"We all have to remember, the money we spend doesn't belong to us - it belongs to Oklahoma taxpayers," said Governor Stitt. "Oklahomans expect my administration to steward each tax dollar well, and that's exactly what we're going to do. It makes no sense for state agencies who pay the salaries of communications staff to outsource work to PR firms via sole source contracts. It's wasteful and we're putting a stop to it statewide."

Executive Order 2024-12 prohibits state agencies from entering into sole source contracts with public relations, marketing, or communications firms and vendors and mandates, unless there is a statutory directive to the contrary, that all contracts with PR vendors be procured through a minimum 30-day request for proposal. The executive order also mandates that agreements currently in place that were secured via sole source shall not be renewed and shall terminate at the end of the current contractual term and implements restrictions on future contracts.

Executive Order 2024-12 underscores the Stitt administration's commitment to conservative governance and safeguarding tax dollars by implementing strict guidelines and regulations for state agencies:

• Ending Sole Source and Statewide Contracts with PR Vendors: State agencies are prohibited from entering into sole source contracts with public relations, marketing, or communications firms or vendors. All contracts will be required to undergo a 30-day RFP process.
• Eliminating Political Influence: PR firms and vendors with active campaign-related or state question initiative contracts are banned from contracting with state agencies.
• Cracking Down on Lobbying: State agencies are prohibited from entering into contracts with PR vendors who employ registered lobbyists, and contracts must be immediately terminated if a vendor is caught participating in unregistered lobbying.

The executive order goes into effect immediately and will be distributed to OMES, the directors of state agencies, and the Governor's advisors to ensure full implementation.

Executive Order 2024-12 can be read in full here.