Audit Finding on Competitive Bidding and Prevailing Wage Violations

The Washington State Auditor's Office issued a finding on December 1, 2008 noting that the Shoreline Fire Department (King County Fire District No. 4) did not comply with competitive bid and prevailing wage laws on two public works contracts issued in 2007.

On both projects, the District failed to obtain a Statement of Intent to Pay Prevailing Wages, approved by the Department of Labor and Industries, from the contractor and all subcontractors, prior to issuing the first payment to the contractors as required by RCW 39.12.040.

In addition, one of the projects, an almost $18,000 public works project for installing lightning protection at one of their fire stations, the District did not formally bid the project or use the Small Works Roster authorized by RCW 39.04.155. Instead, a contractor with a history of performing satisfactory work for the District was selected without any competition.

To read the complete audit finding from the State Auditor's Office and the Fire District's response, click here.

If you are concerned about the compliance of your agency with competitive bidding and prevailing wage regulations, please contact me for a comprehensive assessment of your agency's practices, or to discuss training to help educate your agency's personnel.