Requires State agencies to solicit bids from public and private institutions of higher education for completion of mandated studies.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Tully

State agencies must solicit bids from both public and private higher education institutions for mandated studies, expanding the pool of bidders and competition.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Higher Education Committee

Purpose and intent

A-4962 requires state agencies in New Jersey to solicit bids from both public and private institutions of higher education when the agency needs to complete mandated studies. The bill aims to broaden the pool of entities eligible to conduct mandated research or analysis, potentially increasing competition, innovation, and efficiency in the completion of required studies.

Key provisions and changes

Scope of requirement: State agencies tasked with conducting mandated studies must solicit bids from higher education institutions as part of the procurement or contracting process.

Eligible bidders: Both public colleges/universities (public higher education institutions) and private colleges/universities (private higher education institutions) in New Jersey are included as potential bidders.

Procurement process: Agencies must follow applicable procurement rules and procedures when requesting bids, including issuing solicitations, evaluating proposals, and awarding contracts for the study work.

Qualifications and oversight: Bidders will be evaluated based on the agency’s standard criteria for such work, which may include qualifications, proposed methodology, timeline, cost, and prior experience with similar mandated studies.

Consistency with existing law: The bill integrates with current state procurement and contracting frameworks, ensuring that higher education bids are subject to standard contract terms, performance standards, and accountability mechanisms.

Co-sponsor: Chris Tully is listed as a co-sponsor, indicating cross-party or bi-partisan support to some degree depending on the chamber’s context.

Who/what is affected

State agencies that are required by law to complete mandated studies will be obligated to issue solicitations to higher education institutions.

Public higher education institutions (state colleges and universities) and private higher education institutions in New Jersey may bid on and potentially perform mandated studies.

** taxpayers and policy stakeholders** could be affected indirectly through the potential for more competitive pricing, broader expertise, and possibly more timely completion of mandated studies due to a larger pool of bidders.

Procedural and timeline considerations

The bill outlines a procedural shift in how mandated studies are procured, but it does not, in the summary, prescribe a specific sunset or transition period. Implementation would align with existing administrative rules for state procurement and contracting.

Agencies will need to incorporate this bidding obligation into their project planning and solicitation timelines for any new mandated studies.

The legislative text would specify any reporting or compliance requirements, including documentation of bid processes and award decisions, alignment with mandated study objectives, and performance monitoring.

Potential impact

Advantages: Broader competition, access to a wide range of academic expertise, potential cost savings, and enhanced rigor by leveraging academic methodologies.

Risks/considerations: Need to ensure consistency with procurement rules, protect confidentiality and state interests, and manage potential longer procurement timelines if bid processes are extended to a larger field.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to a particular audience (e.g., policymakers, academics, or the general public) or add a comparison with current practice in New Jersey for mandated studies.

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