The bill seeks to amend the Code of West Virginia concerning government construction contracts, particularly focusing on the bidding process and establishing a framework for construction management at-risk contracts. Key provisions include a bid validity period of 60 days, a clarified definition of "lowest qualified responsible bidder," and requirements for public entities to solicit competitive bids for projects exceeding $25,000. It also outlines procedures for negotiating contracts when bids exceed budgeted amounts, emphasizing confidentiality regarding budget limits and capping any negotiated changes to a ten percent alteration in cost from the original bid.

Additionally, the bill introduces the Government Construction Management At-Risk Contracts Act, which permits state entities to engage in construction management at-risk contracts for projects with an estimated cost greater than $5 million. It mandates a two-step selection process for construction managers, including a qualifications phase and a request for proposals phase, with an evaluation committee responsible for assessing proposals based on defined criteria. The legislation aims to enhance efficiency and transparency in government contracting while ensuring compliance with established standards, and it includes provisions for specialty maintenance projects, standardized forms for contracts, and annual reporting to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance. A sunset provision is also included, stating that the article will expire after July 1, 2030, unless reenacted by the Legislature.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 5-22-1, 5-22-2, 5-22-4, 5-22B-1, 5-22B-2, 5-22B-3, 5-22B-4, 5-22B-5, 5-22B-6, 5-22B-7, 5-22B-8, 5-22B-9, 5-22B-10, 5-22B-11, 5-22B-12, 5-22B-13, 5-22B-14, 5-22B-15, 5-22B-16, 5-22B-17, 5-22B-18, 5-22B-19