AI-assisted research summary: The department must run the state telecommunications system, and state agencies must use it and seek a waiver before buying or renewing telecommunications services outside it.
Sec. 2170.051. MANAGEMENT AND USE OF SYSTEM. (a) The department shall manage the operation of a system of telecommunications services for all state agencies. Each agency shall identify its particular requirements for telecommunications services and the site at which the services are to be provided. (b) The department shall fulfill the telecommunications requirements of each state agency to the extent possible and to the extent that money is appropriated or available for that purpose. (c) A state agency shall use the consolidated telecommunications system to the fullest extent possible. A state agency may not acquire telecommunications services unless the department's executive director determines that the agency's requirement for telecommunications services cannot be met at a comparable cost by the consolidated telecommunications system. (d) A state agency may not enter into or renew a contract with a carrier or other provider of telecommunications services without obtaining a waiver from the department's executive director certifying that the requested telecommunications services cannot be provided at a comparable cost on the consolidated telecommunications system. The executive director shall evaluate requests for waivers based on cost-effectiveness to the state government as a whole. A waiver may be granted only for a specific period and will automatically expire on the stated expiration date unless an extension is approved. A contract for telecommunications services obtained under waiver may not extend beyond the expiration date of the waiver. If the executive director becomes aware of any state agency receiving telecommunications services without a waiver, the executive director shall notify the agency and the comptroller. The state agency shall have 60 days after notification by the executive director in which to submit a waiver request documenting the agency's reasons for bypassing the consolidated telecommunications system and otherwise providing all information required by the waiver application form. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 41, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1499, Sec. 1.30, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1422, Sec. 4.23, eff. Sept. 1, 2001. Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1068 (H.B. 1516), Sec. 1.10, eff. September 1, 2005.