Before the public agency selects the lowest bidder, make sure you know the rules
Public contractor? Know this man and his blog: Mike Purdy. Every time I decide to write an article on a public contracting subject, I find that Mike has already done something on the topic. Today, I aim to steer you in the right direction to find resources on how to get into this vast marketplace. Obviously, that discussion involves Mike’s wonderful blog.
Washington provides several options for contract procurement. Unlike some states, Washington lawmakers have given public agencies mobility and leeway to simplify and streamline procurement. In limited instances, agencies can select contractors without extensive competitive procedures.
There are a number of procurement procedures and every contractor should have a basic understanding of how each of these procedures works. For instance, in one year, you might bid on a general solicitation project, a small works roster project, and a job order contracting project. While similar in spirit, each of these processes have different requirements that you need to understand.
The best place to look – the law. The general public contracting procedures are laid out in RCW 39.04 and the alternative contracting procedures can be located in RCW 39.10. But, if you are just getting started with considering public projects, you should turn your attention first to a recent article that Mike posted on his blog.
Mike’s recent article outlines 7 different procurement procedures. These procedures include general solicitation (RCW 39.04), small works rosters (RCW 39.04.155), limited public works (under $35,000.00), and direct selection (applies to projects under a certain limit). It also includes a brief synopsis of 3 alternative procedures (RCW 39.10): Job order contracting, GC/CM and Design/Build.
Check out Mike’s article and take the time to review RCW 39.04 and 39.10, to ensure that you are aware of the requirements for each bidding procedure. Remember to review your bid solicitations so that you know which procedure a public agency will be utilizing. Its best to take a quick glance at the law for that procedure before putting together your bid.
Happy bidding.
