N.C. Gov. signs contracting order, creates small biz commissioner

According to an executive order signed last week, North Carolina-based contractors who are competing for state work against an out-of-state company will be given a price-matching opportunity if the bids are within a specified range. Governor Bev Perdue said Executive Order No. 50 will give North Carolina businesses a much needed boon to their businesses.

“This order can help save and grow jobs right here in North Carolina,” Gov. Perdue said in a statement. “At a time when North Carolina companies are looking hard for customers, this change will give them a better chance to compete for business, stay in business, and grow their business.”

According to the terms of the order, a qualified North Carolina company whose bid price is within 5 percent or $10,000 of the lowest bid, whichever is less, will be given an opportunity to match the price of the out-of-state low bidder and be awarded the state contract.

In addition to this executive order, Gov. Perdue appointed Scott Daugherty as the state’s first Small Business Commissioner. The realignment of small business services under one organization will align operations through a cooperative agreement between the Department of Commerce, the University of North Carolina system, North Carolina State University and the North Carolina Community College System.

Daugherty currently serves as the executive director of the Small Business and Technology Development Center.