SB220 Alabama 2017 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Gerald O. Dial
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2017
Title: Competitive bids on public contracts by state agencies and institutions, preference for vendors owned by veterans of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, joint purchasing agreements further provided for, cities and counties authorized to use fleet fuel cards, Secs. 41-16-20, 41-16-21.1, 41-16-27, 41-4-110 am'd.
Summary: SB220 creates a veteran-owned business preference in Alabama public contracts, expands joint purchasing to include services, and allows local governments to use the state's fleet fuel card program.
What This Bill Does
The bill adds a new preferred-vendor category for Alabama-based businesses owned by veterans deployed to Afghanistan or Iraq, giving them a chance to win bids within 5% of the lowest bid. It expands the Division of Purchasing's authority to enter into joint purchasing agreements to include services and to award multiple service contracts, with participation by state agencies and local governments. It also allows cities and counties to participate in the state fleet fuel card program for fuel purchases, under the program's rules.

Who It Affects
Alabama-based veteran-owned businesses, particularly those whose owners served in Afghanistan or Iraq, by potentially increasing their chances to win state contracts.
State agencies, public higher education institutions, and local governments (cities and counties) involved in purchasing and contracting, by altering bidding rules, enabling shared/service procurements, and permitting fleet card usage for fuel.

Key Provisions
Adds Priority #4 to the preferred vendor system: an Alabama business owned by a veteran deployed to Afghanistan or Iraq may receive preferred vendor status and, if its bid is within five percent of the lowest bid, may be awarded the contract.
authorizes the Division of Purchasing to enter into joint purchasing agreements for the purchase of services (in addition to goods) and to award multiple service contracts; allows participation by state and local governmental entities; public four-year institutions may also participate with certain limitations.
Allows cities and counties to participate in the state fleet fuel card program for fuel purchases, with administration and compliance rules governing card use.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Competitive Bids