SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 1841

As of March 13, 2013

Title: An act relating to electronic competitive bidding for state public works contracting.

Brief Description: Authorizing electronic competitive bidding for state public works contracting.

Sponsors: House Committee on Capital Budget (originally sponsored by Representatives Stonier, Warnick, Dunshee, Morrell, Ryu and Freeman; by request of Department of Enterprise Services).

Brief History: Passed House: 3/09/13, 97-0.

Committee Activity: Governmental Operations: 3/21/13.

Staff: Karen Epps (786-7424)

Background: State agencies enter into public works contracts with the low responsive bidder after competitive bidding is done on public work projects. Contractors wishing to bid on a public works project must deliver the bid in paper form to the bid location provided by the state agency.

Electronic bidding is the electronic transfer of proposed bidding data between the state agency and contractors bidding on public works projects. Electronic signatures are currently used by the Department of Enterprise Services for the bidding and purchase of goods and services.

The Office of the Chief Information Officer was created within the Office of Financial Management by the Legislature in 2011. Among the duties of the Chief Information Officer (CIO) is the establishment of standards and policies for the consistent and efficient operation of information technology services throughout state government.

Summary of Bill: Electronic signatures are authorized on public works bidding documents for state agencies. The CIO must develop policies for using electronic signatures in public works contracts.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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