Nonprofits & Government

Colorado has a new law that allows nonprofits to submit unsolicited proposals to contract to provide state services, taking effect in August.

It is an excellent idea that could be of benefit nationwide, especially here in Sacramento.

An excerpt from the Colorado Nonprofit Association.

“Under a new law, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations will have additional opportunities to deliver public services through contracts with state government agencies. The intent is to provide new avenues for nonprofits to deliver cost-effective and innovative services to the public for state government agencies who must stretch every tax dollar.

“Sponsored by Rep. Mark Ferrandino (D–Denver) and Sen. John Morse (D–Colorado Springs), House Bill 10-1010 authorizes all state agencies to enter into public-private initiative agreements with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. The bill is a product of the Colorado Nonprofit Association’s Public Policy Committee and originated from the legislature’s Long-term Fiscal Stability Commission, of which Association President and CEO Renny Fagan was a member. The bill received broad bipartisan support.

“The bill allows nonprofits to submit unsolicited proposals to perform services for a state agency. The agency will evaluate the proposal based on such factors as innovative approaches, cost-savings, efficient delivery of services, enhanced quality of service delivery, potential contribution to the agency’s mission and the capabilities of the submitting nonprofit. If the agency determines that the proposal meets the statutory criteria, the parties can proceed to enter into a contract.”