Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
State Government Committee

HB 1173

Brief Description:  Purchasing material, supplies, or equipment by fire districts.

Sponsors:  Representatives Mulliken and Dunshee.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Raises the limit for fire district purchases exempt from the sealed bid process from $4,500 to $10,000.

$Raises the limit for fire district purchases that use an alternative bid process from $10,000 to $50,000.

Hearing Date:  2/12/01

Staff:  Catherine Blinn (786‑7114).

Background: 

Whenever practicable, fire districts are required to make purchases and make contracts for public works based on a competitive bid process.  A formal sealed bid procedure must be used for purchases unless the purchase qualifies for an exception.  One exception is the purchase of materials, supplies, or equipment when the total cost will not exceed $4,500.

Even if the purchase of materials, supplies, or equipment does exceed $4,500, the commissioners may, by resolution, use an alternative bid process when the total estimated cost does not exceed $10,000.  This alternative bid process allows the fire district to secure telephonic or written quotes from at least three different vendors.  The alternative bid process must assure that a competitive price is established and that the contract is awarded to the lowest responsible bidder.  These contracts must be open to public inspection but need not be advertised.

Summary of Bill: 

A formal sealed bid procedure is not required for purchases of materials, supplies, or equipment when the total cost will not exceed $10,000.  For purchases that do exceed $10,000, the commissioners may use the alternative bid process when the total estimated cost does not exceed $50,000.

Rulemaking Authority:  No express authority.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.

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