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.