SENATE BILL REPORT

ESHB 1754

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.

Title: An act relating to adding building envelope to the list of building trades that a prime contractor must list for bids on public works.

Brief Description: Adding building envelope to the list of building trades that a prime contractor must list for bids on public works.

Sponsors: House Committee on Capital Budget (originally sponsored by Representatives Buys, Dunshee, Muri, Haler, Senn, Ormsby, Sullivan and Smith).

Background: Most public works construction projects are procured using an architect selected by the public body. The architect develops the plans and specifications that contractors bid on. The low responsive bidder is awarded the contract to perform the work described in the plans and specifications. Contractors that provide the bid are referred to as the prime contractor and they may subcontract portions of the work to other specialized contractors. Current state law requires that for projects expected to cost over $1 million the prime contractor identify subcontractors that will perform specialty work including mechanical and electrical systems.

Summary of Bill: The prime contractor must submit a list of the building envelope subcontractors to the public body when the intent to award the contract is made. The building envelope is defined to be the elements of the building that separate the building's interior from the building's exterior.