Bill prohibits public contracts for those banned from fed contracts

Under a bill (A3745/S2469) passed by the Assembly this week and sponsored by Assemblymen Hal Wirths and Parker Space, a person debarred from contracting with the federal government will be prohibited from contracting for any public work in New Jersey. The bill now goes to the governor for consideration.

“We can’t have people barred from federal contracts for crimes like fraud, embezzlement, theft, bribery and tax evasion win generous public contracts here in New Jersey,” said Wirths (R-Sussex). “This is commonsense legislation that protects taxpayer funds.”

Prior to receiving a contract, a person must provide written certification that they have not been banned from receiving federal contracts. The contracting agency must verify this certification by checking the federal System for Award Management. The Senate version of the bill, sponsored by Sen. Steve Oroho, passed in January 2019.