Mississippi commission chair introduces rule to expand contracting with in-state companies
Mississippi Public Service Commission (PSC) Chair Brandon Presley recently introduced the Hire Mississippi Rule, which would require rate regulated, investor-owned utilities to expand how they offer contracting and business opportunities to Mississippi-based companies.
The rule would create the Hire Mississippi List and require that, at least four times a year through newspapers across their territory, utilities request that local contractors submit their business to be on the list. Mississippi companies on the list would receive additional notification of any known upcoming bids for contracts over $200,000 for the goods or services they provide.
Under the rule, no contract can be awarded until the company presents the prime contractor with their Hire Mississippi List.
“I am so sick and tired of seeing out of state car tags on construction sites in my Mississippi when I know that Mississippians are footing the bill for those projects. I have zero doubt that MISSISSIPPI companies could be doing that work if they were given the chance,” Presley said. “My goal is to tear down the glass wall surrounding these multimillion dollar contracts and give Mississippi companies the chance at getting that work.”
The rule also requires utilities to reach out to and assist potential Mississippi contractors by explaining the bidding process, qualifications and other practices and procedures. According to the rule, certain large contracts must be broken up into separate, smaller contracts to accommodate more bidders. The rule also requires if an out-of-state firm is selected for a project, the company must explain how they reached that decision in filings before the PSC. The Commission will annually review compliance with the Hire Mississippi Rule.
“I see the Hire Mississippi Rule as just a common sense thing to do for our people and our state,” Presley said. “It is about equal access, transparency and growing the pie. And it’s high time we start looking out for our own friends and neighbors who are on the cusp of success but just can’t make that last hurdle because they don’t know the ‘right’ people. Well, they know their Public Service Commissioners and we will not let them slip by the wayside anymore from this day forward.”
