FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 1394

                                   C 39 L 90

BYHouse Committee on Agriculture & Rural Development (originally sponsored by Representatives Rayburn and Baugher)

Revising irrigation district bidding requirements.

House Committe on Agriculture & Rural Development

Senate Committee on Agriculture

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

With certain exceptions, if the board of directors of an irrigation district decides to purchase work or materials by contract, it must use a publicly conducted, sealed bidding procedure.

A sewer or water district may let a contract for a project using a small works roster if the cost of the project is less than $25,000.  An exception to the bidding requirements established for such districts is provided for purchases limited to a single source of supply and purchases involving special facilities, services, or market conditions that may be best secured by direct negotiation.  The requirements for public bids are also waived in certain emergencies.

SUMMARY:

The board of an irrigation district may use telephone or written bidding by persons on a small works roster to let a contract for a project costing less than $100,000.  The roster is composed of all responsible contractors who have requested to be on the list.  The roster must be revised annually.  Immediately after an award is made, the bid quotations must be recorded, open to public inspection, and available by telephone inquiry.

The provisions of irrigation district law requiring public bidding on contracts do not apply in certain emergencies. Nor do they apply to purchases that are clearly and legitimately limited to a single source of supply or to purchases involving special facilities, services, or market conditions, in which instances the purchase price may be best set by direct negotiation.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      House 97   0

      Senate    48     0

EFFECTIVE:June 7, 1990