HB507 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Allen TreadawayRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Public contracts, wireless telecommunications contracts, further provided, Secs. 41-16-27, 41-16-51 am'd.

Summary

HB 507 lets Alabama state and local agencies buy wireless telecommunications services, including push-to-talk, through public contracts.

What This Bill Does

It authorizes state and local agencies to purchase or use wireless telecom services. Push-to-talk services must be procured through a separate competitive bid. For other purchases, it preserves competitive bidding while allowing multiple awards for technically compatible items, and it enables life-cycle cost analysis to determine the lowest bidder in certain cases. The bill also strengthens Alabama business preferences and requires bid records to be publicly accessible, with provisions for HUBZone-based secondary awards.

Who It Affects

• State and local government agencies in Alabama that would be authorized to purchase or use wireless telecommunications services (including push-to-talk).
• Alabama-based businesses and vendors (including Alabama HUBZone-certified firms) that may benefit from bid preferences, secondary award opportunities, and compliance with life-cycle cost rules.

Key Provisions

• Authorizes purchase/use of wireless telecommunications services by state and local agencies (amends 41-16-27 and 41-16-51).
• Push-to-talk services must be purchased through a separate competitive bid process.
• Allows multiple awards for contracts when items have technical compatibility or specific operational requirements; requires notice in the invitation to bid for such awards.
• Keeps competitive bidding for most purchases and adds life-cycle cost considerations to determine the lowest responsible bid for certain items (e.g., motor vehicles) with required notices and industry sources.
• Provides Alabama business preference in bidding and requires public inspection of bid records and award reasons.
• Allows secondary awards to Alabama HUBZone-certified vendors for up to 20% of the contract value for subset deliverables.

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

Subjects

Public Contracts