1. (a) The department shall issue a request for proposals (RFP) (as defined in IC 5-22-2-28 ) for the purchase, or before issuing a change order, of any communications systems and equipment by the department that may be made available to public safety agencies. The communications equipment must be compatible with existing communications equipment used by public safety agencies.
2. (b) Notwithstanding IC 5-22-9-10 , proposals shall be evaluated and awarded on a competitive basis using a scoring rubric established by the department. The rubric must include specific criteria developed by the department to ensure a transparent selection process.
3. (c) Notwithstanding IC 5-22-9-7 , all proposed contracts must be approved by the budget agency before the department may enter into a contract under this section.
4. (d) The department may provide reasonable notice to, and coordinate procurement with, public safety agencies as circumstances allow.

As added by P.L.152-2026, SEC.67.