HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                      Olympia, Washington

Bill Analysis      Bill No.  HB 1766

Requiring identification of subcontractors in bids on public works.

Brief Title                              Hearing Date: 2/24/99

Reps. Romero, McMorris                   Staff:  Scott MacColl

Sponsor(s)                          State Government Committee

                                              Phone:  786-7106

BACKGROUND:

General contractors who bid on public works contracts in excess of $100,000 or more are required to submit as part of the bid, or within one hour after the published bid submittal time, the names of all subcontractors whose subcontract amount is more than 10 percent of the contract price.  Failure to list these subcontractors in the manner prescribed by statute renders the bid void.

These contracts are specifically designated for the construction, alteration, or repair of any public building or public work of the state or a state agency or municipality, institute of higher education, or a school district.

SUMMARY:

The dollar bid threshold requiring general contractors to list the names of all subcontractors as part of the bid is raised from in excess of $100,000 to $1 million or more.

The general contractor only has to list subcontractors for specific areas of work and may not list more than one subcontractor for each category of work.  The specific areas of work are defined as heating, ventilation and air conditioning, plumbing, and electrical work.  This may only change if subcontractors vary with bid alternatives, in which case the bidder must indicate which subcontractor will be used for which alternate.  This requirement applies only to those subcontractors who will contract directly with the general contractor submitting the bid to the public entity.

Failure to submit names of subcontractors, or for the bidder to name itself to perform such work, or the naming of two or more subcontractors to perform the same work will render the bid void.

FISCAL NOTE:  Not requested.

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