Bill > H6173

This bill establishes the Rhode Island Anti-Bid-Rigging Act, which creates comprehensive legal protections against bid rigging and improper interference in government procurement processes. The legislation defines bid rigging as intentional collusion between two or more persons to predetermine contract winners, including activities like price fixing, submitting identical or prearranged bids, rotating bids, and dividing territories to restrict competition. The bill makes such activities a felony punishable by up to three years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million or three times the bid value, whichever is greater. It also prohibits government officials from improperly influencing contract awards or sharing confidential bidding information outside official processes. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for debarment, which means vendors found in violation can be excluded from state procurement contracts for up to five years. The act applies to contracts at both state and local government levels and covers various types of procurement, including equipment, goods, services, construction, and repair contracts. The legislation aims to promote fair competition, transparency, and integrity in government contracting by establishing clear legal consequences for bid manipulation and improper procurement practices.

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