SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez's administration is switching to a "paperless" procurement system to allow vendors to electronically submit bids for government contracts.
The State Purchasing Division said Monday it has contracted with North Carolina-based SciQuest Inc. for an electronic procurement system estimated to save about $2 million over the next three years.
The government will be able to electronically send notices seeking bids, saving postage and printing. Vendors eventually will be able to electronically store their licenses or bid preference documents rather than having to submit them with each bid.
The state is paying about $378,000 over five years for software, licensing and implementation services for the new system.
General Services Secretary Ed Burckle said the change to an electronic system was proposed by a task force looking at procurement reform.
