OPRD release - (SALEM, Ore.) –The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking public comment and will hold a hearing on proposed updates to procurement and contracting rules.  OPRD was exempted from procurement and printing requirements during the 2025 legislative session (SB 838). OPRD adopted initial rules implementing this change in September 2025. The agency adopted additional temporary rules in April 2026 to ensure clarity on construction contracts for public improvement projects and architectural and engineering agreements.  The proposed rules make permanent previously adopted temporary rules and add additional clarity around construction contracting requirements included in Oregon Department of Justice model rules for procurement.  How to submit comments - Public comments on the proposed rule changes will be accepted until Aug. 31, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. You can submit written comments on the rulemaking web page, by email to [email protected] or by mail to:  Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, Attn: Katie Gauthier, 725 Summer St. NE, Suite C, Salem, OR 97301.  A virtual public hearing will be held on Aug. 24, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. to allow members of the public to provide testimony. Join the hearing via Zoom.  What’s next:  Once the public comment period closes, OPRD staff will review all comments, revise the draft rules as appropriate, and present a final proposal to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission for consideration.  For more information, visit the Procurement and Public Contracting rulemaking website.