Interim study on procurement, no-bid contracts, and transparency on no-bid purchases

This bill (LC 4368) requests an interim study of Montana state agency procurement practices, specifically examining no-bid contracts and transparency around purchases. It directs the study to review all procurement items over $25,000 from the past four years, identify deviations from standard rules, assess potential waste or fraud, and track money paid outside standard processes. The study must conclude by September 2026 and report findings and recommendations to the next legislature. This affects all state agencies that purchase goods or services using public funds.