By: Biedermann H.B. No. 3823       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to authorizing a vendor to provide certain consultation to   a state agency regarding the agency's purchase of goods and   services.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Section 2155.004(a), Government Code, is amended   to read as follows:          (a)  Except as provided by Section 2155.0041, a [A] state   agency may not accept a bid or award a contract that includes   proposed financial participation by a person who received   compensation from the agency to participate in preparing the   specifications or request for proposals on which the bid or   contract is based.          SECTION 2.  Subchapter A, Chapter 2155, Government Code, is   amended by adding Section 2155.0041 to read as follows:          Sec. 2155.0041.  AUTHORIZED CONSULTATION WITH CERTAIN   VENDORS. (a) A state agency may consult with an expert,   consultant, manufacturer, service provider, or public or private   research institution to determine trends in technology and markets,   to perform pilot and proof of concept projects, to perform testing   and evaluation, to develop solutions to potential threats and   problems, and to determine options for the procurement of goods or   services in the following areas:                (1)  counterterrorism;                (2)  border security;                (3)  law enforcement officer safety; and                (4)  emergency response.          (b)  A person who consults with a state agency as authorized   by Subsection (a) is not prohibited from entering into a contract   with that state agency to provide a good or service that relates to   the consultation unless the consultation relates to a pending   request for proposal.          (c)  A state agency may make a purchase relating to a topic   described by Subsection (a) under the procedures prescribed for an   emergency purchase by the agency under Section 2155.137, except   that the state agency is not required to prepare a letter of   justification for the emergency purchase as required by comptroller   rule.          SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.