HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                      Olympia, Washington

Bill Analysis      Bill No. HB 2403

Small Works Roster Contract Awards Process      Hrg. Date: 1/21/98 

Brief Title

Reps. D. Schmidt/Scott                                        Staff Contact: S. Lundin

Sponsor                                    Comm. on Govt. Admin.

                                           Phone: 786-7127

BACKGROUND:

1.   Local government small works rosters.

A uniform process is established in general law for local governments to award contracts for public works using a small works roster.  Specific laws for a local government establish the maximum dollar value of a public works project that may be awarded using this process.

A local government using a small works roster solicits telephone or written quotations for bids on a public works project.  Whenever possible at least five contractors are solicited.  Once a contractor has been afforded an opportunity to submit a bid on a public works project, that contractor is not solicited by that local government using the small works roster until all other appropriate contractors on the roster have been given an opportunity to bid on a project.

A bid solicitation must include an estimate of the scope and nature of the work to be performed and the materials and equipment to be furnished.

2.   Architects and engineers.

A public entity that procures architectural or engineering services must contract with the firm that is Amost qualified to provide the services required of the project.@

3.   State building code.

A state building code is established consisting of various codes.  Counties, cities, and towns must enforce these codes.

                                                     Continued

HB  2403 - Page 2

SUMMARY:

A local government soliciting bids for a public works project using a small works roster need not include detailed plans and specifications.

The local government small works roster process does not eliminate requirements for architectural and engineering approvals based upon quality or compliance with building codes.

FISCAL NOTE:  Not requested.

EFFECTIVE DATE:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.