Consulting Services
Requirements Before Entering into a Major Consulting Services Contract

Prior to entering into a major consulting services contract, a state agency must:

1. Submit a notice of intent to employ a consultant.
   • Notify the Legislative Budget Board and the Governor’s Budget and Planning Office (the Budget and Policy Division) that the agency intends to contract with a consultant and provide information showing the agency has complied with the requirements listed above.
     –and–
   • Obtain confirmation from the Governor’s Budget and Planning Office (the Budget and Policy Division) that consulting services are necessary.

     Note: An institution of higher education is not required to obtain this confirmation if the chief executive officer of the institution includes an explanation of why the consulting services are necessary in the notice published under Texas Government Code, Section 2254.029.

2. Publish a notice in the Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD).
   Not less than 30 days before entering into a major consulting services contract, a state agency must post in the state business daily under Texas Government Code, Section 2155.083:
   • An invitation for consultants to provide offers of consulting services.
   • The name of the individual who should be contacted by a consultant who intends to make an offer.
   • The closing date for the receipt of offers.
     –and–
   • The procedure by which the state agency will award the contract.

If the consulting services sought by a state agency relate to services previously provided by a consultant, or if the agency intends to award the contract to a consultant that previously provided the services (unless a better offer is received) the agency must disclose this in the invitation for offers.

Sources [+]