This bill amends Section 67-5711C of the Idaho Code, which governs the competitive bidding process for public works construction contracts. The key changes include raising the threshold for projects requiring formal bidding from twenty-five thousand dollars to fifty thousand dollars. Additionally, the bill stipulates that for projects with a written cost estimate exceeding fifty thousand dollars but below the public works limit, agencies must solicit at least three informal bids from licensed contractors if they do not use their existing staff for the work. Adequate public notice for these informal bids must be provided at least seven days prior to the bid submission deadline.

Furthermore, the bill includes a provision that prohibits the acceptance or denial of bids based on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards, ensuring that procurement decisions are based solely on objective criteria related to the specifications of the solicitation and the qualifications of the bidders. The bill declares an emergency, making it effective on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 67-5711C