State acquisitions of goods and services: rehabilitation services.

Existing law authorizes state agencies to enter into contracts for the acquisition of goods or services upon approval by the Department of General Services. Existing law regulates the method by which approval of the department is obtained. This bill would authorize the Department of Rehabilitation to award contracts for rehabilitation services, as specified, provided that the value of the purchase is less than $10,000 and involves, among other things, assistive technology devices or services, as defined. The bill would exempt those contracts from competition and advertising if they are awarded in accordance with procedures for documenting fair and reasonable pricing adopted by the Department of Rehabilitation, in collaboration with the Department of General Services, as specified. The bill would require the Department of Rehabilitation to submit a report to the Legislature, prior to January 1, 2029, regarding contracts entered into pursuant to these provisions, as specified. The bill would repeal these provisions on January 1, 2030.