HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 314

BYRepresentatives H. Sommers,  Hankins and Belcher

Revising provisions relating to public works contracts.

House Committe on State Government

Majority Report:     Do Pass.  (7)

     Signed by Representatives H. Sommers, Chair; Peery, Vice Chair; Baugher, Hankins, O'Brien, Sayan and Walk.

House Staff:Pam Madson (786-7135)

AS PASSED HOUSE MARCH 19, 1987

BACKGROUND:

In awarding contracts for public works projects estimated at $25,000 or greater, the following state agencies must first complete a project advertisement and competitive bid process:  the departments of General Administration, Fisheries, and Game, and the State Parks and Recreation Commission.

Projects proposed by the above agencies estimated at less than $25,000 are exempt from the project advertisement and competitive bid requirements.  These projects instead require the proponent agency to solicit quotations from contractors chosen randomly from a small works roster, and to award the contract to the lowest bidder.

SUMMARY:

The bill raises from $25,000 to $50,000 the estimated cost below which public works projects are exempt from project advertisement and competitive bid requirements.

Fiscal Note:    Not Requested.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:     Jack Brown, Department of General Administration; and Duke Schaub, Associated General Contractors.

House Committee - Testified Against: None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:     State colleges and universities are currently permitted by statute to use a small works roster for public works projects estimated at less than $50,000.  The roster selection process saves these institutions money by avoiding more formal project advertisement and competitive bid procedures.  This bill would save four additional state agencies money by doubling to $50,000 the cost of projects below which they may use small works rosters.

House Committee - Testimony Against: None Presented.