Contracts (220-RICR-30-00-8)

R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-35-2.5 states that, “[a]n agency may gather information relevant to the subject matter of a potential rulemaking proceeding and may solicit comments and recommendations from the public by publishing an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) in the state register and on its agency website, and indicating where, when, and how persons may comment before the rulemaking process begins.” Through the ANPRM process, an agency can obtain feedback from members of the public and key stakeholders during the initial development of a rule.

On June 18, 2026, an amendment to R.I. Gen. Laws § 37-2-31(c) became law, requiring:

On or before July 1, 2027, the chief purchasing officer within the department of administration shall promulgate rules for a state agency to evaluate, solicit, or enter into a public-private partnership agreement. The rules shall reflect the intent to promote and encourage the use of public-private partnerships in the state. The chief purchasing officer shall consult with design-builders, progressive design-builders, construction managers, other contractors and design professionals, including engineers and architects, labor organizations, and other appropriate professionals during the development of the rules.

Pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 37-2-31(c), the Department of Administration is seeking feedback from design-builders, progressive design-builders, construction managers, other contractors and design professionals, including engineers and architects, labor organizations, and other appropriate professionals. General members of the public are also invited to submit comments in response to this ANPRM.

Attached is an initial working draft of the P3 regulations, which will become a part of 220-RICR-30-00-8. This initial working draft is intended to support early public review and feedback. Commenters are requested to provide substantive feedback on the proposed content and implementation considerations. Feedback provided will be reviewed and considered when finalizing the draft regulation that will be posted for further public comment pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-35-2.7.