(1) In any fiscal year, if the general assembly determines that the amount of moneys credited to the capital construction fund, created in section 24-75-302, C.R.S., is not sufficient to pay for the design and construction of a correctional facility for adult offenders that is deemed necessary to satisfy future prison bed projections and needs, the department may request competitive proposals from private prison providers three years before desired occupancy of the correctional facility. Prior to issuing a request for competitive proposals requiring new construction under this section, the department shall notify the capital development committee, established pursuant to section 2-3-1302, C.R.S.
(2) (a) The department, during the request for competitive proposals process described in subsection (1) of this section, shall determine the level of security, the desired location, and the number of beds necessary for the facility, as well as other criteria applicable to the appropriate conditions of confinement to be maintained at the facility. The department shall be under no obligation or duty to place offenders in a facility covered by this section.
(b) The department in all instances shall ensure that requests for competitive proposals adequately inform prospective contractors that the department will give priority to proposals that satisfy the requirements of section 17-1-202 and that are competitive to the extent they contain terms that are most favorable to the department. The department shall, to the extent possible, also take steps to provide a competitive market environment for prospective contractors and to avoid decreased competition and the creation of a monopoly in the market.
(3) Nothing in this section shall be construed to require or permit the department to lend or pledge the credit or faith of the department or of the state in any manner that would violate section 1 of article XI of the Colorado constitution.
Source: L. 2004: Entire section added, p. 127, § 3, effective August 4. L. 2006: (1) amended, p. 1059, § 2, effective May 25.