This bill amends various sections of the Idaho Code concerning procurement by political subdivisions, particularly focusing on exclusions from procurement requirements and the public works construction procurement process. It raises the threshold for certain procurement exclusions, increasing the limit for public works construction from $50,000 to $100,000 and for services or personal property from $75,000 to $100,000. The bill also revises the procurement procedures for public works construction valued between $100,000 and $250,000, establishing a more structured bidding process that allows for fewer than three bids under specific circumstances.

Additionally, the bill introduces two categories of competitive bidding: Category A, open to all licensed public works contractors, and Category B, which requires preliminary qualifications. It mandates that written objections to specifications or bidding procedures must be submitted at least three business days before the bid opening, and it specifies that Category B bids cannot be withdrawn after the opening time. The bill also outlines requirements for bid security, detailing acceptable forms and processes for handling situations where the successful bidder fails to execute the contract. It includes a provision that requires documentation and communication of reasons if a contract is awarded to a bidder other than the apparent low bidder. An emergency clause indicates that the bill will take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 67-2803, 67-2805, 67-2806