Section 103F-404 - Treatment purchase of services(a) Treatment services may be purchased in accordance with this section if the following circumstances apply: (1) The need for treatment services is unanticipated and arises from time to time;(2) The required treatment services are for a one-time purchase of no more than $100,000 and last no longer than one year;(3) The treatment services are generally accepted practices by the industry or profession; and(4) The award of a contract is based on demonstrated competence and qualification for the type of treatment service required and at fair and reasonable prices.(b) The head of the purchasing agency or the purchasing agency's designee shall, at a minimum, publish a notice describing the types of treatment services that may be needed throughout the fiscal year on an as-needed basis and inviting providers engaged in providing these treatment services to submit current statements of qualification and expressions of interest to the purchasing agency. Providers may amend these statements by filing an amended or new statement prior to the date designated for submission.(c) The head of the purchasing agency or the purchasing agency's designee shall form an initial review committee for each profession, consisting of a minimum of three employees from a state agency or agencies with sufficient education, training, and licenses or credentials to evaluate the statements of qualifications that the head of the purchasing agency or the purchasing agency's designee receives in response to the notice published pursuant to subsection (b). The committee shall review and evaluate the submissions and other pertinent information, including references and reports, and prepare a list of qualified providers to provide treatment services during the fiscal year. Providers included on the list of qualified treatment providers may amend their statements of qualifications as necessary or appropriate. Providers shall immediately inform the head of the purchasing agency of any changes in information furnished that would disqualify the provider from being considered for a contract award.(d) When the need to purchase treatment services arises, the head of a purchasing agency shall select the provider most qualified to provide the needed treatment services from the list of qualified providers.(e) The head of the purchasing agency or the purchasing agency's designee shall negotiate a contract, including a rate of compensation that is fair and reasonable, established in writing, and based upon the estimated value, scope, nature, and complexity of the treatment services to be rendered, or use the rate established by the head of the purchasing agency, if any. If negotiations fail, upon written notice of an impasse to the provider selected under subsection (d), the head of the purchasing agency shall choose another provider from the list of qualified providers, and conduct further negotiations. Negotiations shall be conducted confidentially.(f) Contracts for treatment services in excess of $100,000 or that last for more than one year shall utilize an alternative applicable method of procurement pursuant to section 103F-401.Amended by L 2023, c 45,§ 2, eff. 6/1/2023.