SENATE BILL REPORT

ESHB 2374

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 Senate Committee On:

Governmental Operations, February 24, 2014

Title: An act relating to making nonsubstantive changes to procurement law.

Brief Description: Making nonsubstantive changes to procurement law.

Sponsors: House Committee on Government Operations & Elections (originally sponsored by Representative S. Hunt).

Brief History: Passed House: 2/12/14, 98-0.

Committee Activity: Governmental Operations: 2/24/14 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Roach, Chair; Benton, Vice Chair; Hasegawa, Ranking Member; Conway and McCoy.

Staff: Karen Epps (786-7424)

Background: In 2011 laws were enacted consolidating procurement functions of the Department of General Administration, the Department of Information Services, and the Office of Financial Management into the newly created Department of Enterprise Services (DES). DES was tasked with effecting the reform and consolidation of state procurement practices and providing a report to the Governor with procurement reform recommendations by December 31, 2011.

Legislation reflecting these recommendations was enacted in 2012. DES is tasked with oversight of state procurement of goods and services. DES adopted uniform policies and procedures and provides training on best practices for state procurement.

Agencies must submit sole source contracts to DES and make the contracts available for public inspection not less than ten days before the proposed starting date of the contract. Agencies with procurement authority must develop clear and transparent complaint and protest processes.

DES may debar a contractor, individual, or other entity from submitting a bid, having a bid considered, or entering into a state contract for a period up to three years as a result of certain offenses or misconduct relating to contracts. Agencies must provide DES with a list of all contracts that the agency entered into or renewed on an annual basis.

Summary of Bill: Changes are made to correct statutory cross references and repeal outdated provisions of law pertaining to procurement.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: None.

Persons Testifying: No one.