§5-22B-5. Evaluation committee.

(a) The state and/or its subdivisions shall convene an evaluation committee. The composition of the committee is at the discretion of the state and/or its subdivisions; however, the composition of the committee shall not consist of enough members of a public body to constitute a quorum. The state and/or its subdivisions may permit the project's architectural or professional design firm if selected, or other independent advisors to support the evaluation committee or advise it on technical and pricing issues. The architectural or professional design firm or independent advisors shall not participate as a voting member of the committee.

(b) Membership on the evaluation committee may include, but is not required to include:

(1) Procurement officer: Who is responsible for the procurement and ensuring compliance with relevant laws and policies;

(2) Technical and administrative personnel: Members with technical and administrative expertise;

(3) User department staff: Members from the department that will use the product or service;

(4) Specialists: Members with expertise in specific areas, such as finance, database design, or business; and

(5) Other knowledgeable people: Individuals from the organization who can bring special expertise to the process.