March 2019 Bar Bulletin
By Emily Miner
Public works contracting is itself a growth industry as municipalities develop and repair the infrastructure necessary to support the region’s growth. Recent legislation requires that public works contractors — with some exceptions — be trained on public works and prevailing wage requirements before they bid on public works contracts.1
Background
Most public agencies are required to award public works contracts to the lowest “responsible” bidder. Public works includes all work, construction, alteration, repair or improvement that is executed at the cost of the state or any other local public agency. To ensure the bidder is “responsible,” RCW § 39.04.350 outlines...