Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 125.035 – Requisite procurement programs

(A) Except as otherwise provided in the Revised Code, a state agency wanting to purchase supplies or services shall make the purchase subject to the requirements of an applicable first or second requisite procurement program described in this section, or obtain a determination from the department of administrative services that the purchase is not subject to a first or second requisite procurement program. State agencies shall submit a purchase request to the department of administrative services unless the department has determined the request does not require a review. The director of administrative services shall adopt rules under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code to provide for the manner of carrying out the function and the power and duties imposed upon and vested in the director by this section.
(B) The following programs are first requisite procurement programs that shall be given preference in the following order in fulfilling a purchase request:
1. (1) Ohio penal industries within the department of rehabilitation and correction; and
2. (2) Community rehabilitation programs administered by the department of administrative services under sections 125.601 to 125.6012 of the Revised Code.
(C) The following programs are second requisite procurement programs that may be able to fulfill the purchase request if the first requisite procurement programs are unable to do so:
1. (1) Business enterprise program at the opportunities for Ohioans with disabilities agency as prescribed in sections 3304.28 to 3304.33 of the Revised Code;
2. (2) Office of information technology at the department of administrative services as established in section 125.18 of the Revised Code;
3. (3) Office of state printing and mail services at the department of administrative services as prescribed in Chapter 125. of the Revised Code;
4. (4) Ohio pharmacy services at the department of mental health and addiction services as prescribed in section 5119.44 of the Revised Code;
5. (5) Ohio facilities construction commission established in section 123.20 of the Revised Code; and
6. (6) Any other program within, or administered by, a state agency that, by law, requires purchases to be made by, or with the approval of, the state agency.
(D) Upon receipt of a purchase request, the department of administrative services shall provide the requesting agency a notification of receipt of the purchase request. The department then shall determine whether the request can be fulfilled through a first requisite procurement program. In making the determination, the department may consult with each of the first requisite procurement programs. When the department has made its determination, it shall:
1. (1) Direct the requesting agency to obtain the desired supplies or services through the proper first requisite procurement program;
2. (2) Provide the agency with a waiver from the use of the applicable first requisite procurement programs under sections 125.609 or 5147.07 of the Revised Code; or
3. (3) Determine whether the purchase can be fulfilled through a second requisite procurement program under division (E) of this section.
(E) In making the determination that a purchase is subject to a second requisite procurement program, the department shall identify potentially applicable programs and notify each program of the requested purchase. The notified second requisite procurement program shall respond to the department within two business days with regard to its ability to provide the requested purchase. If the second requisite procurement program can provide the requested purchase, the department shall direct the requesting agency to make the requested purchase from the appropriate second requisite procurement program. If the department has not received notification from a second requisite procurement program within two business days and the department has made the determination that the purchase is not subject to a second requisite procurement program, the department shall provide a waiver to the requesting agency.
(F) Within five business days after receipt of a request, the department shall notify the requesting agency of its determination and provide any waiver under divisions (D) or (E) of this section. If the department fails to respond within five business days or fails to provide an explanation for any further delay within that time, the requesting agency may use direct purchasing authority to make the requested purchase, subject to the requirements of division (G) of this section and section 127.16 of the Revised Code.
(G) As provided in sections 125.02 and 125.05 of the Revised Code and subject to such rules as the director of administrative services may adopt, the department may issue a release and permit to the agency to secure supplies or services. A release and permit shall specify the supplies or services to which it applies, the time during which it is operative, and the reason for its issuance. A release and permit for telephone, other telecommunications, and computer services shall be provided in accordance with section 125.18 of the Revised Code and shall specify the type of services to be rendered, the number and type of hardware to be used, and may specify the amount of such services to be performed. No requesting agency shall proceed with such purchase until it has received an approved release and permit from the director of administrative services or the director's designee.