Construction Contractor Pre-qualification - PlanetBids

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On August 1, 2017, the SCCCD Board of Trustees passed a resolution to become subject to the California Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Act (CUPCCAA).

CUPCCAA is a useful tool for the district as it raises informal bidding thresholds, simplifies the informal quote process for small projects, reduces advertising costs, expedites the bidding processes, and increases the likelihood that bids received will be from responsive, responsible contractors. While CUPCCAA allows the district to have a less formal bid process it still contains appropriate guidelines, checks and balances. Additionally, in conjunction with Board Policy 6350, these new CUPCCAA procedures will help to promote an increase in procurement opportunities for local and diverse construction contractors and consultants.

Under CUPCCAA, the district is required to create and maintain a list of qualified construction contractors by the category of work performed. Each year in November, the district will publicly invite licensed contractors to submit their information and qualifications for inclusion on the list. To pre-qualify with the State Center Community College District as a CUPCCAA vendor, please register at PlanetBids.com. The district will also hold annual outreach events to inform and educate construction contractors about the new procedures and pre-qualification requirements.

As outlined in CUPCCAA policy, the thresholds for Public Works Projects are:

Under $60,000

• Contracting for construction services may be bid but are exempt from bidding requirements. Projects may be performed by negotiated contract or by purchase order
• The district may select a qualified contractor from the list for project without going through an informal or formal bidding process
• Public works projects in excess of $25,000 require payment and performance bonds (Civil Code section 9550-9566)

$60,000 - $200,000

• Contracts for public works projects will be awarded to the qualified contractor submitting the lowest bid through the informal bidding process
• A Notice of Invitation requesting informal bids is sent to the list of qualified contractors maintained by the purchasing department. Invitations must be sent at least ten days prior to the informal bid closing date.  Bids must be awarded to the lowest responsive, responsible contractor
• The purchasing department prepares an informal bid package which includes specifications, bid and contract forms for distribution to pre-qualified contractors
• The purchasing department obtains and verifies required documentation including certificates of insurance, payment and performance bonds, and appropriate licensing. The signed agreement, purchase order and notice to proceed are issued to the successful bidder

Over $200,000

• Contracts for public works projects in excess of $200,000 remain subject to standard formal bidding procedures

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