Section 50-5-61. State and local authorities to give preference to supplies, materials, and agricultural products produced in Georgia; determination as to reasonableness of preference

   (a) State and local authorities created by law, in the purchase of and contracting for any supplies, materials, equipment, and agricultural products, excluding beverages for immediate consumption, shall give preference as far as may be reasonable and practicable to such supplies, materials, equipment, and agricultural products as may be manufactured or produced in this state. Such preference shall not sacrifice quality.

(b) In determining whether such a preference is reasonable in any case where the value of a contract for or purchase of such supplies, materials, equipment, or agricultural products exceeds $100,000.00, the state or local authority shall consider, among other factors, information submitted by the bidder which may include the bidder's estimate of the multiplier effect on gross state domestic product and the effect on public revenues of the state and the effect on public revenues of political subdivisions resulting from acceptance of a bid or offer to sell Georgia manufactured or produced goods as opposed to out-of-state manufactured or produced goods. Any such estimates shall be in writing. No state or local authority shall divide a contract or purchase which exceeds $100,000.00 for the purpose of avoiding the requirements of this subsection.

(c) Nothing in this Code section shall negate the requirements of Code Section 50-5-73.

Ga. L. 1976, p. 181, § 1; Ga. L. 2009, p. 204, § 4/SB 44.