SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6667

As of February 4, 2004

Title: An act relating to requiring the subcontractor listing to be read with the bid award.

Brief Description: Requiring the subcontractor listing to be read with the bid award.

Sponsors: Senators Winsley and Fairley.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 2/4/04.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS

Staff: Jennifer Arnold (786-7543)

Background: The procedures for identification of subcontractors in competitive bidding for public works are governed by statute and apply to the state, state agencies, local governments, and institutions of higher education. Invitations to bid on prime contracts for public works that cost $1 million or more for construction, alteration, or repair are subject to the statutory identification requirements.

Under these provisions, the prime contractor is required to submit the names of certain subcontractors, with whom the prime contractor, if awarded the bid, will subcontract. This information must be submitted as part of the bid or at the latest, within one hour after the published time for bid submission. The subcontractors that must be identified are those that will perform work in any one of three categories: (1) HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), (2) plumbing, or (3) electrical. If the prime contractor fails to submit the required information, the bid will be deemed non-responsive and thus, void.

Summary of Bill: The statutory procedures governing identification of subcontractors in competitive bidding for public works are revised. The information the prime contractor is required to submit regarding the names of subcontractors remains the same. However, additional procedural requirements are created, which provide that bids must not be publicly opened or read until all required subcontractors' names have been submitted by the prime contractor. The submitted subcontractors' names must be publicly read at the bid opening.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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