Sec. 56.1085.  SPECIAL FEATURES FOR RELAY ACCESS SERVICE.  (a)  The commission may contract for a special feature for the state's telecommunications relay access service if the commission determines:
(1)  the feature will benefit the communication of persons with an impairment of hearing or speech;
(2)  installation of the feature will be of benefit to the state;  and
(3)  the feature will make the relay access service available to a greater number of users.
(b)  If the carrier selected to provide the telecommunications relay access service under Section 56.108 is unable to provide the special feature at the best value to the state, the commission may make a written award of a contract for a carrier to provide the special feature to the telecommunications carrier whose proposal is most advantageous to the state, considering:
(1)  the factors provided by Section 56.108(b);  and
(2)  the past performance, demonstrated capability, and experience of the carrier.
(c)  The commission shall consider each proposal in a manner that does not disclose the contents of the proposal to a telecommunications carrier making a competing proposal.
(d)  The commission's evaluation of a telecommunications carrier's proposal shall include the considerations provided by Section 56.108(d).
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1553, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.