Connecticut House Bill HB05270

Connecticut 2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/18
• Refer: 2/27/18
• Report Pass: 3/23/18
• Refer: 4/6/18
• Report Pass: 4/12/18

Caption

An Act Prohibiting Bid Shopping.

Impact

If passed, HB 5270 would introduce new regulations that require general contractors to adhere to clear guidelines when submitting bids for public projects. It mandates that any sub-bid exceeding a set threshold must be disclosed in the general contractor's bid submission. This change is expected to foster transparency and fairness in the bidding process for public contracts, ultimately protecting the interests of subcontractors and ensuring a fair competitive environment.

Summary

House Bill 5270, known as the 'Act Prohibiting Bid Shopping,' was proposed to eliminate the unethical practice known as bid shopping in public construction projects. Bid shopping occurs when a general contractor, after obtaining a bid from a subcontractor, attempts to leverage that bid to negotiate lower prices from other subcontractors. This bill aims to protect subcontractors by enforcing regulations that prohibit such practices and holds contractors accountable for their bidding processes.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 5270 appears to be largely positive among subcontractors and advocacy groups who view it as a necessary step to combat unethical bidding practices that can undermine their businesses. However, some general contractors may view the regulations as burdensome and may express concerns over the potential increase in administrative responsibilities. The discussion indicates a generally supportive landscape for the bill, with references to ethical practices in the industry leading to its promotion.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the implications of the bill on existing contracting practices, with some industry stakeholders voicing concern regarding the added regulatory burden on general contractors and how this might affect their operational flexibility. Critics argue that while the intent to protect subcontractors is commendable, the changes could lead to complications in the bidding process for public works and may inadvertently deter competitive pricing.