EO_2019-12D.pdf

This is an Executive Order (2019-12D) issued by the State of Ohio Governor's office governing the expenditure of public funds for offshore services. The order applies to all State Cabinet Agencies, Boards, and Commissions and establishes a comprehensive prohibition on using state funds to purchase services provided outside the United States, whether through direct contracts or subcontracts. The order requires that all state procurement officers maintain standard language in executive agency contracts affirming compliance with the offshore services prohibition and mandating disclosure of all service locations and subcontractor business addresses. Proposals lacking required affirmations and disclosure statements will not be considered, and any proposal where services are proposed to be performed outside the United States will be rejected. The order was signed on March 4, 2019, and will expire ten calendar days after the Governor's last day in office unless rescinded before that date.

The order establishes broad exceptions for services necessary to support economic development efforts in Ohio, academic and instructional services for international missions of public colleges and universities, and emergency situations where the Director of the Department of Administrative Services may grant waivers. The Department of Administrative Services through Ohio's Chief Procurement Officer is responsible for ensuring compliance through training for all agency procurement officers and incorporation of order requirements into all procurement manuals, directives, policies, and procedures. The order does not contradict existing state or federal law and applies to all purchases of services made directly by executive agencies and services provided by subcontractors of those agencies.