AN ACT to increase the expenditure benchmark for a special responsibility constituent institution for certain purchasing contracts.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  G.S. 116‑31.10 reads as rewritten:
"§ 116‑31.10.  Powers of Board regarding certain purchasing contracts.
(a)	Notwithstanding G.S. 143‑53.1 or G.S. 143‑53(a)(2), the expenditure benchmark for a special responsibility constituent institution with regard to competitive bid procedures and the bid value benchmark shall be an amount not greater than five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000). The Board shall set the benchmark for each institution from time to time. In setting an institution's benchmark in accordance with this section, the Board shall consider the institution's overall capabilities including staff resources, purchasing compliance reviews, and audit reports. The Board shall also consult with the Director of the Division of Purchase and Contract and the Director of the Budget prior to setting the benchmark. 
(b)	Each institution with an expenditure benchmark greater than two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) shall comply with this subsection for any purchase greater than two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) but not greater than five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000). This institution shall submit to the Division of Purchase and Contract for that Division's approval or other action deemed necessary by the Division a copy of all offers received and the institution's recommendation of award or other action. Notice of the Division's decision shall be sent to that institution. The institution shall then proceed with the award of contract or other action recommended by the Division."
SECTION 2.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2003.
In the General Assembly read three times and ratified this the 30th day of June, 2003.

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		 Beverly E. Perdue
	 President of the Senate

	_____________________________________
		 Richard T. Morgan
	 Speaker of the House of Representatives

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		 Michael F. Easley
	 Governor

Approved __________.m. this ______________ day of ___________________, 2003