HB335 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Alan BakerRepresentative

Republican

Co-Sponsors

David FaulknerSam Jones

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Solid waste collection and disposal, contracts for, competitive bid laws revised, Secs. 22-27-5, 41-16-57 am'd.

Summary

HB335 updates Alabama's competitive bidding rules by capping residential solid waste contracts at five years, adding life-cycle cost considerations, and strengthening sole-source restrictions and Alabama-based preferences.

What This Bill Does

It changes the maximum contract length for residential solid waste collection and disposal to five years. It maintains the standard lowest responsible bidder process, with the option to terminate the lowest bidder if they default and re-award to the second lowest under the same terms and price. It adds a preference for Alabama-produced goods or Alabama-based sellers when price and quality are not compromised, and tightens sole-source rules with documentation requirements. It introduces life-cycle cost considerations for certain purchases, requires bid records to be public, and sets specific maximum terms for various types of contracts and leases.

Who It Affects

• Local governments and procurement officials, who must follow the new contract-term limits and bidding rules when awarding public contracts, including residential solid waste services.
• Bidders and suppliers, including Alabama-based firms, who may benefit from Alabama preferences and must adhere to stricter sole-source documentation and potential life-cycle cost evaluation requirements.

Key Provisions

• Residential solid waste contracts must be let for periods not greater than five years.
• Lowest responsible bidder rules remain, with authority to terminate the award to the lowest bidder if they default and re-award to the second lowest under the original terms and not at a higher price.
• Preference to commodities produced in Alabama or sold by Alabama persons, firms, or corporations, if price and quality are not sacrificed.
• Sole-source awards are limited and require written documentation showing indispensability, lack of viable alternatives, and justification in the project file.
• Life-cycle cost analysis may be used to determine the lowest responsible bid for certain purchases, with required notices and supporting sources.
• Bid records and the reasons for award (or non-award) must be available for public inspection after the award.
• Contract term limits: personal property or contractual services up to 3 years; residential solid waste contracts up to 5 years; motor vehicle leases up to 5 years (with certain exceptions); lease-purchase contracts for capital improvements and other leases up to 10 years.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Competitive Bids