(a) In the event that utility services are no longer exempt from competitive bidding under this article, non-adjoining counties may not purchase utility services by joint agreement under authority granted by this section.
(b)(1) The Division of Purchasing, Department of Finance, is hereby authorized to enter into joint purchasing agreements to purchase, lease, or lease-purchase, materials, equipment, supplies, other personal property or services, including child support services, which have been let by competitive bid or competitive solicitation process by any group or consortium of governmental entities within or without the State of Alabama upon a finding by the purchasing agent that such joint purchasing agreements are in the best interests of the State of Alabama. Joint purchasing agreements entered into by the Division of Purchasing may be utilized by any governmental entity subject to the requirements of Title 41, Chapter 16, Articles 2 or 3A. This subsection shall not apply to the purchase, lease, or lease-purchase of materials, equipment, supplies, or other personal property which can only be utilized in conjunction with a service or service contract, whether subject to competitive bidding under this article or not, for the materials, equipment, supplies, or other personal property that must remain in effect to utilize the materials, equipment, supplies, or other personal property.
(2) Nothing in this subsection prohibits or limits public four-year institutions from entering into joint purchasing agreements to purchase, lease, or lease-purchase materials, equipment, supplies, other personal property and services which have been let by competitive bid or competitive solicitation process by any group or consortium of governmental entities or through a group purchasing organization within or without the State of Alabama upon a finding by the institution that such purchasing agreements are in the best interests of the institution; provided, however, this subdivision shall not permit agreements to purchase, lease, or lease-purchase wireless communications equipment or services through any group or consortium of governmental entities or through any group purchasing organization.
Last modified: May 3, 2021