HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 2274
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 Reported by House Committee On:
Local Government
Title: An act relating to increasing competitive bid limits for the purchase of materials, equipment, or supplies.
Brief Description: Increasing competitive bid limits for the purchase of materials, equipment, or supplies.
Sponsors: Representatives McIntire, B. Sullivan and Lovick.
Brief History:
Local Government: 2/26/07 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 7 members: Representatives Simpson, Chair; Eddy, Vice Chair; Curtis, Ranking Minority Member; Schindler, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Ross, B. Sullivan and Takko.
Staff: Thamas Osborn (786-7129).
Background:
Purchase Contracts and Competitive Bidding by Local Governments
Local governments generally are allowed to purchase materials, supplies, and equipment
below a certain dollar value without following a competitive bidding procedure. Formal
competitive bidding procedures must be followed for purchases above a certain dollar value,
with exceptions for emergency purchases and sole source purchases.
"Vendor List" Purchasing Contract Procedure
Legislation was enacted in 1993 establishing a uniform vendor list procedure for a number of
different types of local governments to award medium dollar valued contracts for purchasing
materials, supplies, equipment, or services.
A vendor list is established by publishing a notice, at least twice a year, soliciting vendors for
inclusion on the list and initiating procedures for securing telephone or written quotations
from at least three different vendors on the list. The purpose of this process is to ensure that a
competitive price is established and the award is made to the lowest responsible bidder.
Requirements for Small Value County Purchasing Contracts
State law requires that a county must dispense with the formal bidding process and, instead,
use the uniform "vendor list" contracting procedure for purchases of between $2,500 and
$5,000.
The county legislative authority is given broad discretion with respect to purchases of less
than $2,500 and no specific procedures are required by statute.
Summary of Bill:
Increases the threshold purchase amount from $2,500 to $5,000 before a county must use
specified vendor list procedures in awarding purchase contracts.
Eliminates specified contracting requirements with respect to county purchases of less than
$5,000.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) The bid limit for county purchases was last raised in 1993 and is long past due
for revision. Bid limits need to be raised in order to simplify the process for making small to
medium value purchases. Passage of the bill will make the bidding process much simpler,
reduce paperwork, and result in cost-saving efficiencies. Such streamlining will be of great
benefit to counties.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Kevin Hughes, Snohomish County; and Julie Murray, Washington State Association of Counties.