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State
of Tennessee
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Tennessee buys a myriad personal, professional, and consulting services which are used within state government to most efficiently meet the varied demands for high quality public service. Typically, contractors delivering such services are selected through the Request for Proposals (RFPs) process or some other appropriate means and are paid on a “fee-for-service” basis. Tennessee also uses grant awards to achieve many of its objectives and programmatic responsibilities. Broadly defined, grants are simply types of contracts that are used to effect an award of funding or property to a grant recipient or “grantee.” A grant must benefit the general public or some population of the general public, and deliverables pursuant to a grant contract are be comprised of professional service provided to third-party beneficiaries rather than service provided to the State. |
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Outsourcing — Tennessee's system for buying personal, professional, and consulting services is unique. It does not follow the model found in other states in which a large, rule-laden, centralized bureaucracy is responsible for “purchasing.” Such a centralized model seems to have a history of overpriced projects and failures to buy what was really needed by program staff and citizens. Neither does Tennessee's system for buying services follow the model of total decentralization which is characterized by a lack of proper controls and accountability. Professional service contracting by Tennessee state government is moderately decentralized. It is predominately the responsibility of each state agency guided by the state's service contracting rules. Each state agency has responsibility for soliciting and evaluating proposals, selecting contractors and grantees, drafting legal agreements, and managing contracts for the effective delivery of service. While these processes are decentralized, the Department of Finance and Administration (F&A) serves as a centralized, review and approval function within state government. Additionally, each procuring state agency is responsible for the management of all of its own contracts and grants. Contract management involves a state department or agency’s on-going continuum of processes for administering and reviewing the performance of each service contract for efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and service provider accountability and results. Doing Business with the State as a Professional Service Contractor — As indicated, the state contracts for personal, professional, and consulting services directly through all of its various departments and agencies (and under the oversight of the Department of Finance and Administration). Individuals, businesses, and other service providers who wish to provide personal, professional, and consulting services to the State of Tennessee should register with the state. The Department of General Services maintains the state's registry for potential contractors of all types. The registry offers state agencies a database of potential contractors and gives service providers (especially those who are disadvantaged, minority, or small business entrepreneurs) an additional opportunity to be known within state government. To register, visit the Contractor Registration "portal" especially for service providers. All service providers are also encouraged to frequently visit the State of Tennessee Request for Proposals & Other Notices web page to review recent solicitations and other professional service procurement related notices. |
