Ramos and Others Created Bill for "One-Stop Shopping" Website for Public Jobs and Contracts

Here is an announcement from the NJ Assembly Democrats on a bill the would create a "one-stop shopping" website for public jobs and contracts. While I support openness and transparency that this bill would seem to produce I think the schedule of July 1, 2011 is too aggressive since 538 Municipalities will need time to adjust their procedures and the project will need funding before any work can be started. Such a system in a public arena will likely take longer than that deadline. Just my project management experience coming in to play here.

Here is the release......

QUIJANO, RAMOS AND DeANGELO BILL TO CREATE “ONE-STOP SHOPPING” WEB SITE FOR PUBLIC JOBS AND CONTRACTS NEARS BECOMING LAW

Ruben Ramos - Represents
Hoboken On NJ Assembly 

(TRENTON) – Legislation Assembly Democrats Annette Quijano, Ruben Ramos, Jr. and Wayne DeAngelo sponsored to create an Internet database to provide the public with an easily accessible and comprehensive “one stop” source of current information on local employment opportunities and requests for proposals has cleared the Legislature.

“This measure would improve transparency in local government and make it easier for citizens, groups, and local governments to access information concerning employment opportunities and public bidding,” said Quijano (D-Union).

The bill (A-3128) would require the State Department of Community Affairs, in consultation with the Office of Information Technology, to design, develop, and maintain a single, searchable Internet database, to be known as “Bulletin NJ,” that would contain and display information on employment opportunities, requests for proposals, and other government procurement opportunities published by a contracting unit.

It was recently approved 39-0 by the Senate and 75-0-2 by the Assembly as part of the Legislature’s Back to Work NJ job creation and economic development initiative.

“In this economy, in particular, it’s important that we provide the public with every available means to actively seek out job opportunities that will help them get back on sound footing,” said Ramos (D-Hudson).

The Internet database would provide prospective bidders with the following information: 1) a detailed description of the services required; 2) the format and procedure that would be followed in submitting proposals; 3) the specific information which qualified vendors would provide in the proposal; 4) a statement setting forth the relative importance of factors, including cost, which the contracting unit would consider in evaluating a proposal submitted by a qualified vendor; 5) the deadline by which proposals must be submitted to the contracting unit; and (6) any other information the contracting unit deems appropriate.

“By making publicly contracted jobs and other public employment opportunities accessible to everyone, we increase our chances of finding more highly qualified workers at perhaps a better rate to help contain costs,” said DeAngelo (D-Mercer/Middlesex).

Under the bill, the database would be required to be available to the public via DCA’s Web site by July 1, 2011. ◦

Ramos and Others Created Bill for "One-Stop Shopping" Website for Public Jobs and Contracts