Background:
As of September 2025, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is exempt from the Public Contracting Code, except for surplus property and information technology related procurement.
Initial rules adopted in September 2025 updated and clarified how the agency utilizes this new exemption with clearly defined and articulated processes. Temporary rules were adopted in April 2026 to explicitly add requirements taken from the Department of Justice model rules to cover public improvement contracts as well as certain Architectural and
Engineering agreements. Specifically, rules are needed to require bonds, liquidated damages and other protections.
The proposed rules are needed to make temporary rules permanent and to clarify how the department will conduct procurements for construction projects.
Public Comment Period:
Public comments on the proposed rule changes are planned to begin on August 6th, 2026 at 8:00 am and close on August 31st at 5:00 pm.
- A public hearing via zoom will be held on August 24, 2026 at 2:00pm to allow members of the public to provide testimony. Registration is required to attend.