Electronic Procurement
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PDF versionElectronic Bidding—Notwithstanding any law, rule or regulation to the contrary, local governments may satisfy any requirement for mailing by distributing invitations to bid, requests for proposals and other solicitations electronically. In addition, local governments may receive bids, proposals, and other offers electronically. In order to assure the fullest possible participation of small businesses and minority-owned businesses, local governments shall not require such small businesses and minority-owned businesses to receive or respond to invitations to bid, requests for proposals, or other solicitations electronically. T.C.A. § 12-4-116.
Electronic Contracts, Signatures and Records—Electronic contracts, signatures, and records cannot be denied legal effect or enforceability solely because they are in electronic format. If a law requires a record to be in writing, an electronic record is sufficient. If a law requires a signature, an electronic signature satisfies the law. T.C.A. § 47-10-107.
Local Government Electronic Technology Act (T.C.A. § 4-30-103)—This statute encourages local governments to use current electronic technology to perform the business functions of their offices. A local government must file a plan with the comptroller of the treasury for comments, prior to the local government implementing any new electronic technology associated with: the disbursement of public funds; purchasing; the sale of local government assets; or the collection of various taxes, fines, fees or payments. The plan must be filed at least 30 days prior to implementation. The plan must contain the following information:
- A description of the business process and the technology to be utilized;
- A description of the policies and procedures related to the implementation;
- Documentation of internal controls that will ensure the integrity of the business process; and
- The estimated implementation cost and a statement as to whether the implementation of the new electronic technology will be implemented within the existing operating resources of the office or indicate prior approval of the governing body if additional operating resources are needed.