Who authorizes the use of state contracts for purchasing?

The Division of Purchase and Property is responsible for authorizing the use of state contracts for purchasing in New Jersey. This division is part of the Department of the Treasury and oversees procurement activities at the state level, ensuring that all purchasing practices comply with established laws and regulations.

The use of state contracts allows municipalities to leverage the purchasing power of the state government, leading to potentially lower prices and streamlined processes. By centralizing authorization within the Division of Purchase and Property, the state promotes consistency in procurement practices, lowers administrative costs for local entities, and enhances transparency.

This central authority plays a crucial role by maintaining a catalog of available state contracts and providing guidance to municipalities on how to utilize these contracts effectively. Therefore, the correct answer reflects the organizational structure of purchasing authority in New Jersey, emphasizing the role of the Division of Purchase and Property as the key entity managing state contract use.