86°
“This measure would improve transparency in local government and make it easier for citizens, groups, and local governments to access information concerning employment opportunities and public bidding,” said Assembly member Annette Quijano (D-Union), one of the bill’s sponsors.
The State Department of Community Affairs, with help from IT, would “design, develop, and maintain a single, searchable Internet database” that is both “easily accessible and comprehensive,” Quijano said.
The sponsors even have a name: “Bulletin NJ.”
(EXTREME FAIL: That clicking sound you hear are domain names being snatched up.)
The site would contain and display information on employment opportunities, requests for proposals, and other government procurement opportunities published by a contracting unit.
“In this economy, in particular, it’s important that we provide the public with every available means to actively seek out job opportunities that will help them get back on sound footing,” said Hudson County Assemblyman Ruben Ramos, a co-sponsor of the Assembly bill.
Under the measure, prospective bidders could find:
1) a detailed description of the services required;
2) the format and procedure that would be followed in submitting proposals;
3) the specific information which qualified vendors would provide in the proposal;
4) a statement setting forth the relative importance of factors, including cost, which the contracting unit would consider in evaluating a proposal submitted by a qualified vendor;
5) the deadline by which proposals must be submitted to the contracting unit;
6) any other information the contracting unit deems appropriate.
“By making publicly contracted jobs and other public employment opportunities accessible to everyone, we increase our chances of finding more highly qualified workers at perhaps a better rate to help contain costs,” said a third co-sponsor, Wayne DeAngelo (D-Mercer/Middlesex).
If the full Legislature approves the bill, deadline for launch would be July 1, 2011.
Click here to follow Daily Voice South Passaic and receive free news updates.
