Connecticut Senate Bill SB00850

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/27/11
• Refer: 1/27/11
• Report Pass: 3/1/11

Caption

An Act Concerning The Department Of Administrative Services, Department Of Transportation And Prequalification And Evaluation Of Contractors.

Impact

If passed, SB00850 will alter several sections of state statutes regarding contractor qualifications. It repeals existing regulations related to contractor prequalification and proposes new measures to deny prequalification certificates to contractors who may not meet specific legal standards or have poor performance evaluations in recent years. This legislative change is expected to enhance the overall quality of contractors eligible for state projects, thereby improving public works outcomes and promoting accountability.

Summary

SB00850 aims to revise and improve the prequalification and evaluation processes for contractors in the state, specifically under the jurisdiction of the Department of Administrative Services and the Department of Transportation. The bill seeks to establish clearer criteria regarding contractor evaluations, potentially influencing a bid's qualification for public works contracts. The proposed changes will not only clarify the process but are also aimed at ensuring that only responsible and qualified bidders are awarded contracts, which is a critical concern in state funding and infrastructure projects.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding SB00850 was cautiously supportive, stemming from both advocacy for responsible contractor management and the critique of existing standards. Supporters, including several lawmakers and state agencies, praised the bill for its potential to streamline the contractor evaluation process and protect public interests. However, there were concerns expressed about the implications this bill might have on smaller or less-established contractors, who may find it harder to navigate the newly defined prequalification landscape.

Contention

Notable points of contention among legislators focused on the balance between ensuring safety and quality in public contracting versus providing equitable opportunities for emerging contractors. Critics argued that the heightened standards might inadvertently exclude capable contractors who lack the extensive track record under the new measures. This discussion reflects a broader debate on the role of regulations in promoting fairness and quality in state contracting processes.