Which statute governs public purchasing in New Jersey?

The Local Public Contracts Law (LPCL) governs public purchasing in New Jersey, particularly at the local government level. It sets forth the procedures and requirements for the procurement of goods and services by municipalities, counties, and other local government entities. This law is designed to promote fair competition, ensure transparency in the procurement process, and establish a framework for the purchasing activities of local governments.

While the other statutes mentioned play important roles in different areas of public procurement in New Jersey, they do not exclusively govern the full scope of public purchasing at the local level. The New Jersey Procurement Code outlines procurement procedures for state entities, the Public School Contracts Law governs purchasing specifically for school districts, and the State Contracting Act relates to the procurement policies for state agencies. Each of these laws addresses specific aspects of public purchasing instead of the comprehensive framework provided by the LPCL for local entities.