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ASSEMBLY PANEL APPROVES QUIJANO, RAMOS, DeANGELO BILL TO CREATE "ONE-STOP SHOPPING" WEB SITE FOR PUBLIC JOBS & CONTRACTS

Legislation sponsored by Assembly members Annette Quijano, Ruben Ramos, Jr., and Wayne DeAngelo to create an Internet database to provide the public with an easily accessible and comprehensive “one stop” Dest of current information on local employment opportunities and requests for proposals was released by the Assembly Budget Committee on Thursday.

“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.

“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.