The bill HB168 amends the Code of Alabama 1975 concerning public works contracts, primarily increasing the competitive bidding threshold from $50,000 to $100,000. Key insertions include new requirements for contractors to execute performance and payment bonds, with civil actions related to these bonds only initiated after written notice to the surety. The bill also allows for electronic publication of notices and submission of sealed bids, enhancing the efficiency of the bidding process. Additionally, it modifies notice procedures for contract completion, allowing contractors to publish completion notices on various electronic platforms, and stipulates that final settlements cannot occur until 30 days after such notices are published.

Moreover, the bill outlines exceptions to the bidding requirements for contracts related to heating and air conditioning systems under certain conditions, and allows for emergency contracts to be awarded without public advertisement if immediate harm is possible, provided the emergency is declared in writing. It also shifts oversight of sole source materials from the Division of Construction Management to the Division of Real Property Management, mandates documentation availability for sole source specifications, and clarifies that contracts must be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder. The bill establishes penalties for collusion among bidders and emphasizes that advance disclosure of bid terms will void the bidding process. Overall, HB168 aims to streamline public works contracting while ensuring accountability and transparency.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 41-16-50, 41-16-51, 41-16-52, 41-16-53, 41-16-54, 41-16-55