Answer

Yes, R.S. 38:2212.1(E)&(F) provides authority for public entities to purchase materials and supplies off of State Contract and Federal General Services Administration lists without bidding; however, there are some specific restrictions and requirements. Public entities may purchase items off of existing State contracts without bidding out the purchase. Local governments may also purchase the same item available on State contract from a local vendor under the provisions of R.S. 39:1710. The public entity should consult with the Office of State Procurement to ensure that the item being purchased is identical to the one available under State contract. Please see Questions 87 and 88 of LLA’s Public Bid Law FAQ which can be found on the Legal Assistance & FAQs Overview page of the LLA Website for additional information on purchasing off State Contract, including from local vendors. Regarding purchases off of Federal GSA lists, R.S. 38:2212.1(E) requires that a public entity do the following: • Use a Louisiana distributor; • Use the competitive ordering procedures of the federal General Services Administration; • Comply with all requirements established by the Louisiana Office of State Procurement; and • Items purchased off of the GSA list must not be obtainable for a lower amount under a current State contract. Louisiana Legislative Auditor website: 04/27/2025 01:21:26 AM