Legislature(2007 - 2008)HOUSE FINANCE 519
03/17/2008 01:30 PM House FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB417 || HB417 | |
| HB348 || HB348 | |
| HB364 || HB364 | |
| HB236 | |
| HB406 |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | HB 236 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 255 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 406 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | HB 364 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 348 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 417 | TELECONFERENCED | |
HOUSE BILL NO. 406
An Act relating to a requirement for competitive
bidding on contracts for the preparation of election
ballots.
REPRESENTATIVE ANNA FAIRCLOUGH, SPONSOR, presented CSHB
406(STA), an act relating to contracting for the preparation
of election ballots. The bill allows a competitive bid
proposal to be submitted to the Division of Elections. The
Division can set parameters for quality, site inspection,
testing, a period for the award, and accountability of
delivering ballots.
Representative Fairclough noted that the only non-resolved
issue is the "Alaska product" preference on page 4, line 28.
She explained that any printer in the state of Alaska can
become contracted as a preferential provider. The purpose is
to promote Alaska hire.
Representative Crawford asked what the genesis of the bill
was. Representative Fairclough explained that she was asked
why Elections was exempt from the procurement process. She
decided to work to create an open and competitive process
for Alaskans.
3:41:48 PM
Representative Thomas asked about penalties. Representative
Fairclough replied that all printers would be held
accountable to be timely and accurate in all they were
contracted for.
Representative Gara asked if there could be a situation
where a dissatisfied bidder could slow down the process for
getting out a ballot. Representative Fairclough replied that
the time and quality assurance would be inside the proposal
process.
VERN JONES, CHIEF PROCUREMENT OFFICER, DEPARTMENT OF
ADMINISTRATION, explained that there would be a protest
process included. The bill is silent on protest but
procurement code procedures would be followed. There would
be term contracts for a number of years to allow sufficient
time for appeals and other eventualities.
3:44:55 PM
Representative Kelly asked about the Alaska product
provision. Mr. Jones responded that the bill does not
subject the printing of ballots to the procurement code,
where the Alaska better preference, product preference, and
other preferences reside. The bill brings in a preference
identical to the procurement code. The concern with the
"Alaska Product" preference is a timing issue. Currently
there is only one printer on the list. Many other printers
could get on the list eventually, but a company must be on
the list 30 days prior to the issuance of the request for
proposals to qualify. It then takes approximately 30 days
for the Department of Commerce to process an application to
be placed on the list, but the list is only published twice
each year. This could present a problem. He suggested
increasing the Alaska bidder preference by whatever
percentage, and eliminate the product preference.
3:47:35 PM
Representative Fairclough explained that the bill would
become effective in January of 2009. All printers are put on
notice. She personally contacted the current vendor that
currently holds the contract. She noted that the current
provider has done a great job for the State; the bill is in
no way a reflection of any performance concern. She went on
to say that if there is wording for Alaska preference it
could cause problems as this is not consistent with
procurement law.
3:49:16 PM
Co-Chair Meyer opened public testimony.
WAYNE STEVENS, PRESIDENT, ALASKA STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE,
spoke in support of the changes to provide for the
competitive bidding process and the "Made in Alaska"
preference.
CHAZ SIMMONS, SALES MANAGER, SERVICE BUSINESS PRINTING,
ANCHORAGE (Testified via teleconference), testified in
support of the bill. He agrees with the principals of
competitive bidding. He thought many Alaskan companies would
be able to perform on the product.
3:51:06 PM
KERRY NOBLIN, PENISULA PRINTING, KENAI (Testified via
teleconference), spoke in support HB 406. He underlined the
fact that currently there is only one printing company
contracted by the Division of Elections.
3:53:12 PM
PUBLIC TESTIMONY CLOSED.
Representative Fairclough clarified that preparing ballots
is not a simple process, but requires exactness and high
quality. She stressed the importance of the Division of
Elections being allowed the utmost scrutiny on any bidder.
Co-Chair Chenault MOVED to REPORT HB 406 out of Committee
with individual recommendations and attached zero fiscal
note #1 by the Office of the Governor.
CS HB 406 (STA) was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do
pass" recommendation and with attached zero fiscal note #1
by the Office of the Governor.
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