S.B. 1229 78 )    BILL ANALYSIS


S.B. 1229
By: Wentworth
County Affairs
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

In the last session, Harris County was given sole authority to use the
procurement tool known as mandatory pre-bid conference.  Prior to last
session, all counties used mandatory pre-bid meetings on a limited basis
to ensure that contractors fully understood the project
requirements/specifications prior to bidding. Contractors were required to
attend the meeting if they wanted to submit a bid. If they did not attend
the meeting, they could not submit a bid.  

These mandatory pre-bid meetings are essential in a limited number of
county projects. For example, a boiler replacement at a jail: The
contractors need to look at the actual job site and all its limitations,
etc. If not, a contractor could claim they weren't aware that the
necessary work space was so small, etc. thus increasing the chances of
contract disputes. This is just another procurement tool to protect the
county's best interest and control cost. 

The purpose of SB 1229 is to provide all counties with the option of using
a pre-bid conference. This tool enhances a county's ability to effectively
conduct its purchasing activities. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or
institution. 

ANALYSIS

Section 1. Amends Section 262.0256(a), Local Government Code, to remove
the population bracket of 2.8 million in order to provide all counties the
option to conduct a mandatory pre-bid conference. 

Section 2. Amends Section 271.0565(a), Local Government Code, to remove
the population bracket of 2.8 million in order to provide all counties the
option to conduct a mandatory pre-bid conference. 

Section 3. Effective date is September 1, 2003


EFFECTIVE DATE

This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of
all members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III,
Texas Constitution.  If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for
immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2003.