§ 14-704

(a) In accordance with Title 10, Subtitle 1 of the State Government Article, the Office shall adopt regulations to implement this subtitle.

(b) The regulations shall establish procedures to be followed by units, certified local farms and certified Chesapeake invasive species providers, and successful bidders or offerors to maximize notice to, and the opportunity to participate in the food procurement process by, a broad range of local farms and Chesapeake invasive species providers.

(c) The regulations shall include provisions:

(1) designating the Office to certify and decertify local farms and Chesapeake invasive species providers for all units through a single process, including provisions that promote and facilitate the submission of some or all of the certification application through an electronic process;

(2) specifying that a unit may not allow a local farm or Chesapeake invasive species provider to participate as if it were a certified local farm or certified Chesapeake invasive species provider if the local farm’s or Chesapeake invasive species provider’s certification is pending;

(3) consistent with this subtitle, relating to any circumstances under which the Office may waive obligations of a unit relating to certified local farm and certified Chesapeake invasive species provider participation goals; and

(4) that the Office considers necessary or appropriate to:

(i) encourage participation by local farms and Chesapeake invasive species providers; and

(ii) protect the integrity of the procurement process.