Bill > B26-0621

This bill, the Procurement Reform Amendment Act of 2026, aims to modernize the District's procurement laws to improve efficiency and support local businesses. Key provisions include streamlining contract option period approvals, raising the threshold for smaller procurements to $25,000 for non-competitive awards, and clarifying that annual program approvals for certain contracts like highway projects, supply schedules, and vehicle purchases count as Council approval for individual contracts within those programs. The bill also introduces new definitions for "certified business enterprise" and "certified joint venture" to align with existing laws, modifies the definition of "public notice" to allow for broader dissemination methods beyond traditional newspapers, and permits the Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) to delegate authority to subordinates. It also establishes a three-year statute of limitations for contract claims and prohibits specific unfavorable terms in District contracts, such as requiring the District to defend or indemnify contractors, or subjecting disputes to laws other than those of the District. Additionally, the bill revises rules for construction contract retainage, allowing for full payment if satisfactory progress is made and setting a maximum 10% retention if progress is not achieved, and repeals an older law regarding retainage. Finally, it clarifies the appeals process for debarment and suspension decisions, limiting review to the administrative record, and amends the First Source Employment Agreement Act to adjust employment plan evaluation criteria and align debarment processes.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://lims.dccouncil.gov/Legislation/B26-0621