A. The Director may contract with a private person, firm, corporation or association to provide any or all of the following services on behalf of the Department: examining and recommending licensure, investigating and ensuring that events are conducted in compliance with statutes and regulations, performing clerical duties, collecting fees, maintaining records, developing proposed regulations in accordance with Article 2 (§ 2.2-4006 et seq.) of the Administrative Process Act, and recommending enforcement actions in accordance with Article 3 (§ 2.2-4018 et seq.) of the Administrative Process Act.

B. The Director shall procure any or all of such services in accordance with the provisions of the Virginia Public Procurement Act (§ 2.2-4300 et seq.). Prior to the award of such contract, a proposer shall demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the Director:

1. Personnel and financial resources necessary to carry out the provisions of the contract;

2. Adequate indemnification to protect the Commonwealth and its agencies and instrumentalities from all claims and losses incurred as a result of the contract;

3. Compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws;

4. Ability to develop, implement, and maintain the internal operations necessary to carry out the provisions of the contract; and

5. Ability to meet any other qualifications the Director deems appropriate in the procurement process.

C. Any contract awarded in accordance with this section shall not exceed a three-year term, but may be renewed annually upon the approval of the Director. The Director shall be the signatory to the contract on behalf of the Commonwealth.

D. Nothing herein is intended to deprive the contractor or the Commonwealth of the benefits of any law limiting exposure to liability or setting a limit on damages.

E. Nothing herein is intended to deprive the Director of his authority to carry out the requirements of this chapter when no contract is in effect.

1998, c. 895.