Proposed New State Bar Rule 6.92 Regarding General Procurement
The State Bar seeks public comment on proposed new rule 6.92 that would codify its existing procurement practices.
Deadline: July 3, 2026, 11:59 p.m. (45 days)
Direct comments to
Comments should be submitted using the online Public Comment Form. The online form allows you to input your comments directly and can also be used to upload your comment letter and/or other attachments.
Background
Pursuant to Business and Professions Code section 6008.6, “[t]he State Bar shall establish a request for proposal procedure by rule, pursuant to the general standards established in Article 4 (commencing with Section 10335) of Chapter 2 of Part 2 of Division 2 of the Public Contract Code.” The State Bar’s current policies, procedures, and guidelines for procurement of goods and services are formalized in the State Bar’s GPM. The procedures documented in the GPM, including the Request for Proposal (RFP) procedure, are consistent with the general standards set forth in the Public Contract Code. Documentation of the State Bar’s procurement policies, including an RFP process, within the GPM reflects a long-standing State Bar practice, dating back to at least 2010. Periodically, the GPM has been updated to include revisions as processes and policies change. The revisions have historically been documented by the procurement team and approved internally, primarily by the Executive Director. Moreover, the GPM has been periodically reviewed by the Audit Committee, the Board of Trustees, and the California State Auditor for compliance. In 2013, the California State Auditor’s report (2013-030) specifically noted that “the State Bar is complying with the contracting requirements of the State Bar Act,” and pointed out that the State Bar’s adoption of the GPM adheres “generally to the requirements of Article 4” of the Public Contract Code, thus satisfying the requirements of Business and Professions Code section 6008.6.
Discussion/proposal
Despite the State Bar’s formal documentation of its RFP process, there is no formal State Bar rule. Accordingly, the State Bar is proposing new State Bar rule 6.92, as set forth in Attachment A. This rule will codify the State Bar’s existing use of the GPM, which must include the RFP process, and will authorize the Executive Director, or their designee, to approve revisions and amendments to the GPM as necessary, consistent with applicable law. This rule will formally memorialize the State Bar’s existing procurement practices, consistent with statutory requirements.
Comments should be submitted using the online Public Comment Form. The online form allows you to input your comments directly and can also be used to upload your comment letter and/or other attachments.
