"Best value" for purposes of this chapter means the lowest overall cost of an automated information system. In determining the lowest overall cost for a purchase or lease of an automated information system under this chapter, the comptroller or a state agency shall consider factors including:

1. (1) the purchase price;
2. (2) the compatibility to facilitate the exchange of existing data;
3. (3) the capacity for expanding and upgrading to more advanced levels of technology;
4. (4) quantitative reliability factors;
5. (5) the level of training required to bring persons using the system to a stated level of proficiency;
6. (6) the technical support requirements for the maintenance of data across a network platform and the management of the network's hardware and software;
7. (7) the compliance with applicable department statewide standards validated by criteria adopted by the department by rule; and
8. (8) applicable factors listed in Sections 2155.074 and 2155.075.

Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 41, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1206, Sec. 18, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1068 (H.B. 1516), Sec. 2.03, eff. September 1, 2005.

Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1071 (H.B. 1524), Sec. 70, eff. September 1, 2019.