STATE USE PROGRAM

General Information
The Legislature created the State Use Committee to administer a procurement program to promote meaningful and gainful employment opportunities for persons with severe disabilities. (74 O.S., § 3001 et seq.) Statutes require the Department of Central Services to employ within the Purchasing Division, a contracting officer, appointed by the State Purchasing Director with the advice of the State Use Committee, to solicit, develop and negotiate contracts with qualified agencies and individuals for the program.

The Committee may certify qualified sheltered workshops and severely disabled individuals. The Committee designates by regulation a procurement schedule of products directly manufactured, produced, processed or assembled and services directly performed, offered or provided by a qualified entity, which the Committee determines suitable for procurement by a state agency. Program funds are directly related to the amount of sales by the vendors. One percent (1%) of all sales to a state entity from a qualified vendor are deposited into the State Use Revolving Fund for the sole purpose of promoting the program.