Bill > HB3429

This bill establishes a new procedure for the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) to prequalify and hire engineering consultants for abandoned mine lands and reclamation projects. The bill defines professional services as engineering services and requires the department to publish a legal advertisement soliciting letters of interest from engineering firms. After receiving letters of interest, the department will create a "Prequalified List of Firms" and work with the Purchasing Division to enter into one-year prequalification agreements (with an optional two-year extension). When assigning projects, the department must follow specific procedures: issue an expression of interest only to prequalified firms, conduct discussions with at least three firms, select a firm based on qualifications, notify procurement divisions of the selection, schedule a scope of work meeting within 45 days, complete cost negotiations within 60 days, and potentially issue an advanced notice to proceed. The bill provides a structured, competitive process to ensure the department can efficiently hire qualified engineering consultants for abandoned mine lands projects while maintaining transparency and allowing for some flexibility in special circumstances.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Transportation and Infrastructure

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=3429&year=2025&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill