HB 1367

Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS

Local Government Committee

HB 1367

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.

Brief Description: Authorizing fire station projects that cost less than ten thousand dollars to proceed without a formal bidding process.

Sponsors: Representatives Simpson, Hinkle, Kristiansen, Ericks, Roberts, Dunn and Springer.

Brief Summary of Bill

Increases the exemption amount for qualified contracted work that does not required a formal sealed bidding procedure by fire protection districts from $2,500 to $10,000.

Hearing Date: 1/25/07

Staff: Jessica Nowakowski (786-7291).

Background:

Fire protection districts provide fire and emergency services to protect life and property outside of cities and towns not already served by a fire district. Fire protection districts are governed by a board of commissioners that manage and conduct the business affairs of the district, execute all necessary contracts, employ any necessary services, and adopt reasonable rules to govern the district. A formal sealed bidding procedure is required for both purchases and contracts for purchases executed by the fire protection district board of commissioners.

Formal sealed bidding procedures for fire protection districts are not required for:

Contracting work involving the construction or improvement of a fire station or other buildings where the estimated cost (including labor, materials, and equipment) will not exceed $2,500;
The purchase of any materials, supplies, or equipment if the cost will not exceed $10,000. If the amount does not exceed $50,000, the commissioners may use award contracts by resolution;
Contracts using the small works roster process; and
Any contract for purchases or public works that are exempt from the public works competitive bidding process.

Additional exemptions are specified under the public works competitive bidding process for purchases that are clearly and legitimately limited to a single source of supply, involve special facilities or market conditions, or are purchases of insurance or bonds. In the event of a declared emergency, purchases or public works by a municipality are also exempt from the bidding process.

Summary of Bill:

Fire protection districts are exempt from undergoing a formal sealed bidding procedure for work contracted for the construction or improvements of a fire station or other building that will not exceed $10,000. The estimated cost must include all labor, materials, and equipment.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.