HB13 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jack Williams

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Competitive bids, public works projects, life cycle costs may be considered in determining lowest responsible bid, life cycle costs, public works, and personal property further defined, local governments authorized to purchase goods and services through vendors with current contract with Government Services Administration without further competitive bidding, Secs. 39-2-1, 39-2-6, 41-16-51, 41-16-57 am'd.

Summary

HB13 updates Alabama bidding rules to allow life cycle costs in bids and to authorize local governments to buy from federal or regional contracts without extra bidding, plus clarifies definitions around life cycle costs and personal property.

What This Bill Does

It defines life cycle costs and public works projects, and lets awarding authorities consider life cycle costs when choosing the lowest responsible bid for water or sewer public works. It also allows local governments to purchase goods and services from Government Services Administration or Western States Contracting Alliance contracts without additional competitive bidding, with prices limited to those contracts. It clarifies that personal property includes items that will become fixtures, and it preserves existing bidding rules and protections, including preferences for Alabama-made goods and penalties for bid collusion.

Who It Affects

• Local governments in Alabama (cities, counties, and related authorities) can use GSA/WSCA contracts without further bidding and may evaluate life cycle costs in bid decisions.
• Bidders/contractors and Alabama-based vendors competing for public works contracts must consider life cycle costs where invited, may face Alabama-based purchasing preferences, and must follow updated definitions and bidding rules.

Key Provisions

• Life cycle costs defined and allowed to determine the lowest bidder on water or sewer public works projects; invitations to bid must specify life cycle cost criteria and sources.
• Local governments may purchase goods and services through GSA or WSCA contracts without additional competitive bidding; prices paid may not exceed contract prices.
• Definitions updated to include life cycle costs, public works, and personal property (including items that are or will become fixtures).
• Bidding rules maintained with lowest bid generally; life cycle cost option for certain purchases; Alabama-grown goods preference; sole source and anti-collusion provisions; contract duration limits.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Competitive Bids