SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 1196

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.

As Reported by Senate Committee On:

Government Operations & Elections, March 17, 2009

Title: An act relating to increasing the dollar limits for small works roster projects.

Brief Description: Increasing the dollar limit for small works roster projects.

Sponsors: Representatives Haigh, Kristiansen, Hunt and Armstrong; by request of Capital Projects Advisory Review Board.

Brief History: Passed House: 2/23/09, 95-1.

Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 3/17/09 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Fairley, Chair; Oemig, Vice Chair; Roach, Ranking Minority Member; McDermott, Pridemore and Swecker.

Staff: Edward Redmond (786-7471)

Background: State agencies and local governments may use the small works roster process to award contracts for public works projects estimated to cost $200,000 or less. An agency or local government electing to use this process must solicit bids from at least five contractors who have requested to be listed on a small works roster. A single roster may be created or different rosters may be formed based on such factors as the specialty or category of work to be done and the geographic location of the project. The agency or local government, if it decides to award the contract, awards the contract to the lowest responsible bidder. The agency or local government must make an effort to equitably distribute the opportunity among contractors on the roster if the bids are solicited from less than all the contractors on the roster.

If the estimated cost of the work is between $100,000 and $200,000 and the state agency or local government chooses to solicit bids from less than all the appropriate contractors, the remaining contractors on the roster must be notified that quotations on the work are being sought.

Summary of Bill: The maximum dollar amount permitted for use of the small works roster process is increased to $300,000. The monetary range requiring notification to be given to all contractors on the roster is raised to $150,000 and $300,000.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The small works roster process is more efficient because it reduces the time and money used for advertising projects. By using the small works roster, counties can deliver more projects at a faster and cheaper rate. This bill adjusts current monetary limits upward to reflect inflation. The bill has the unanimous support of all interested parties.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Tom Henderson, State Board for Community and Technical Colleges; John Lynch, Department of General Administration; Bob Maruska, Capital Projects Advisory Review Board.