Senate Bill No. 19–Committee on Government Affairs

 

(On Behalf of Legislative Committee to Study
Competition Between Local Governments
and Private Enterprises)

 

Prefiled January 24, 2003

____________

 

Referred to Committee on Government Affairs

 

SUMMARY—Makes various changes relating to advertising and awarding contracts for certain smaller public works projects. (BDR 28‑409)

 

FISCAL NOTE:  Effect on Local Government: No.

                           Effect on the State: No.

 

~

 

EXPLANATION – Matter in bolded italics is new; matter between brackets [omitted material] is material to be omitted.

Green numbers along left margin indicate location on the printed bill (e.g., 5-15 indicates page 5, line 15).

 

AN ACT relating to public works; providing for an expedited process by which the State or a local government solicits bids and awards contracts for certain smaller public works projects to properly licensed contractors or completes such projects itself; providing that such an expedited process does not relieve the State or a local government from certain duties; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.

 

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, REPRESENTED IN

SENATE AND ASSEMBLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

 

1-1  Section 1.  Chapter 338 of NRS is hereby amended by adding

1-2  thereto the provisions set forth as sections 2 to 7, inclusive, of this

1-3  act.

1-4  Sec. 2.  If the estimated cost of a public work is $100,000 or

1-5  less, this state or a local government shall:

1-6  1.  Award a contract for the completion of the project to a

1-7  properly licensed contractor in accordance with section 3 of this

1-8  act; or


2-1  2.  Perform the project itself in accordance with section 4 of

2-2  this act.

2-3  Sec. 3.  1.  Before this state or a local government awards a

2-4  contract for the completion of a public works project in

2-5  accordance with subsection 1 of section 2 of this act, the State or

2-6  the local government must:

2-7  (a) If the estimated cost of the public work is more than

2-8  $25,000 but not more than $100,000, solicit bids from at least

2-9  three properly licensed contractors; and

2-10      (b) If the estimated cost of the public work is $25,000 or less,

2-11  solicit a bid from at least one properly licensed contractor.

2-12      2.  Any bids received in response to a solicitation for bids

2-13  made pursuant to this section may be rejected if the State or the

2-14  local government determines that:

2-15      (a) The quality of the services, materials, equipment or labor

2-16  offered does not conform to the approved plan or specifications;

2-17      (b) The bidder is not responsive or responsible; or

2-18      (c) The public interest would be served by such a rejection.

2-19      3.  At least once each quarter, the State and each local

2-20  government shall prepare a report detailing, for each public works

2-21  project over $25,000 for which a contract for its completion is

2-22  awarded pursuant to paragraph (a) of subsection 1, if any:

2-23      (a) The name of the contractor to whom the contract was

2-24  awarded;

2-25      (b) The amount of the contract awarded;

2-26      (c) A brief description of the project; and

2-27      (d) The names of all contractors from whom bids were

2-28  solicited.

2-29      4.  A report prepared pursuant to subsection 3 is a public

2-30  record and must be maintained on file at the administrative offices

2-31  of the applicable public body.

2-32      5.  The provisions of this section do not relieve this state from

2-33  the duty to award the contract for the public work to a bidder who

2-34  is:

2-35      (a) Qualified pursuant to the applicable provisions of NRS

2-36  338.1375 to 338.1383, inclusive; and

2-37      (b) The lowest responsive and responsible bidder, if bids are

2-38  required to be solicited from more than one properly licensed

2-39  contractor pursuant to subsection 1.

2-40      Sec. 4.  1.  If the State or a local government proposes to

2-41  perform a public works project itself in accordance with

2-42  subsection 2 of section 2 of this act, the public officer responsible

2-43  for the management of the public works projects of the State or the

2-44  local government, as applicable, must, if the estimated cost of the

2-45  public work is more than $25,000 but not more than $100,000 and


3-1  before work on the project is commenced, prepare a signed

3-2  attestation regarding the decision of the State or the local

3-3  government to perform the project itself.

3-4  2.  An attestation prepared pursuant to subsection 1:

3-5  (a) Must set forth:

3-6       (1) The estimated cost of the project;

3-7       (2) A general statement as to why the State or the local

3-8  government has decided to perform the project itself; and

3-9       (3) A general statement that the project will adhere to the

3-10  same quality and standards as would be required of a properly

3-11  licensed contractor if the project had been awarded to a properly

3-12  licensed contractor;

3-13      (b) Is a public record and must be maintained on file at the

3-14  administrative offices of the applicable public body.

3-15      Sec. 5.  If the estimated cost of a public work is $100,000 or

3-16  less, a local government shall:

3-17      1.  Award a contract for the completion of the project to a

3-18  properly licensed contractor in accordance with section 6 of this

3-19  act; or

3-20      2.  Perform the project itself in accordance with section 7 of

3-21  this act.

3-22      Sec. 6.  1.  Before a local government awards a contract for

3-23  the completion of a public works project in accordance with

3-24  subsection 1 of section 5 of this act, the local government must:

3-25      (a) If the estimated cost of the public work is more than

3-26  $25,000 but not more than $100,000, solicit bids from at least

3-27  three properly licensed contractors; and

3-28      (b) If the estimated cost of the public work is $25,000 or less,

3-29  solicit a bid from at least one properly licensed contractor.

3-30      2.  Any bids received in response to a solicitation for bids

3-31  made pursuant to this section may be rejected if the local

3-32  government determines that:

3-33      (a) The quality of the services, materials, equipment or labor

3-34  offered does not conform to the approved plan or specifications;

3-35      (b) The bidder is not responsive or responsible; or

3-36      (c) The public interest would be served by such a rejection.

3-37      3.  At least once each quarter, a local government shall

3-38  prepare a report detailing, for each public works project over

3-39  $25,000 for which a contract for its completion is awarded

3-40  pursuant to paragraph (a) of subsection 1, if any:

3-41      (a) The name of the contractor to whom the contract was

3-42  awarded;

3-43      (b) The amount of the contract awarded;

3-44      (c) A brief description of the project; and


4-1  (d) The names of all contractors from whom bids were

4-2  solicited.

4-3  4.  A report prepared pursuant to subsection 3 is a public

4-4  record and must be maintained on file at the administrative offices

4-5  of the applicable public body.

4-6  5.  The provisions of this section do not relieve a local

4-7  government from the duty to award the contract for the public

4-8  work to a bidder who is the lowest responsive and responsible

4-9  bidder, if bids are required to be solicited from more than one

4-10  properly licensed contractor pursuant to subsection 1 of this

4-11  section.

4-12      Sec. 7.  1.  If a local government proposes to perform a

4-13  public works project itself in accordance with subsection 2 of

4-14  section 5 of this act, the public officer responsible for the

4-15  management of the public works projects of the local government

4-16  must, if the estimated cost of the public work is more than $25,000

4-17  but not more than $100,000 and before work on the project is

4-18  commenced, prepare a signed attestation regarding the decision of

4-19  the local government to perform the project itself.

4-20      2.  An attestation prepared pursuant to subsection 1:

4-21      (a) Must set forth:

4-22          (1) The estimated cost of the project;

4-23          (2) A general statement as to why the local government has

4-24  decided to perform the project itself; and

4-25          (3) A general statement that the project will adhere to the

4-26  same quality and standards as would be required of a properly

4-27  licensed contractor if the project had been awarded to a properly

4-28  licensed contractor;

4-29      (b) Is a public record and must be maintained on file at the

4-30  administrative offices of the local government.

4-31      Sec. 8.  NRS 338.010 is hereby amended to read as follows:

4-32      338.010  As used in this chapter:

4-33      1.  “Day labor” means all cases where public bodies, their

4-34  officers, agents or employees, hire, supervise and pay the wages

4-35  thereof directly to a workman or workmen employed by them on

4-36  public works by the day and not under a contract in writing.

4-37      2.  “Design-build contract” means a contract between a public

4-38  body and a design-build team in which the design-build team agrees

4-39  to design and construct a public work.

4-40      3.  “Design-build team” means an entity that consists of:

4-41      (a) At least one person who is licensed as a general engineering

4-42  contractor or a general building contractor pursuant to chapter 624

4-43  of NRS; and

4-44      (b) For a public work that consists of:


5-1       (1) A building and its site, at least one person who holds a

5-2  certificate of registration to practice architecture pursuant to chapter

5-3  623 of NRS.

5-4       (2) Anything other than a building and its site, at least one

5-5  person who holds a certificate of registration to practice architecture

5-6  pursuant to chapter 623 of NRS or is licensed as a professional

5-7  engineer pursuant to chapter 625 of NRS.

5-8  4.  “Design professional” means:

5-9  (a) A person who is licensed as a professional engineer pursuant

5-10  to chapter 625 of NRS;

5-11      (b) A person who is licensed as a professional land surveyor

5-12  pursuant to chapter 625 of NRS;

5-13      (c) A person who holds a certificate of registration to engage in

5-14  the practice of architecture pursuant to chapter 623 of NRS;

5-15      (d) A person who holds a certificate of registration to engage in

5-16  the practice of landscape architecture pursuant to chapter 623A of

5-17  NRS; or

5-18      (e) A business entity that engages in the practice of professional

5-19  engineering, land surveying, architecture or landscape architecture.

5-20      5.  “Eligible bidder” means a person who is:

5-21      (a) Found to be a responsible and responsive contractor by a

5-22  local government which requests bids for a public work in

5-23  accordance with paragraph (b) of subsection 1 of NRS 338.1373; or

5-24      (b) Determined by a public body which awarded a contract for a

5-25  public work pursuant to NRS 338.1375 to 338.139, inclusive, and

5-26  sections 2, 3 and 4 of this act, to be qualified to bid on that contract

5-27  pursuant to NRS 338.1379 or was exempt from meeting such

5-28  qualifications pursuant to NRS 338.1383.

5-29      6.  “General contractor” means a person who is licensed to

5-30  conduct business in one, or both, of the following branches of the

5-31  contracting business:

5-32      (a) General engineering contracting, as described in subsection 2

5-33  of NRS 624.215.

5-34      (b) General building contracting, as described in subsection 3 of

5-35  NRS 624.215.

5-36      7.  “Local government” means every political subdivision or

5-37  other entity which has the right to levy or receive money from ad

5-38  valorem or other taxes or any mandatory assessments, and includes,

5-39  without limitation, counties, cities, towns, boards, school districts

5-40  and other districts organized pursuant to chapters 244A, 309, 318,

5-41  379, 474, 541, 543 and 555 of NRS, NRS 450.550 to 450.750,

5-42  inclusive, and any agency or department of a county or city which

5-43  prepares a budget separate from that of the parent political

5-44  subdivision. The term includes a person who has been designated

5-45  by a local government to serve as the authorized representative of


6-1  the local government in developing and awarding contracts for

6-2  public works projects on behalf of the local government.

6-3  8.  “Offense” means failing to:

6-4  (a) Pay the prevailing wage required pursuant to this chapter;

6-5  (b) Pay the contributions for unemployment compensation

6-6  required pursuant to chapter 612 of NRS;

6-7  (c) Provide and secure compensation for employees required

6-8  pursuant to chapters 616A to 617, inclusive, of NRS; or

6-9  (d) Comply with subsection 4 or 5 of NRS 338.070.

6-10      9.  “Prime contractor” means a person who:

6-11      (a) Contracts to construct an entire project;

6-12      (b) Coordinates all work performed on the entire project;

6-13      (c) Uses his own workforce to perform all or a part of the

6-14  construction, repair or reconstruction of the project; and

6-15      (d) Contracts for the services of any subcontractor or

6-16  independent contractor or is responsible for payment to any

6-17  contracted subcontractors or independent contractors.

6-18  The term includes, without limitation, a general contractor or a

6-19  specialty contractor who is authorized to bid on a project pursuant to

6-20  NRS 338.139 or 338.148.

6-21      10.  “Public body” means the State, county, city, town, school

6-22  district or any public agency of this state or its political subdivisions

6-23  sponsoring or financing a public work.

6-24      11.  “Public work” means any project for the new construction,

6-25  repair or reconstruction of:

6-26      (a) A project financed in whole or in part from public money

6-27  for:

6-28          (1) Public buildings;

6-29          (2) Jails and prisons;

6-30          (3) Public roads;

6-31          (4) Public highways;

6-32          (5) Public streets and alleys;

6-33          (6) Public utilities which are financed in whole or in part by

6-34  public money;

6-35          (7) Publicly owned water mains and sewers;

6-36          (8) Public parks and playgrounds;

6-37          (9) Public convention facilities which are financed at least in

6-38  part with public [funds;] money; and

6-39          (10) All other publicly owned works and property . [whose

6-40  cost as a whole exceeds $20,000. Each separate unit that is a part of

6-41  a project is included in the cost of the project to determine whether a

6-42  project meets that threshold.]

6-43      (b) A building for the University and Community College

6-44  System of Nevada of which 25 percent or more of the costs of the


7-1  building as a whole are paid from money appropriated by this state

7-2  or from federal money.

7-3  12.  “Specialty contractor” means a person who is licensed to

7-4  conduct business as described in subsection 4 of NRS 624.215.

7-5  13.  “Stand-alone underground utility project” means an

7-6  underground utility project that is not integrated into a larger

7-7  project, including, without limitation:

7-8  (a) An underground sewer line or an underground pipeline for

7-9  the conveyance of water, including facilities appurtenant thereto;

7-10  and

7-11      (b) A project for the construction or installation of a storm drain,

7-12  including facilities appurtenant thereto,

7-13  that is not located at the site of a public work for the design and

7-14  construction of which a public body is authorized to contract with a

7-15  design-build team pursuant to subsection 2 of NRS 338.1711.

7-16      14.  “Wages” means:

7-17      (a) The basic hourly rate of pay; and

7-18      (b) The amount of pension, health and welfare, vacation and

7-19  holiday pay, the cost of apprenticeship training or other similar

7-20  programs or other bona fide fringe benefits which are a benefit to

7-21  the workman.

7-22      15.  “Workman” means a skilled mechanic, skilled workman,

7-23  semiskilled mechanic, semiskilled workman or unskilled workman.

7-24  The term does not include a design professional.

7-25      Sec. 9.  NRS 338.1373 is hereby amended to read as follows:

7-26  338.1373  1.  A local government shall award a contract for the

7-27  construction, alteration or repair of a public work pursuant to the

7-28  provisions of:

7-29      (a) NRS 338.1377 to 338.139, inclusive [;] , and sections 2, 3

7-30  and 4 of this act; or

7-31      (b) NRS 338.143 to 338.148, inclusive [.] , and sections 5, 6

7-32  and 7 of this act.

7-33      2.  The provisions of NRS 338.1375 to 338.1383, inclusive, and

7-34  338.139 and sections 2 to 7, inclusive, of this act do not apply with

7-35  respect to contracts for the construction, reconstruction,

7-36  improvement and maintenance of highways that are awarded by the

7-37  Department of Transportation pursuant to NRS 408.313 to 408.433,

7-38  inclusive.

7-39      Sec. 10.  NRS 338.1385 is hereby amended to read as follows:

7-40      338.1385  1.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection [7] 6

7-41  and NRS 338.1906 and 338.1907, this state, or a local government

7-42  that awards a contract for the construction, alteration or repair of a

7-43  public work in accordance with paragraph (a) of subsection 1 of

7-44  NRS 338.1373, or a public officer, public employee or other person

7-45  responsible for awarding a contract for the construction, alteration


8-1  or repair of a public work who represents the State or the local

8-2  government, shall not:

8-3  (a) Commence such a project for which the estimated cost

8-4  exceeds $100,000 unless it advertises in a newspaper of general

8-5  circulation in this state for bids for the project; [or]

8-6  (b) Commence such a project for which the estimated cost is

8-7  $100,000 or less unless it complies with the provisions of sections

8-8  2, 3 and 4 of this act; or

8-9  (c) Divide such a project into separate portions to avoid the

8-10  requirements of paragraph (a) [.

8-11      2.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 7, a public body

8-12  that maintains a list of properly licensed contractors who are

8-13  interested in receiving offers to bid on public works projects for

8-14  which the estimated cost is more than $25,000 but less than

8-15  $100,000 shall solicit bids from not more than three of the

8-16  contractors on the list for a contract of that value for the

8-17  construction, alteration or repair of a public work. The public body

8-18  shall select contractors from the list in such a manner as to afford

8-19  each contractor an equal opportunity to bid on a public works

8-20  project. A properly licensed contractor must submit a written

8-21  request annually to the public body to remain on the list. Offers for

8-22  bids which are made pursuant to this subsection must be sent by

8-23  certified mail.

8-24      3.] or (b).

8-25      2. Each advertisement for bids must include a provision that

8-26  sets forth:

8-27      (a) The requirement that a contractor must be qualified pursuant

8-28  to NRS 338.1379 to bid on the contract or must be exempt from

8-29  meeting such qualifications pursuant to NRS 338.1383; and

8-30      (b) The period during which an application to qualify as a bidder

8-31  on the contract must be submitted.

8-32      [4.] 3. Approved plans and specifications for the bids must be

8-33  on file at a place and time stated in the advertisement for the

8-34  inspection of all persons desiring to bid thereon and for other

8-35  interested persons. Contracts for the project must be awarded on the

8-36  basis of bids received.

8-37      [5.] 4. Any bids received in response to an advertisement for

8-38  bids may be rejected if the person responsible for awarding the

8-39  contract determines that:

8-40      (a) The bidder is not a qualified bidder pursuant to NRS

8-41  338.1379, unless the bidder is exempt from meeting such

8-42  qualifications pursuant to NRS 338.1383;

8-43      (b) The bidder is not responsive[;] or responsible;

8-44      (c) The quality of the services, materials, equipment or labor

8-45  offered does not conform to the approved plan or specifications; or


9-1  (d) The public interest would be served by such a rejection.

9-2  [6.] 5. Before the State or a local government may commence a

9-3  project subject to the provisions of this section, based upon a

9-4  determination that the public interest would be served by rejecting

9-5  any bids received in response to an advertisement for bids, it shall

9-6  prepare and make available for public inspection a written statement

9-7  containing:

9-8  (a) A list of all persons, including supervisors, whom the State

9-9  or the local government intends to assign to the project, together

9-10  with their classifications and an estimate of the direct and indirect

9-11  costs of their labor;

9-12      (b) A list of all equipment that the State or the local government

9-13  intends to use on the project, together with an estimate of the

9-14  number of hours each item of equipment will be used and the hourly

9-15  cost to use each item of equipment;

9-16      (c) An estimate of the cost of administrative support for the

9-17  persons assigned to the project;

9-18      (d) An estimate of the total cost of the project; and

9-19      (e) An estimate of the amount of money the State or the local

9-20  government expects to save by rejecting the bids and performing the

9-21  project itself.

9-22      [7.] 6. This section does not apply to:

9-23      (a) Any utility subject to the provisions of chapter 318 or 710 of

9-24  NRS;

9-25      (b) Any work of construction, reconstruction, improvement and

9-26  maintenance of highways subject to NRS 408.323 or 408.327;

9-27      (c) Normal maintenance of the property of a school district;

9-28      (d) The Las Vegas Valley Water District created pursuant to

9-29  chapter 167, Statutes of Nevada 1947, the Moapa Valley Water

9-30  District created pursuant to chapter 477, Statutes of Nevada 1983 or

9-31  the Virgin Valley Water District created pursuant to chapter 100,

9-32  Statutes of Nevada 1993; or

9-33      (e) The design and construction of a public work for which a

9-34  public body contracts with a design-build team pursuant to NRS

9-35  338.1711 to 338.1727.

9-36      Sec. 11.  NRS 338.1385 is hereby amended to read as follows:

9-37      338.1385  1.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection [8,]

9-38  7, this state, or a local government that awards a contract for the

9-39  construction, alteration or repair of a public work in accordance with

9-40  paragraph (a) of subsection 1 of NRS 338.1373, or a public officer,

9-41  public employee or other person responsible for awarding a contract

9-42  for the construction, alteration or repair of a public work who

9-43  represents the State or the local government, shall not:


10-1      (a) Commence such a project for which the estimated cost

10-2  exceeds $100,000 unless it advertises in a newspaper of general

10-3  circulation in this state for bids for the project; [or]

10-4      (b) Commence such a project for which the estimated cost is

10-5  $100,000 or less unless it complies with the provisions of sections

10-6  2, 3 and 4 of this act; or

10-7      (c) Divide such a project into separate portions to avoid the

10-8  requirements of paragraph (a)[.

10-9      2.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 8, a public body

10-10  that maintains a list of properly licensed contractors who are

10-11  interested in receiving offers to bid on public works projects for

10-12  which the estimated cost is more than $25,000 but less than

10-13  $100,000 shall solicit bids from not more than three of the

10-14  contractors on the list for a contract of that value for the

10-15  construction, alteration or repair of a public work. The public body

10-16  shall select contractors from the list in such a manner as to afford

10-17  each contractor an equal opportunity to bid on a public works

10-18  project. A properly licensed contractor must submit a written

10-19  request annually to the public body to remain on the list. Offers for

10-20  bids which are made pursuant to this subsection must be sent by

10-21  certified mail.

10-22     3.] or (b). 

10-23     2.  Each advertisement for bids must include a provision that

10-24  sets forth:

10-25     (a) The requirement that a contractor must be qualified pursuant

10-26  to NRS 338.1379 to bid on the contract or must be exempt from

10-27  meeting such qualifications pursuant to NRS 338.1383; and

10-28     (b) The period during which an application to qualify as a bidder

10-29  on the contract must be submitted.

10-30     [4.] 3. Approved plans and specifications for the bids must be

10-31  on file at a place and time stated in the advertisement for the

10-32  inspection of all persons desiring to bid thereon and for other

10-33  interested persons. Contracts for the project must be awarded on the

10-34  basis of bids received.

10-35     [5.] 4. Any bids received in response to an advertisement for

10-36  bids may be rejected if the person responsible for awarding the

10-37  contract determines that:

10-38     (a) The bidder is not a qualified bidder pursuant to NRS

10-39  338.1379, unless the bidder is exempt from meeting such

10-40  qualifications pursuant to NRS 338.1383;

10-41     (b) The bidder is not responsive[;] or responsible;

10-42     (c) The quality of the services, materials, equipment or labor

10-43  offered does not conform to the approved plan or specifications; or

10-44     (d) The public interest would be served by such a rejection.


11-1      [6.] 5. Before the State or a local government may commence a

11-2  project subject to the provisions of this section, based upon a

11-3  determination that the public interest would be served by rejecting

11-4  any bids received in response to an advertisement for bids, it shall

11-5  prepare and make available for public inspection a written statement

11-6  containing:

11-7      (a) A list of all persons, including supervisors, whom the State

11-8  or the local government intends to assign to the project, together

11-9  with their classifications and an estimate of the direct and indirect

11-10  costs of their labor;

11-11     (b) A list of all equipment that the State or the local government

11-12  intends to use on the project, together with an estimate of the

11-13  number of hours each item of equipment will be used and the hourly

11-14  cost to use each item of equipment;

11-15     (c) An estimate of the cost of administrative support for the

11-16  persons assigned to the project;

11-17     (d) An estimate of the total cost of the project; and

11-18     (e) An estimate of the amount of money the State or the local

11-19  government expects to save by rejecting the bids and performing the

11-20  project itself.

11-21     [7.] 6. In preparing the estimated cost of a project pursuant to

11-22  subsection [6,] 5, the State or a local government must include the

11-23  fair market value of, or, if known, the actual cost of, all materials,

11-24  supplies, labor and equipment to be used for the project.

11-25     [8.] 7. This section does not apply to:

11-26     (a) Any utility subject to the provisions of chapter 318 or 710 of

11-27  NRS;

11-28     (b) Any work of construction, reconstruction, improvement and

11-29  maintenance of highways subject to NRS 408.323 or 408.327;

11-30     (c) Normal maintenance of the property of a school district; [or]

11-31     (d) The Las Vegas Valley Water District created pursuant to

11-32  chapter 167, Statutes of Nevada 1947, the Moapa Valley Water

11-33  District created pursuant to chapter 477, Statutes of Nevada 1983 or

11-34  the Virgin Valley Water District created pursuant to chapter 100,

11-35  Statutes of Nevada 1993; or

11-36     (e) The design and construction of a public work for which a

11-37  public body contracts with a design-build team pursuant to NRS

11-38  338.1711 to 338.1727, inclusive.

11-39     Sec. 12.  NRS 338.1389 is hereby amended to read as follows:

11-40     338.1389  1.  Except as otherwise provided in sections 2 and 4

11-41  of this act, NRS 338.1385 and 338.1711 to 338.1727, inclusive, a

11-42  public body shall award a contract for a public work to the

11-43  contractor who submits the best bid.

11-44     2.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 10 or limited by

11-45  subsection 11, for the purposes of this section, a contractor who:


12-1      (a) Has been determined by the public body to be a qualified

12-2  bidder pursuant to NRS 338.1379 or is exempt from meeting such

12-3  requirements pursuant to NRS 338.1373 or 338.1383; and

12-4      (b) At the time he submits his bid, provides to the public body a

12-5  copy of a certificate of eligibility to receive a preference in bidding

12-6  on public works issued to him by the State Contractors’ Board

12-7  pursuant to subsection 3 or 4,

12-8  shall be deemed to have submitted a better bid than a competing

12-9  contractor who has not provided a copy of such a valid certificate of

12-10  eligibility if the amount of his bid is not more than 5 percent higher

12-11  than the amount bid by the competing contractor.

12-12     3.  The State Contractors’ Board shall issue a certificate of

12-13  eligibility to receive a preference in bidding on public works to a

12-14  general contractor who is licensed pursuant to the provisions of

12-15  chapter 624 of NRS and submits to the Board an affidavit from a

12-16  certified public accountant setting forth that the general contractor

12-17  has, while licensed as a general contractor in this state:

12-18     (a) Paid directly, on his own behalf:

12-19         (1) The sales and use taxes imposed pursuant to chapters

12-20  372, 374 and 377 of NRS on materials used for construction in this

12-21  state, including, without limitation, construction that is undertaken

12-22  or carried out on land within the boundaries of this state that is

12-23  managed by the Federal Government or is on an Indian reservation

12-24  or Indian colony, of not less than $5,000 for each consecutive

12-25  12-month period for 60 months immediately preceding the

12-26  submission of the affidavit from the certified public accountant;

12-27         (2) The governmental services tax imposed pursuant to

12-28  chapter 371 of NRS on the vehicles used in the operation of his

12-29  business in this state of not less than $5,000 for each consecutive

12-30  12-month period for 60 months immediately preceding the

12-31  submission of the affidavit from the certified public accountant; or

12-32         (3) Any combination of such sales and use taxes and

12-33  governmental services tax; or

12-34     (b) Acquired, by purchase, inheritance, gift or transfer through a

12-35  stock option plan, all the assets and liabilities of a viable, operating

12-36  construction firm that possesses a:

12-37         (1) License as a general contractor pursuant to the provisions

12-38  of chapter 624 of NRS; and

12-39         (2) Certificate of eligibility to receive a preference in bidding

12-40  on public works.

12-41     4.  The State Contractors’ Board shall issue a certificate of

12-42  eligibility to receive a preference in bidding on public works to a

12-43  specialty contractor who is licensed pursuant to the provisions of

12-44  chapter 624 of NRS and submits to the Board an affidavit from a


13-1  certified public accountant setting forth that the specialty contractor

13-2  has, while licensed as a specialty contractor in this state:

13-3      (a) Paid directly, on his own behalf:

13-4          (1) The sales and use taxes pursuant to chapters 372, 374 and

13-5  377 of NRS on materials used for construction in this state,

13-6  including, without limitation, construction that is undertaken or

13-7  carried out on land within the boundaries of this state that is

13-8  managed by the Federal Government or is on an Indian reservation

13-9  or Indian colony, of not less than $5,000 for each consecutive

13-10  12-month period for 60 months immediately preceding the

13-11  submission of the affidavit from the certified public accountant;

13-12         (2) The governmental services tax imposed pursuant to

13-13  chapter 371 of NRS on the vehicles used in the operation of his

13-14  business in this state of not less than $5,000 for each consecutive

13-15  12-month period for 60 months immediately preceding the

13-16  submission of the affidavit from the certified public accountant; or

13-17         (3) Any combination of such sales and use taxes and

13-18  governmental services tax; or

13-19     (b) Acquired, by purchase, inheritance, gift or transfer through a

13-20  stock option plan, all the assets and liabilities of a viable, operating

13-21  construction firm that possesses a:

13-22         (1) License as a specialty contractor pursuant to the

13-23  provisions of chapter 624 of NRS; and

13-24         (2) Certificate of eligibility to receive a preference in bidding

13-25  on public works.

13-26     5.  For the purposes of complying with the requirements set

13-27  forth in paragraph (a) of subsection 3 and paragraph (a) of

13-28  subsection 4, a contractor shall be deemed to have paid:

13-29     (a) Sales and use taxes and governmental services taxes that

13-30  were paid in this state by an affiliate or parent company of the

13-31  contractor, if the affiliate or parent company is also a general

13-32  contractor or specialty contractor, as applicable; and

13-33     (b) Sales and use taxes that were paid in this state by a joint

13-34  venture in which the contractor is a participant, in proportion to the

13-35  amount of interest the contractor has in the joint venture.

13-36     6.  A contractor who has received a certificate of eligibility to

13-37  receive a preference in bidding on public works from the State

13-38  Contractors’ Board pursuant to subsection 3 or 4 shall, at the time

13-39  for the annual renewal of his contractor’s license pursuant to NRS

13-40  624.283, submit to the Board an affidavit from a certified public

13-41  accountant setting forth that the contractor has, during the

13-42  immediately preceding 12 months, paid the taxes required pursuant

13-43  to paragraph (a) of subsection 3 or paragraph (a) of subsection 4, as

13-44  applicable, to maintain his eligibility to hold such a certificate.


14-1      7.  A contractor who fails to submit an affidavit to the Board

14-2  pursuant to subsection 6 ceases to be eligible to receive a preference

14-3  in bidding on public works unless he reapplies for and receives a

14-4  certificate of eligibility pursuant to subsection 3 or 4, as applicable.

14-5      8.  If a contractor holds more than one contractor’s license, he

14-6  must submit a separate application for each license pursuant to

14-7  which he wishes to qualify for a preference in bidding. Upon

14-8  issuance, the certificate of eligibility to receive a preference in

14-9  bidding on public works becomes part of the contractor’s license for

14-10  which the contractor submitted the application.

14-11     9.  If a contractor who applies to the State Contractors’ Board

14-12  for a certificate of eligibility to receive a preference in bidding on

14-13  public works submits false information to the Board regarding the

14-14  required payment of taxes, the contractor is not eligible to receive a

14-15  preference in bidding on public works for a period of 5 years after

14-16  the date on which the Board becomes aware of the submission of the

14-17  false information.

14-18     10.  If any federal statute or regulation precludes the granting of

14-19  federal assistance or reduces the amount of that assistance for a

14-20  particular public work because of the provisions of subsection 2,

14-21  those provisions do not apply insofar as their application would

14-22  preclude or reduce federal assistance for that work. The provisions

14-23  of subsection 2 do not apply to any contract for a public work which

14-24  is expected to cost less than $250,000.

14-25     11.  If a bid is submitted by two or more contractors as a joint

14-26  venture or by one of them as a joint venturer, the provisions of

14-27  subsection 2 apply only if both or all of the joint venturers

14-28  separately meet the requirements of that subsection.

14-29     12.  The State Contractors’ Board shall adopt regulations and

14-30  may assess reasonable fees relating to the certification of contractors

14-31  for a preference in bidding on public works.

14-32     13.  A person or entity who believes that a contractor

14-33  wrongfully holds a certificate of eligibility to receive a preference in

14-34  bidding on public works may challenge the validity of the certificate

14-35  by filing a written objection with the public body to which the

14-36  contractor has submitted a bid or proposal on a contract for the

14-37  construction of a public work. A written objection authorized

14-38  pursuant to this subsection must:

14-39     (a) Set forth proof or substantiating evidence to support the

14-40  belief of the person or entity that the contractor wrongfully holds a

14-41  certificate of eligibility to receive a preference in bidding on public

14-42  works; and

14-43     (b) Be filed with the public body at or after the time at which the

14-44  contractor submitted the bid or proposal to the public body and


15-1  before the time at which the public body awards the contract for

15-2  which the bid or proposal was submitted.

15-3      14.  If a public body receives a written objection pursuant to

15-4  subsection 13, the public body shall determine whether the objection

15-5  is accompanied by the proof or substantiating evidence required

15-6  pursuant to paragraph (a) of that subsection. If the public body

15-7  determines that the objection is not accompanied by the required

15-8  proof or substantiating evidence, the public body shall dismiss the

15-9  objection and may proceed immediately to award the contract. If

15-10  the public body determines that the objection is accompanied by the

15-11  required proof or substantiating evidence, the public body shall

15-12  determine whether the contractor qualifies for the certificate

15-13  pursuant to the provisions of this section and may proceed to award

15-14  the contract accordingly.

15-15     Sec. 13.  NRS 338.143 is hereby amended to read as follows:

15-16     338.143  1.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection [6] 5

15-17  and NRS 338.1907, a local government that awards a contract for

15-18  the construction, alteration or repair of a public work in accordance

15-19  with paragraph (b) of subsection 1 of NRS 338.1373, or a public

15-20  officer, public employee or other person responsible for awarding a

15-21  contract for the construction, alteration or repair of a public work

15-22  who represents that local government, shall not:

15-23     (a) Commence such a project for which the estimated cost

15-24  exceeds $100,000 unless it advertises in a newspaper of general

15-25  circulation in this state for bids for the project; [or]

15-26     (b) Commence such a project for which the estimated cost is

15-27  $100,000 or less unless it complies with the provisions of sections

15-28  5, 6 and 7 of this act; or

15-29     (c) Divide such a project into separate portions to avoid the

15-30  requirements of paragraph (a)[.

15-31     2.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 6, a local

15-32  government that maintains a list of properly licensed contractors

15-33  who are interested in receiving offers to bid on public works

15-34  projects for which the estimated cost is more than $25,000 but less

15-35  than $100,000 shall solicit bids from not more than three of the

15-36  contractors on the list for a contract of that value for the

15-37  construction, alteration or repair of a public work. The local

15-38  government shall select contractors from the list in such a manner as

15-39  to afford each contractor an equal opportunity to bid on a public

15-40  works project. A properly licensed contractor must submit a written

15-41  request annually to the local government to remain on the list.

15-42  Offers for bids which are made pursuant to this subsection must be

15-43  sent by certified mail.

15-44     3.] or (b).


16-1      2. Approved plans and specifications for the bids must be on

16-2  file at a place and time stated in the advertisement for the inspection

16-3  of all persons desiring to bid thereon and for other interested

16-4  persons. Contracts for the project must be awarded on the basis of

16-5  bids received.

16-6      [4.] 3. Any bids received in response to an advertisement for

16-7  bids may be rejected if the person responsible for awarding the

16-8  contract determines that:

16-9      (a) The bidder is not responsive or responsible;

16-10     (b) The quality of the services, materials, equipment or labor

16-11  offered does not conform to the approved plan or specifications; or

16-12     (c) The public interest would be served by such a rejection.

16-13     [5.] 4. Before a local government may commence a project

16-14  subject to the provisions of this section, based upon a determination

16-15  that the public interest would be served by rejecting any bids

16-16  received in response to an advertisement for bids, it shall prepare

16-17  and make available for public inspection a written statement

16-18  containing:

16-19     (a) A list of all persons, including supervisors, whom the local

16-20  government intends to assign to the project, together with their

16-21  classifications and an estimate of the direct and indirect costs of

16-22  their labor;

16-23     (b) A list of all equipment that the local government intends to

16-24  use on the project, together with an estimate of the number of hours

16-25  each item of equipment will be used and the hourly cost to use each

16-26  item of equipment;

16-27     (c) An estimate of the cost of administrative support for the

16-28  persons assigned to the project;

16-29     (d) An estimate of the total cost of the project; and

16-30     (e) An estimate of the amount of money the local government

16-31  expects to save by rejecting the bids and performing the project

16-32  itself.

16-33     [6.] 5. This section does not apply to:

16-34     (a) Any utility subject to the provisions of chapter 318 or 710 of

16-35  NRS;

16-36     (b) Any work of construction, reconstruction, improvement and

16-37  maintenance of highways subject to NRS 408.323 or 408.327;

16-38     (c) Normal maintenance of the property of a school district;

16-39     (d) The Las Vegas Valley Water District created pursuant to

16-40  chapter 167, Statutes of Nevada 1947, the Moapa Valley Water

16-41  District created pursuant to chapter 477, Statutes of Nevada 1983 or

16-42  the Virgin Valley Water District created pursuant to chapter 100,

16-43  Statutes of Nevada 1993; or


17-1      (e) The design and construction of a public work for which a

17-2  public body contracts with a design-build team pursuant to NRS

17-3  338.1711 to 338.1727, inclusive.

17-4      Sec. 14.  NRS 338.143 is hereby amended to read as follows:

17-5      338.143  1.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection [7,] 6,

17-6  a local government that awards a contract for the construction,

17-7  alteration or repair of a public work in accordance with paragraph

17-8  (b) of subsection 1 of NRS 338.1373, or a public officer, public

17-9  employee or other person responsible for awarding a contract for the

17-10  construction, alteration or repair of a public work who represents

17-11  that local government, shall not:

17-12     (a) Commence such a project for which the estimated cost

17-13  exceeds $100,000 unless it advertises in a newspaper of general

17-14  circulation in this state for bids for the project; [or]

17-15     (b) Commence such a project for which the estimated cost is

17-16  $100,000 or less unless it complies with the provisions of sections

17-17  5, 6 and 7 of this act; or

17-18     (c) Divide such a project into separate portions to avoid the

17-19  requirements of paragraph (a)[.

17-20     2.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 7, a local

17-21  government that maintains a list of properly licensed contractors

17-22  who are interested in receiving offers to bid on public works

17-23  projects for which the estimated cost is more than $25,000 but less

17-24  than $100,000 shall solicit bids from not more than three of the

17-25  contractors on the list for a contract of that value for the

17-26  construction, alteration or repair of a public work. The local

17-27  government shall select contractors from the list in such a manner as

17-28  to afford each contractor an equal opportunity to bid on a public

17-29  works project. A properly licensed contractor must submit a written

17-30  request annually to the local government to remain on the list.

17-31  Offers for bids which are made pursuant to this subsection must be

17-32  sent by certified mail.

17-33     3.] or (b).

17-34     2.  Approved plans and specifications for the bids must be on

17-35  file at a place and time stated in the advertisement for the inspection

17-36  of all persons desiring to bid thereon and for other interested

17-37  persons. Contracts for the project must be awarded on the basis of

17-38  bids received.

17-39     [4.] 3. Any bids received in response to an advertisement for

17-40  bids may be rejected if the person responsible for awarding the

17-41  contract determines that:

17-42     (a) The bidder is not responsive or responsible;

17-43     (b) The quality of the services, materials, equipment or labor

17-44  offered does not conform to the approved plan or specifications; or

17-45     (c) The public interest would be served by such a rejection.


18-1      [5.] 4. Before a local government may commence a project

18-2  subject to the provisions of this section, based upon a determination

18-3  that the public interest would be served by rejecting any bids

18-4  received in response to an advertisement for bids, it shall prepare

18-5  and make available for public inspection a written statement

18-6  containing:

18-7      (a) A list of all persons, including supervisors, whom the local

18-8  government intends to assign to the project, together with their

18-9  classifications and an estimate of the direct and indirect costs of

18-10  their labor;

18-11     (b) A list of all equipment that the local government intends to

18-12  use on the project, together with an estimate of the number of hours

18-13  each item of equipment will be used and the hourly cost to use each

18-14  item of equipment;

18-15     (c) An estimate of the cost of administrative support for the

18-16  persons assigned to the project;

18-17     (d) An estimate of the total cost of the project; and

18-18     (e) An estimate of the amount of money the local government

18-19  expects to save by rejecting the bids and performing the project

18-20  itself.

18-21     [6.] 5. In preparing the estimated cost of a project pursuant to

18-22  subsection [5,] 4, a local government must include the fair market

18-23  value of, or, if known, the actual cost of, all materials, supplies,

18-24  labor and equipment to be used for the project.

18-25     [7.] 6. This section does not apply to:

18-26     (a) Any utility subject to the provisions of chapter 318 or 710 of

18-27  NRS;

18-28     (b) Any work of construction, reconstruction, improvement and

18-29  maintenance of highways subject to NRS 408.323 or 408.327;

18-30     (c) Normal maintenance of the property of a school district;

18-31     (d) The Las Vegas Valley Water District created pursuant to

18-32  chapter 167, Statutes of Nevada 1947, the Moapa Valley Water

18-33  District created pursuant to chapter 477, Statutes of Nevada 1983 or

18-34  the Virgin Valley Water District created pursuant to chapter 100,

18-35  Statutes of Nevada 1993; or

18-36     (e) The design and construction of a public work for which a

18-37  public body contracts with a design-build team pursuant to NRS

18-38  338.1711 to 338.1727, inclusive.

18-39     Sec. 15.  NRS 338.147 is hereby amended to read as follows:

18-40     338.147  1.  Except as otherwise provided in sections 5 and 7

18-41  of this act, NRS 338.143 and 338.1711 to 338.1727, inclusive, a

18-42  local government shall award a contract for a public work to the

18-43  contractor who submits the best bid.

18-44     2.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 10 or limited by

18-45  subsection 11, for the purposes of this section, a contractor who:


19-1      (a) Has been found to be a responsible and responsive contractor

19-2  by the local government; and

19-3      (b) At the time he submits his bid, provides to the local

19-4  government a copy of a certificate of eligibility to receive a

19-5  preference in bidding on public works issued to him by the State

19-6  Contractors’ Board pursuant to subsection 3 or 4,

19-7  shall be deemed to have submitted a better bid than a competing

19-8  contractor who has not provided a copy of such a valid certificate of

19-9  eligibility if the amount of his bid is not more than 5 percent higher

19-10  than the amount bid by the competing contractor.

19-11     3.  The State Contractors’ Board shall issue a certificate of

19-12  eligibility to receive a preference in bidding on public works to a

19-13  general contractor who is licensed pursuant to the provisions of

19-14  chapter 624 of NRS and submits to the Board an affidavit from a

19-15  certified public accountant setting forth that the general contractor

19-16  has, while licensed as a general contractor in this state:

19-17     (a) Paid directly, on his own behalf:

19-18         (1) The sales and use taxes imposed pursuant to chapters

19-19  372, 374 and 377 of NRS on materials used for construction in this

19-20  state, including, without limitation, construction that is undertaken

19-21  or carried out on land within the boundaries of this state that is

19-22  managed by the Federal Government or is on an Indian reservation

19-23  or Indian colony, of not less than $5,000 for each consecutive

19-24  12-month period for 60 months immediately preceding the

19-25  submission of the affidavit from the certified public accountant;

19-26         (2) The governmental services tax imposed pursuant to

19-27  chapter 371 of NRS on the vehicles used in the operation of his

19-28  business in this state of not less than $5,000 for each consecutive

19-29  12-month period for 60 months immediately preceding the

19-30  submission of the affidavit from the certified public accountant; or

19-31         (3) Any combination of such sales and use taxes and

19-32  governmental services tax; or

19-33     (b) Acquired, by purchase, inheritance, gift or transfer through a

19-34  stock option plan, all the assets and liabilities of a viable, operating

19-35  construction firm that possesses a:

19-36         (1) License as a general contractor pursuant to the provisions

19-37  of chapter 624 of NRS; and

19-38         (2) Certificate of eligibility to receive a preference in bidding

19-39  on public works.

19-40     4.  The State Contractors’ Board shall issue a certificate of

19-41  eligibility to receive a preference in bidding on public works to a

19-42  specialty contractor who is licensed pursuant to the provisions of

19-43  chapter 624 of NRS and submits to the Board an affidavit from a

19-44  certified public accountant setting forth that the specialty contractor

19-45  has, while licensed as a specialty contractor in this state:


20-1      (a) Paid directly, on his own behalf:

20-2          (1) The sales and use taxes pursuant to chapters 372, 374 and

20-3  377 of NRS on materials used for construction in this state,

20-4  including, without limitation, construction that is undertaken or

20-5  carried out on land within the boundaries of this state that is

20-6  managed by the Federal Government or is on an Indian reservation

20-7  or Indian colony, of not less than $5,000 for each consecutive

20-8  12-month period for 60 months immediately preceding the

20-9  submission of the affidavit from the certified public accountant;

20-10         (2) The governmental services tax imposed pursuant to

20-11  chapter 371 of NRS on the vehicles used in the operation of his

20-12  business in this state of not less than $5,000 for each consecutive

20-13  12-month period for 60 months immediately preceding the

20-14  submission of the affidavit from the certified public accountant; or

20-15         (3) Any combination of such sales and use taxes and

20-16  governmental services tax; or

20-17     (b) Acquired, by purchase, inheritance, gift or transfer through a

20-18  stock option plan, all the assets and liabilities of a viable, operating

20-19  construction firm that possesses a:

20-20         (1) License as a specialty contractor pursuant to the

20-21  provisions of chapter 624 of NRS; and

20-22         (2) Certificate of eligibility to receive a preference in bidding

20-23  on public works.

20-24     5.  For the purposes of complying with the requirements set

20-25  forth in paragraph (a) of subsection 3 and paragraph (a) of

20-26  subsection 4, a contractor shall be deemed to have paid:

20-27     (a) Sales and use taxes and governmental services taxes paid in

20-28  this state by an affiliate or parent company of the contractor, if the

20-29  affiliate or parent company is also a general contractor or specialty

20-30  contractor, as applicable; and

20-31     (b) Sales and use taxes paid in this state by a joint venture in

20-32  which the contractor is a participant, in proportion to the amount of

20-33  interest the contractor has in the joint venture.

20-34     6.  A contractor who has received a certificate of eligibility to

20-35  receive a preference in bidding on public works from the State

20-36  Contractors’ Board pursuant to subsection 3 or 4 shall, at the time

20-37  for the annual renewal of his contractor’s license pursuant to NRS

20-38  624.283, submit to the Board an affidavit from a certified public

20-39  accountant setting forth that the contractor has, during the

20-40  immediately preceding 12 months, paid the taxes required pursuant

20-41  to paragraph (a) of subsection 3 or paragraph (a) of subsection 4, as

20-42  applicable, to maintain his eligibility to hold such a certificate.

20-43     7.  A contractor who fails to submit an affidavit to the Board

20-44  pursuant to subsection 6 ceases to be eligible to receive a preference


21-1  in bidding on public works unless he reapplies for and receives a

21-2  certificate of eligibility pursuant to subsection 3 or 4, as applicable.

21-3      8.  If a contractor holds more than one contractor’s license, he

21-4  must submit a separate application for each license pursuant to

21-5  which he wishes to qualify for a preference in bidding. Upon

21-6  issuance, the certificate of eligibility to receive a preference in

21-7  bidding on public works becomes part of the contractor’s license for

21-8  which the contractor submitted the application.

21-9      9.  If a contractor who applies to the State Contractors’ Board

21-10  for a certificate of eligibility to receive a preference in bidding on

21-11  public works submits false information to the Board regarding the

21-12  required payment of taxes, the contractor is not eligible to receive a

21-13  preference in bidding on public works for a period of 5 years after

21-14  the date on which the Board becomes aware of the submission of the

21-15  false information.

21-16     10.  If any federal statute or regulation precludes the granting of

21-17  federal assistance or reduces the amount of that assistance for a

21-18  particular public work because of the provisions of subsection 2,

21-19  those provisions do not apply insofar as their application would

21-20  preclude or reduce federal assistance for that work. The provisions

21-21  of subsection 2 do not apply to any contract for a public work which

21-22  is expected to cost less than $250,000.

21-23     11.  If a bid is submitted by two or more contractors as a joint

21-24  venture or by one of them as a joint venturer, the provisions of

21-25  subsection 2 apply only if both or all of the joint venturers

21-26  separately meet the requirements of that subsection.

21-27     12.  The State Contractors’ Board shall adopt regulations and

21-28  may assess reasonable fees relating to the certification of contractors

21-29  for a preference in bidding on public works.

21-30     13.  A person or entity who believes that a contractor

21-31  wrongfully holds a certificate of eligibility to receive a preference in

21-32  bidding on public works may challenge the validity of the certificate

21-33  by filing a written objection with the public body to which the

21-34  contractor has submitted a bid or proposal on a contract for the

21-35  completion of a public work. A written objection authorized

21-36  pursuant to this subsection must:

21-37     (a) Set forth proof or substantiating evidence to support the

21-38  belief of the person or entity that the contractor wrongfully holds a

21-39  certificate of eligibility to receive a preference in bidding on public

21-40  works; and

21-41     (b) Be filed with the public body at or after the time at which the

21-42  contractor submitted the bid or proposal to the public body and

21-43  before the time at which the public body awards the contract for

21-44  which the bid or proposal was submitted.


22-1      14.  If a public body receives a written objection pursuant to

22-2  subsection 13, the public body shall determine whether the objection

22-3  is accompanied by the proof or substantiating evidence required

22-4  pursuant to paragraph (a) of that subsection. If the public body

22-5  determines that the objection is not accompanied by the required

22-6  proof or substantiating evidence, the public body shall dismiss the

22-7  objection and may proceed immediately to award the contract. If

22-8  the public body determines that the objection is accompanied by the

22-9  required proof or substantiating evidence, the public body shall

22-10  determine whether the contractor qualifies for the certificate

22-11  pursuant to the provisions of this section and may proceed to award

22-12  the contract accordingly.

22-13     Secs. 16 and 17.  (Deleted by amendment.)

22-14     Sec. 18.  NRS 341.148 is hereby amended to read as follows:

22-15     341.148  [1.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2,

22-16  the] The Board shall advertise in a newspaper of general circulation

22-17  in the State of Nevada for separate sealed bids for each construction

22-18  project [.] whose estimated cost is more than $100,000. Approved

22-19  plans and specifications for the construction must be on file at a

22-20  place and time stated in the advertisement for the inspection of all

22-21  persons desiring to bid thereon and for other interested persons. The

22-22  Board may accept bids on either the whole or a part of the

22-23  construction, equipment and furnishings[,] of a construction

22-24  project and may let separate contracts for different and separate

22-25  portions of any project, or a combination contract for structural,

22-26  mechanical and electrical construction if savings will result to the

22-27  lowest responsible and responsive bidder.

22-28     [2.  The Board is not required to advertise for sealed bids for

22-29  construction projects if the estimated cost is less than $25,000, but

22-30  the Board may solicit firm written bids from not less than two

22-31  licensed contractors doing business in the area and may award the

22-32  contract to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder or reject all

22-33  bids.]

22-34     Sec. 19.  NRS 341.166 is hereby amended to read as follows:

22-35     341.166  1.  The Board may, with the approval of the Interim

22-36  Finance Committee when the Legislature is not in regular or special

22-37  session, or with the approval of the Legislature by concurrent

22-38  resolution when the Legislature is in regular or special session, enter

22-39  into a contract for services with a contractor licensed pursuant to

22-40  chapter 624 of NRS to assist the Board:

22-41     (a) In the development of designs, plans, specifications and

22-42  estimates of costs for a proposed construction project.

22-43     (b) In the review of designs, plans, specifications and estimates

22-44  of costs for a proposed construction project to ensure that the


23-1  designs, plans, specifications and estimates of costs are complete

23-2  and that the project is feasible to construct.

23-3      2.  The Board is not required to advertise for bids for a contract

23-4  for services pursuant to subsection 1, but may solicit bids from not

23-5  fewer than three licensed contractors and may award the contract to

23-6  the lowest responsible and responsive bidder.

23-7      3.  The Board shall adopt regulations establishing procedures

23-8  for:

23-9      (a) The determination of the qualifications of contractors to bid

23-10  for the contracts for services described in subsection 1.

23-11     (b) The bidding and awarding of such contracts.

23-12     4.  If a proposed construction project for which a contractor is

23-13  awarded a contract for services by the Board pursuant to subsection

23-14  1 is advertised pursuant to NRS [341.148,] 338.1385, that contractor

23-15  may submit a bid for the contract for the proposed construction

23-16  project if he is qualified pursuant to NRS [338.1377.] 338.1375.

23-17     Secs. 20-26.  (Deleted by amendment.)

23-18     Sec. 27.  1.  This section and sections 1 to 10, inclusive, 12,

23-19  13 and 15 to 26, inclusive, of this act become effective on

23-20  October 1, 2003.

23-21     2.  Sections 10 and 13 of this act expire by limitation on

23-22  April 30, 2013.

23-23     3.  Sections 11 and 14 of this act become effective on May 1,

23-24  2013.

 

23-25  H