State panel reviews outsourcing of contracts

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ A state House committee is considering a change that would require state contracts to be made only with US or Oklahoma companies. <br/><br/>The panel met yesterday to begin a review

Tuesday, November 16th 2004, 8:28 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ A state House committee is considering a change that would require state contracts to be made only with US or Oklahoma companies.

The panel met yesterday to begin a review of out-of-country outsourcing. The meeting was prompted after lawmakers learned the Department of Human Services had a contract with a call center in India to handle questions about food stamps.

Committee chairman Joe Sweeden of Pawhuska says he doesn't like the idea of state contracts going out of state.

State purchasing director Tom Jaworsky says Oklahoma currently has $3.5-million in out-of-country contracts. Nearly $2-million of that is with companies in Canada.

Jaworsky told the panel there is no statute that prevents companies from subcontracting with overseas companies after winning a state bid.