Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett today announced approval by the Montgomery County Council of Executive Regulation 19-09AM, Revisions to Procurement Regulations, marking the successful completion of Leggett’s commitment to overhaul the County’s procurement process in his first term. The regulation will result in statutory and regulatory changes for Montgomery County contracting that will make it easier for businesses to respond to contracting opportunities with the County. In 2008, Leggett announced a 10-point plan to improve the procurement process.

“I made a pledge to make government more responsive, more accountable and more effective, and today’s action is the final step in improving the procurement process to achieve these goals,” said Leggett. “These changes will make it easier for businesses of all sizes to compete for County government contracts.”

Key highlights of the measure passed today include:

• Increases to thresholds for direct open market purchases by departments from a cap of $5,000 to $10,000; for informal procurements managed by departments from a cap of $25,000 to $100,000; and for formal procurements from $25,000 to $100,000.

• Expansion of recognized Minority, Female, Disabled-owned business (MFD) certifications beyond the program administered by the Maryland Department of Transportation.

• Updates to the Living Wage Law so that it will apply to employees of all County contractors, removing an exemption for businesses with 10 or fewer employees.

• Streamlining the contractor selection and contract negotiation processes.

A summary of the changes is at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/procurement. The changes take effect April 1, 2010.

Leggett’s full 10-point plan included the elimination of bid request and bid subscription fees, making it easier for businesses to respond to contracting opportunities with the County; more outreach to MFD businesses; and more information on the County website.