HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                      Olympia, Washington

Bill Analysis      Bill No.  HB 1075

Increasing the monetary limit for use of the

small works roster by port districts

Brief Title                             Hearing Date:  1/26/99

Reps.  D. Schmidt and Romero              Staff:  Scott McColl

Sponsor(s)                          State Government Committee

                                              Phone:  786-7106

BACKGROUND:

Cities, counties and special districts have three distinct options for contracting public works projects.  Generally, any project estimated under a certain dollar figure may be performed by public works employees.  Above that limit, and up to a higher limit, local governments may use the small works roster process in lieu of the open competitive sealed bid process.  Above the higher dollar limit contracts must be awarded using formal competitive bidding.

Port districts are currently required to use the open competitive sealed bid process for any project estimated to cost over $100,000, and may use the small works roster process for contracts estimated at $100,000 or under.

The small works roster process as defined in RCW 39.04.155 is used in lieu of the sealed bid process for awarding public works contracts.  A small works roster consists of all responsible contractors who have requested to be on the list, and where by law are properly licensed or registered to perform work in the state of Washington.  When using the small works roster, port districts must invite at least five quotations from contractors whenever possible.  This process can only be used for contracts valued under a dollar limit set in statute by each individual district.  The current port district dollar limit for small works roster process contracts are projects estimated $100,000 or less.

SUMMARY:

Port district contracting process are changed as follows:

(1) Increases the dollar limit for public works projects eligible for the small works roster process from projects estimated to cost $100,000 or less up to $200,000 or less.

(2) Increases the dollar amount for projects required to use the open competitive sealed bid process from costs estimated to be over $100,000 to costs estimated to be over $200,000.

FISCAL NOTE:  Not requested.

EFFECTIVE DATE:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.