HB 987, 81st Regular Legislative session, repealed TEC 44.033, which required price quotes for purchases of personal property between $10,000 and $25,000 in the aggregate for a 12-month period. This bill became effective June 19, 2009.

To obtain the most competitive price, a district at its option may obtain price quotes for items costing less than $50,000. The district’s purchasing procedures should clearly define the lower figure for which quotes are required and obtain and retain written verification of the prices quoted. Unlike the mandatory competitive procurement described for purchases over $50,000, if an item costs less than $50,000, a district may utilize price quotations to stimulate competition and to attempt to receive the most favorable pricing.

Note: Although districts may design purchasing structures with requirements more restrictive than those mandated by the state, the district requirements regarding competitive procurement procedures, price quotes, purchase orders, emergency purchases and blanket purchase orders must not be less restrictive.