February 4, 2015

2015 Washington Public Contracting Legislation Update

By Zak Tomlinson

Via the Association of Washington Cities, the House Capital Budget Committee is set to hear several public contracting bills this Friday:

 

  • Bidder Responsibility:  HB 1711 would modify RCW 39.04.350 to expressly allow public entities to include (as supplemental bid criteria) “requirements that the bidder is qualified and how much experience with the type of project being bid on.”
  • Bond in Lieu of Retainage:  HB 1575 would modify RCW 60.28.011 to require a contractor that provides a bond in lieu of retained funds to obtain such bond from a surety with an A- or higher rating.  
  • Subcontractor Listing:  HB 1754 would add “building envelope” subcontractors to the list of trades (in addition to HVAC, plumbing and electrical) that prime contractors are required to identify pursuant to RCW 39.30.060 (the subcontractor listing statute applicable to public works projects expected to cost $1 million or more).