HD8 - Competitive Procurement of State Printing Contracts


Executive Summary:
House Joint Resolution 810 (1999) directed the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission to examine the competitive sealed bidding procedures used by the Department of General Services' Division of Purchases and Supply (DPS) in procuring printing goods for State agencies. The review was to include an examination of the restrictions placed on the geographic location of bidders, changes in job specifications, reciprocity laws, the use of recycled paper, and the use of correctional enterprises for printing. A primary concern was whether Virginia firms received an adequate share of State printing contracts.

The Virginia Public Procurement Act was enacted in 1982 to regulated the acquisition of goods and services by State and local government agencies. DPS is responsible for most aspects of procurement, for printing as well as other goods and services. It establishes the State's procurement procedures within the framework of the procurement act. Further, it is generally responsible for all purchases requiring the use of competitive sealed bidding, one of five methods available for procuring goods and services.

JLARC staff found that the procurement process for printing generally works well, and DPS' practices appear sound. Most printing work procured by State agencies is purchased from firms located in Virginia. DPS could improve the process, however, by increasing access to all printers and adjusting other procurement practices.