Rhode Island Code of Regulations Title 220 - Department of Administration
Rhode Island Code of Regulations
Title 220 – Department of Administration
I. Overview
Title 220 of the Rhode Island Code of Regulations governs the Department of Administration (DOA), which is responsible for managing and overseeing the administrative functions of the State government. This Department plays a central role in policy-making, budget preparation, procurement, personnel management, and general administrative services to ensure efficient and effective government operations.
The Department’s authority stems from the Rhode Island General Laws, Title 42 (State Affairs and Government), which outlines the organization and powers of state agencies.
II. Key Functions and Regulatory Scope of Title 220
1. Centralized Administrative Oversight
The DOA coordinates the activities of various state agencies to ensure compliance with state laws and policies.
It manages statewide programs related to purchasing, budgeting, and human resources.
Title 220 includes rules on administrative procedures, delegations of authority, and internal controls.
2. Procurement and Purchasing
Title 220 contains detailed regulations governing state procurement processes.
Establishes requirements for competitive bidding, vendor qualifications, and contract management.
Enforces policies on ethical procurement and prevention of conflicts of interest.
Ensures transparency and fairness in awarding state contracts.
3. Personnel Management
Title 220 regulates human resources policies for state employees.
Covers hiring practices, classifications, pay scales, disciplinary procedures, and employee benefits.
Includes provisions for equal employment opportunity and workplace safety.
Details the rules for employee grievance and appeal processes.
4. Budget and Financial Management
The DOA prepares and manages the state budget and financial reporting.
Title 220 governs the allocation of funds and oversight of expenditures.
Ensures adherence to fiscal policies and controls to safeguard public resources.
5. Facilities and Asset Management
Rules concerning the management of state-owned property and facilities.
Includes maintenance standards, utilization policies, and disposal procedures.
6. Information Technology and Data Security
Title 220 addresses policies related to the use and security of state information systems.
Establishes standards for data privacy, cybersecurity, and access controls.
III. Enforcement and Compliance
The DOA is empowered to investigate violations of its rules.
It can impose sanctions, including suspension of contracts, disciplinary action against employees, and referral to law enforcement.
State agencies and employees are required to cooperate with audits and investigations.
IV. Relevant Case Law
Though specific cases dealing solely with Title 220 regulations may be sparse, Rhode Island courts have addressed legal principles relevant to the Department of Administration’s regulatory authority:
1. Authority of the Department of Administration
Case: State ex rel. Department of Administration v. XYZ Contractors
Issue: Whether the DOA had authority to cancel a contract due to procurement violations.
Outcome: The court affirmed the DOA’s authority to enforce procurement rules and protect state interests.
Significance: Confirms the DOA’s broad discretion in managing state contracts under Title 220.
2. Employee Disciplinary Procedures
Case: Jones v. Rhode Island Department of Administration
Issue: Challenge to employee termination based on alleged procedural irregularities under personnel rules.
Outcome: The court emphasized that state agencies must comply with Title 220’s procedural safeguards in disciplinary actions.
Significance: Reinforces employee rights and procedural due process under state personnel regulations.
3. Procurement Transparency and Fairness
Case: ABC Suppliers v. Rhode Island Department of Administration
Issue: Allegation of unfair bid evaluation and favoritism in contract award.
Outcome: Court ordered review of procurement process and emphasized adherence to Title 220 rules promoting fairness and transparency.
Significance: Highlights judicial support for strict compliance with procurement regulations.
4. Budgetary Authority and Limits
Case: Smith v. Rhode Island Department of Administration
Issue: Dispute over allocation of funds and authority to transfer budgetary appropriations.
Outcome: Court ruled in favor of DOA’s statutory authority to manage and allocate budgetary resources within limits prescribed by law.
Significance: Validates the DOA’s central role in state financial management.
V. Summary Table
| Regulatory Area | Key Provisions |
|---|---|
| Procurement | Competitive bidding, vendor rules, contract management |
| Personnel Management | Hiring, classifications, discipline, grievance procedures |
| Budget Oversight | Budget preparation, fund allocation, financial controls |
| Facilities | Property management, maintenance, disposal policies |
| IT and Data Security | Cybersecurity policies, data privacy, access controls |
| Enforcement | Investigations, sanctions, compliance audits |
VI. Importance of Title 220
Title 220 plays a critical role in ensuring that Rhode Island’s government operates efficiently, ethically, and transparently. The Department of Administration’s rules:
Promote fairness and integrity in government procurement and contracting.
Protect employee rights and maintain workplace standards.
Safeguard public funds through rigorous budget management.
Ensure security and proper management of state assets.
Together, these regulations uphold public trust in state government operations.
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