Sen. Brandt Hershman, R-Monticello, introduced this bill for the Indiana Department of Administration to eliminate the open bid process for all levels of government, replacing it with a process that allows for secret negotiations between the government entity and bidders. Several organizations testified against the secrecy provisions, worried about the potential for favoring particular bidders in a closed process. The bill was amended so that state agencies agreed to a public comment period of seven days for contracts greater than $200,000 and the creation of a register for documenting the negotiations. The provisions apply only to state contracts. Local government still must meet current public disclosure and hearing requirements for its contracts.

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