SCS/HCS/HB 622 - This is one of several acts which are intended to implement the recommendations of the Commission on Management and Productivity, appointed by the Governor in 1994 to recommend ways to improve the operation of Missouri state government.

This act revises requirements for the construction, repair and renovation of public buildings. A Division of Facilities Management is created in the Office of Administration (OA). This change conforms to a reorganization plan submitted to the Governor in 1993.

All contracts for construction projects with a cost of $25,000 or more for construction and repair of state buildings and buildings in cities with a population of 500,000 or more shall be let to the lowest, responsive and responsible bidder. Such contracts must be advertised in the county where the work will be done, in two daily newspapers with a circulation of 50,000, and in other ways which will reach the potential bidders.

State agencies may establish standing contracts for construction, renovation, maintenance and repair contracts of less than $25,000 if authorized by the Director of the Division of Facilities Management. The Director may establish written procedures governing such contracts and each agency which enters into such contracts shall submit an annual report to the Director. The Director has the sole discretion to designate a material, product or system within a specification for construction by specific brand, trade name or trade mark when it is determined to be in the best interest of the state.

When there is an appropriation for construction, renovation or repair, of $25,000 or more, payment will be made if: 1) the agency provides OA with proof of a contract; and 2) the request for payment is signed by the architect or engineer who is overseeing the project.

The Director of the Division of Design and Construction shall review all requests for capital improvement appropriations and shall recommend which requests should be funded. The Division shall establish a method of calculating replacement costs for college buildings.

The act raises the threshold for competitive bidding in counties from $1,000 to $3,000.

The State Facility Maintenance and Operation Fund is created. The fund shall retain appropriated moneys and moneys paid to the Office of Administration as operating expenses and rent of state-owned facilities. Moneys in the fund shall lapse only if the unencumbered balance at the close of a fiscal year exceeds one-twelfth of the total amount transferred into the fund during the fiscal year.

The guards of the Capital Complex are transferred to the Department of Public Safety and will be called the Missouri Capitol Police. This transfer conforms to a reorganization plan approved by the Governor in 1994. Similar provisions are contained in HB 421.

The Board of Regents of Southwest Missouri State University is authorized to convey real estate in West Plains in exchange for other property held by the city. This provision is also contained in HB 144 as a SCA.

The act creates the State Facility Maintenance and Operation Fund which shall contain moneys paid to the Board of Public Buildings operated by the Office of Administration. Moneys shall be used for operation, maintenance, and repair of public buildings.

The act eliminates the bonding requirements or contracts with any political subdivision valued at $25,000 or less. Public officials are not personally liable for their actions in certain contractual situations. This provision has an emergency clause.

Any county may authorize the appointment of a purchasing officer.

The Historic Preservation Fund shall retain the interest earned on moneys in the fund.

This bill is similar to SB 408.
DAVID VALENTINE