Bill > HB1297

This bill modifies Hawaii's procurement protest procedures by making several key changes to existing law. First, it adjusts the timeline for filing protests, requiring that protests be submitted within five working days after a party knows or should know of the facts giving rise to the protest, and mandating that protests regarding solicitation content must be filed at least 24 hours before the offer receipt deadline. The bill also establishes a standard 75-calendar-day timeline for the chief procurement officer to issue a written decision on protests for contracts awarded through competitive sealed bidding or proposals, with the possibility of a 45-day extension if justified by extenuating circumstances. Additionally, the bill caps the protest bond amount at $1,500,000, requiring parties initiating a protest to pay a bond equal to one percent of the contract's estimated value, which will be returned minus administrative costs unless the protest is found to be frivolous or filed in bad faith. These changes aim to provide more clarity and structure to the procurement protest process while preventing unnecessarily prolonged or frivolous challenges to government contract awards.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1297&year=2026