2021 Senate Bill 642

End competitive bidding on state architectural, engineering and surveying contracts

Introduced in the Senate

Sept. 15, 2021

Introduced by Sen. Jim Ananich (D-27)

To revise state procedures for contracting for architectural, engineering or land surveying services by requiring officials to assess and rank vendors according to specified (and potentially subjective) criteria, and then try to negotiate a “fair and reasonable” contract with the “highest ranking” firm. The bill does not define “fair and reasonable,” and in the absence of competitive bidding it is not clear how a state department could unilaterally determine that amount. If officials don’t get the price they want they would repeat the process with the next “highest ranking” firm.

Referred to the Committee on Economic and Small Business Development

Dec. 14, 2021

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Jan. 27, 2022

Passed in the Senate 37 to 0 (details)

Received in the House

Jan. 27, 2022

Referred to the Committee on Regulatory Reform

Sept. 21, 2022

Reported without amendment

Without amendment and with the recommendation that the bill pass.

Dec. 8, 2022

Passed in the House 75 to 21 (details)

To revise state procedures for contracting for architectural, engineering or land surveying services by requiring officials to assess and rank vendors according to specified (and potentially subjective) criteria, and then try to negotiate a “fair and reasonable” contract with the “highest ranking” firm. The bill does not define “fair and reasonable,” and in the absence of competitive bidding it is not clear how a state department could unilaterally determine that amount. If officials don’t get the price they want they would repeat the process with the next “highest ranking” firm.