SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6064

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As of January 25, 2012

Title: An act relating to authorizing regional transit authorities to use the job order contracting procedure.

Brief Description: Authorizing regional transit authorities to use the job order contracting procedure.

Sponsors: Senator Kline.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Transportation: 1/25/12.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Staff: Hayley Gamble (786-7452)

Background: Job order contracting is considered an alternative public works contracting procedure and was authorized for use by certain public entities in Washington in 2003. Under a job order contract, a contractor agrees to perform an indefinite quantity of public works jobs, defined by individual work orders, over a fixed period of time. The authority to use job order contracting is limited to the Department of General Administration (GA), the University of Washington (UW), Washington State University (WSU), certain cities and counties, port districts, certain public utility districts, school districts, and the state ferry system. The GA, the UW, and WSU may issue job order contract work orders for the state regional universities and The Evergreen State College.

A public agency may have not more than two job order contracts at any one time and each contract may not exceed $4 million in a contract year. Contracts are for two years with the option to renew for one additional year.

New job order contracts may not be authorized after June 30, 2013.

There is currently one regional transit authority in Washington State.

Summary of Bill: Regional transit authorities are added to the list of public entities that are permitted to use job order contracting.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill adds Sound Transit to the list of entities that can use job order contracting. Job order contracting is a competitive process. Job order contracting reduces the lead time of projects and simplifies the contracting process. It allows for quick response to urgent needs. Taxpayers would benefit from Sound Transit having the ability to use job order contracting. This bill supports small businesses.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Kline, prime sponsor; Linneth Riley-Hall, Sound Transit; Dan Seydel, CPARB Small Business Task Force.