HB5878 Summary

• Increases the public bidding threshold from $10,000 to $40,000 for construction, acquisition of services, and public transportation facilities by the Metropolitan Transit Authority, establishing a higher cost requirement before public notice and bidding are mandated.

• Adds Section 5.5 to the Local Mass Transit District Act requiring boards to adopt regulations ensuring public bidding for District construction or acquisition of services or transportation facilities costing more than $40,000, with exceptions for bonds, professional services, and contracts with other governmental agencies.

• Raises the public bidding threshold from $10,000 to $40,000 for the Regional Transportation Authority and non-Chicago Transit Authority Service Boards, while maintaining existing exceptions for emergency supplies, sole-source goods, and equipment maintenance contracts.

• Establishes a two-phase design/build selection procedure for Service Boards, allowing competitive selection and prequalification of bidders with a maximum of 5 qualified offerors selected to submit phase-two proposals, unless the Service Board determines a higher number is necessary.

• Takes effect upon becoming law.