AUSTIN – For years, Texas state officials have boasted about a unique program they say enables the purchase of technology products at competitive prices without a costly and lengthy bidding process.
But a Houston Chronicle investigation has found that the program meant to ensure the best deal on billions of dollars worth of contracts may be doing the opposite – and may be making it easier for public officials to give taxpayer money to favored companies.
The program, known as Cooperative Contracts, lets companies bid to get on a state catalog of products and services that government officials can buy without holding a competition.
via Popular state purchasing program lacks oversight, competition – Houston Chronicle.