Bill Caption

Relating to the procurement of certain goods and services related to highways by the Texas Department of Transportation.

Fiscal Notes

Shortening the procurement process for the Department of Transportation could create savings in staff time and procurement costs, though in an amount that cannot be determined.

Bill Analysis

SB 1270 would allow TxDOT to purchase materials used in the construction or maintenance of a highway and traffic control or safety materials without submitting for a competitive bid if the contract would involve an amount for which the comptroller has delegated purchasing authority and determines that the regular competitive bidding process is not practical. An award using this process would be required to be made to the lowest responsive bidder. After awarding the contract, the department would have to post on its website the bid tabulation for the contract. 

SB 1270 would allow TxDOT to award a maintenance contract as a purchase of services under the current comptroller limit ($100,000) and would allow TxDOT to purchase road, traffic control, and safety materials not to exceed the Comptroller limit of $50,000. Again, an award must be given to the lowest competitive bidder and the department must post online the bid tabulation for the project. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

SB 1270 would promote government efficiency in road building and maintenance at the expense of transparency and due diligence by getting rid of competitive bidding for certain contracts. Due to the conflicting application of the liberty principles, Texas Action will remain neutral.