Just three weeks into the legislative session and several proposals addressing public works procurement law have come forward. Yet another has emerged: HB 1621, from Rep. Cindy Ryu, (D–Shoreline) seeks to standardize local government procurement rules for first- and second-class cities, and towns. The bill proposes several changes according to the following classes:

Towns and second-class cities:

• Can complete a public work by contract or day labor without calling for bids if the estimated budget doesn’t exceed $150,000 (up from the current $116,155).
• Any purchase of supplies, material, or equipment (except for public work or improvement) with an estimated cost over $40,000 must be by contract. Any purchase of materials, supplies, or equipment estimated to cost less than $50,000 must be made using the informal vendor list process (RCW 39.04.190).

First-class cities:

If the lowest bidder for a city project has completed a project for that city within the previous three years which was late, over budget, or did not meet specifications, the city may choose the second lowest bidder whose bid is within 5% of the lowest bid and meets the specified criteria.

Towns and first- and second-class cities:

Regularly employed personnel can, without a contract, perform work that follows accepted industry practice. More specifically, they can perform work, without a contract, using material whose worth is under $300,000 in value. The $300,000 limit does not include the value of the individual items of equipment.

AWC seeks city input on the bill. Please contact AWC staff if your city has feedback to share.

Please contact AWC staff if your city has feedback to share.

Date to remember

HB 1621 is scheduled for public hearing in the House Local Government committee on Wednesday, February 1 at 8 am.