Consultant Services for Review and Optimization of Mississippi Procurement Statutes

Background
The State of Mississippi is initiating a transformative initiative to modernize its IT procurement framework. This effort aims to address existing challenges such as inefficiencies, complex compliance requirements, and lack of alignment with technological advancements.

The Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services (ITS) is the lead agency for this initiative, supported by the Procurement Modernization Advisory Council (PMAC), which includes representatives from various state agencies. The goal is to evaluate the current procurement landscape, identify opportunities for reform, and recommend actionable strategies to enhance procurement efficiency.

Work Details
The consultant will provide services including:

1) Policy and Procedure Analysis: Examine Mississippi Code Annotated Section 25-53-1 et seq. to identify provisions that impede procurement efficiency, analyze statutory language, review the ITS Procurement Manual, benchmark against best practices from other states, and assess compliance requirements.

2) Stakeholder Engagement: Design an engagement strategy for active participation from PMAC members and external stakeholders, facilitate workshops and focus groups, and develop surveys to collect insights.

3) Develop Recommendations: Collaborate with ITS and PMAC to create a phased modernization roadmap with specific milestones and measurable outcomes; propose updates to procurement policies; recommend technology solutions; and develop legislative proposals for statutory amendments.

4) Documentation and Reporting: Collect records of PMAC activities, produce interim reports summarizing findings, and deliver a final comprehensive report with recommendations.

5) Logistics and Project Management: Coordinate monthly PMAC meetings and serve as the liaison between PMAC leadership and stakeholders.

Period of Performance
The estimated period of performance for the contract is from March 5, 2025, to September 5, 2025, with an option for renewal for up to six additional months at the agency's discretion.

Place of Performance
The services will be performed primarily at the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services located at 3771 Eastwood Drive, Jackson, Mississippi.