June 3, 2020
I want to share information that the Utilities Transportation Contractors Association (UTCA) sent to its members on Monday. The NJ Department of Community Affairs (DCA)
Division of Local Government Services (DLGS)
has adopted new e-procurement regulations on an emergency basis which were published in
Local Finance Notice 2020-10
. This notice makes it clear that a bid opening must be public and transparent even if no public can be physically present.
Please use this document as guidance in the field should an issue arise during a local procurement. Additionally, DCA has moved to adopt these regulations permanently, and has asked for input from the UTCA.
As stated in UTCA’s e-blast, the new regulations adopted by DLGS allow local governments and school districts to utilize online platforms for procuring goods, services, power supply, and contracts for public works projects; and codifies the ability to use online auction platforms for the sale of surplus property and solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs). Municipalities, counties, and school districts may also utilize online auction platforms for the sale or lease of real property.
The regulations can be accessed at:
Please contact Dave Rible, director of labor relations with UTCA at
Dave@UTCANJ.ORG
or 732-292-4300 with your comments or concerns. UTCA will compile a formal response from the industry. The deadline for comment submission is in early July. Please let UTCA know your thoughts by June 30, 2020.
Stay safe,
Rich Higgins, CPA
Managing Principal - New Jersey Office
McCarthy & Company
Disclaimer: This alert is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Information contained in this communication is not intended or written to be used as tax advice, and cannot be used by the recipient to avoid penalties that may be imposed under the Internal Revenue Code. We strongly advise you to seek professional assistance with respect to your specific issue(s).
