Senate Approves 'Piggy-Back' Procurement Bill

               Legislation sponsored by Senator Betty Little that would allow local governments to cooperatively purchase, or piggy-back, on contracts already approved for other government agencies was approved today with the full support of the State Senate.

               The legislation would permit local governments to benefit from the same terms and conditions of contracts already awarded to other local governments, state governments or the federal government. A provision in the legislation would ensure competitive bidding standards consistent with state law.  

               “This would save time and money by streamlining the process,” said Little.  “Further savings would be derived by purchasing on larger contracts.” 

               Little said New York lacks statutory language authorizing cooperative purchasing between New York's local governments and the federal, state or local governments elsewhere in the United States. This bill would amend the General Municipal law to allow for such cooperative purchasing.

               The legislation, which passed the Senate last June, is supported by the New York Conference of Mayors, New York State Association of Counties, New York State Association of Municipal Purchasing Officials, the Association of Towns of the State of New York and New York State School Boards Association.

               The bill was sent to the Assembly where it is sponsored by Assemblywoman Addie Russell. 

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