnel at the time of the survey and identify the attachments that were provided, if any.

(7) Number all pages consecutively.

(8) Highlight information relevant to the disputed deficiency/violation, such as a particular portion of a narrative.

(9) Address each disputed deficiency/violation in the rebuttal letter in the same order as it is addressed in the statement of deficiencies/violations from the State survey agency. Deficiencies/violations identified on the IDR request form but not addressed in the rebuttal letter or supporting documentation will not be reviewed.

(10) Identify the facility name and survey exit date on all documents.

(11) Set out the typewritten full name and title of any person signing an affidavit, written statement, or other document. Indicate the date on which the document was created.

(12) Identify the resident referenced in the disputed deficiency/violation and include the resident's name on all relevant attachments.

(13) Do not de-identify documents that name residents referenced in disputed deficiencies/violations.

(14) Submit supporting documentation or information by regular mail, hand delivery, or overnight delivery only. HHSC will not review supporting documentation submitted by facsimile transmission.

(g) If the facility substantially complies with the procedures set out in subsections (e) and (f) of this section, HHSC will proceed with its review of the facility's IDR request.

(h) It is the facility's responsibility to present sufficient credible information to HHSC to support the outcome requested by the facility. Possible outcomes of an IDR are:

(1) a determination that there is insufficient evidence to sustain a deficiency/violation; and/or

(2) a determination that there is insufficient evidence to sustain a portion or a finding of a deficiency/violation; and/or

(3) a determination that there is sufficient evidence to sustain a deficiency/violation; and/or

(4) a determination is made that there is insufficient evidence to sustain the deficiency/violation as cited but that there is sufficient evidence to sustain a different citation; and/or

(5) for Nursing Facilities Only: a determination is made that there is insufficient evidence to sustain the scope and severity assessment but that there is sufficient evidence to sustain a reduced scope and severity assessment (for Immediate Jeopardy or Substandard Quality of Care only).

(i) HHSC will not conduct an IDR based on alleged surveyor misconduct, alleged state survey agency failure to comply with survey protocol, complaints about existing federal or state standards, or attempts to clear previously corrected deficiencies/violations.

(j) Upon receipt of the facility's IDR request, the State survey agency must submit to HHSC by means allowing con