# State Finance and Procurement (GSF)

## Title 13. Source Selection -- State Procurement Contracts

### Subtitle 1. Methods of Source Selection

#### Section 13-117

(a) It is the intent of the General Assembly to:

  (1) recognize the need for State agencies to be responsive to the requests and legislative directives of the General Assembly;

  (2) reduce the time it takes for State agencies to procure consultants to assist with legislative mandates that have deadlines specified in law; and

  (3) be timely in addressing climate change, environmental, energy, and greenhouse gas emissions related issues.

(b) This section applies only to the procurement of consultants that:

  (1) are legislatively mandated with specific time frames established in law; and

  (2) will address issues related only to climate change, the environment, energy, and greenhouse gas emissions.

(c) The following units are authorized to issue a procurement contract using a competitive sealed bid method, competitive sealed proposal method, or expedited procurement procedures for amounts higher than their designated small procurement delegation authorities:

  (1) the Public Service Commission;

  (2) the Office of People's Counsel;

  (3) the Maryland Energy Administration;

  (4) the Department of the Environment; and

  (5) the Department of Natural Resources.

(d) Before awarding a procurement contract under this section, the procurement officer shall obtain the approval of:

  (1) the head of the unit; and

  (2) the Chief Procurement Officer, or their designee.

(e)

  (1) The Chief Procurement Officer, or their designee, shall approve a procurement contract submitted under this section if it complies with the requirements of this section.

  (2) If the Chief Procurement Officer, or their designee, does not respond to a request to approve a procurement contract submitted under this section within 5 business days after receiving the contract, the contract shall be considered approved.

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Md. Code Ann., State Fin. & Proc. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)