Answer

Yes, if the other Parish’s contract remains viable and in effect, the School Board may piggyback off of the contract under the Local Services Law, R.S. 33:1324. AG Op. No. 17-0152 The School Board should follow the steps outline by the Attorney General in AG Op. No. 17-0152 or the provisions of R.S. 38:321.1. Political subdivisions seeking to piggyback off of existing contracts under the Local Services Laws shall follow the following steps: (1) Verify that the contract was bid in compliance with state law. (2) Verify that the contract is still active, fresh or “viable.” (3) Obtain written consent or approval from the other public entity who bid the contract and obtain confirmation as to the contract number and, if necessary, the council resolution accepting the contract/bid. (4) Confirm that the vendor and the product, services, materials, supplies or equipment are the same and that the price is same or lower. Additionally, the Attorney General recommends that entities utilizing the Local Services Law to piggyback off of another political subdivision’s public contract to adopt and advertise an ordinance or resolution setting forth the terms of its purchasing method in accordance with R.S. 33:1325. If a political subdivision is seeking to piggyback off of an existing contract under R.S. 38:321.1 the following must occur: (1) The bid opening of the existing contract must have occurred within the last year. (2) The contract was bid in compliance with R.S. 38:2211 et seq.* (3) The total purchases on the contract do not exceed two times what was purchased by the political subdivision bidding the contract. (4) The written consent of the political subdivision which bid the contract is obtained, as well as the contract number, and if applicable, the resolution accepting the contract. (5) The vendor agrees to the additional purchase. (6) The vendor, product, materials, supplies, vehicles, or equipment are identical to those specified in the existing public contract of the other political subdivision, and the price is the same as the original contract price. A municipality, parish or other political subdivision of the State may rely on the certificate of the political subdivision that the contract was bid in compliance with State law. For additional information concerning cooperative purchases under the Local Services Law, see Question 60 of the LLA’s Public Bid Law FAQ which can be found on the Legal Assistance & FAQs Overview page of the LLA Website. Louisiana Legislative Auditor website: 04/25/2025 08:25:03 PM