Responsible Bidder Bill Signed

On April 19, 2007, Governor Christine Gregoire signed SHB 2010 that establishes mandatory bidder responsibility criteria for public works construction projects in the State of Washington. The legislation also enables a public agency to establish supplemental responsibility criteria relevant to a particular project. In addition, there are subcontractor responsibility criteria and contract language that must be in every public works contract and subcontract.

The legislation was developed by the Industry-Wide Subcommittee of the Capital Projects Advisory Review Board (CPARB), a group with participation by public agencies, contractors, subcontractors, and the labor community. I participated on this subcommittee and helped negotiate and draft the legislation. I am chairing a task force of the Industry-Wide Subcommittee to help develop suggested guidelines to help government agencies implement the new legislation. Let me know if you have any questions.