Jan. 26, 2022
HARRISBURG – While the lowest bid is certainly the most attractive, it is not always in the best interest of taxpayers to accept it when it comes to projects. With that in mind, the House State Government Committee approved House Bill 2269 by Rep. Dawn Keefer (R-York/Cumberland) to require state officials to also consider a perspective contractor’s documented prior performance in other states.
“The saying ‘You get what you pay for’ especially holds true when it comes to the bidding process in Pennsylvania,” Keefer said. “Just because a bid is the lowest, doesn’t mean the overall end cost will be low.”
Current laws prevent procurement officials from taking a contractor’s documented performance in other states into consideration when awarding, renewing or extending a contract. Specifically, Keefer’s legislation would require state officials to dive deeper during the bidding process and consider a contractor’s work in other states.
Keefer’s
House Bill 2269 was part of a package of procurement reform bills approved by the committee today. The other bills are:
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House Bill 709 to require applicants for state contracts to submit a disclosure statement listing all campaign contributions made by the applicant or intermediary to any elected official, candidate for state or local office, or political committee.
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House Bill 1925 to authorize state procurement officials to consider a prospective contractor’s documented performance in other states or with other public entities prior to awarding, renewing or extending a Pennsylvania contract to that bidder.
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House Bill 2159 to ensure the emergency procurement process is only used in exigent circumstances.
The bills now go to the full House for consideration.
Representative Dawn Keefer
92nd Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Greg Gross
717.260.6374
ggross@pahousegop.com
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