FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 2183

C 145 L 03

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Adjusting the amount allowed for unbid sewer and water projects.

Sponsors: By Representatives Ericksen and Romero.

House Committee on Local Government

Senate Committee on Government Operations & Elections

Background:

A number of different laws establish procedures for state agencies, local governments, and special purpose districts to award contracts for public works projects and to purchase materials, supplies, equipment, and services. Requirements vary, but generally a contract for a relatively small dollar value may be awarded without following a competitive bidding procedure, while a contract for a relatively medium or high dollar value may only be awarded following a competitive bidding procedure.

Procedures to award a contract of a relatively medium dollar value are called a "small works roster" procedure, if the contract is for a public works project, or a "vendor list" procedure, if the contract is for the purchase of materials, supplies, or equipment. Frequently, bid solicitations using these procedures require soliciting bids from only a limited number of contractors or vendors on the vendor list and include some sort of requirement to equitably distribute the opportunity to bid on proposals.

Procedures for awarding a contract of a relatively high dollar value must be made using formal competitive bidding requirements, including publishing a request for the submission of sealed bids.

A contract for a water-sewer district project exceeding $5,000 may only be let using either formal competitive bidding requirements or the small works roster process.

Summary:

The threshold above which a water-sewer district may let contracts without competitive bidding procedures is raised from $5,000 to $10,000.

Votes on Final Passage:

House 96  0

Senate 49  0    (Senate amended)

House 97  0    (House concurred)

Effective: July 27, 2003