FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 1738

C 132 L 13

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Authorizing political subdivisions to purchase certain technology and services from the United States government.

Sponsors: Representatives Hayes, Sells, Seaquist, Dunshee and Ryu.

House Committee on Local Government

Senate Committee on Governmental Operations

Background:

Generally, all state agency purchases of or contracts for goods (i.e., products, materials, supplies, or equipment provided by a contractor) must be based on a competitive solicitation process. Competitive solicitation is a documented formal process providing an equal and open opportunity to bidders and culminating in a selection based on predetermined criteria. Intergovernmental agreements awarded to any governmental entity, whether federal, state, or local and any department, division, or subdivision of that entity, are exempt from competitive solicitation.

Notwithstanding the general requirement of competitive solicitation, political subdivisions of the state may purchase supplies, materials, or equipment from the federal government without calling for bids. The political subdivision must be authorized by ordinance or resolution of its legislative body to do so.

Municipalities, including cities, counties, towns, and various special purpose districts and public agencies, are authorized by statute to acquire electronic data processing or telecommunication equipment, software, or services through competitive negotiation rather than through competitive bidding. Competitive negotiation involves: (1) submitting a request for proposals to qualified sources and publishing it in a newspaper of general circulation; (2) evaluating the proposals received; and (3) selecting a qualified bidder whose proposal is most advantageous to the municipality.

Summary:

In addition to purchases of supplies, materials, and equipment, any political subdivision of the state may purchase electronic data processing and telecommunication equipment, software, and services from the federal government without calling for bids. However, the political subdivision must be authorized by ordinance or resolution of its legislative body to make such purchases.

Votes on Final Passage: