MN HF4514

Amends Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 471.345, subdivision 6, to establish conflict of interest protections for municipal contracts subject to competitive bidding requirements.

Prohibits individual manufacturers from drafting bid specifications for municipalities.

Prohibits entities with a financial stake in the contract outcome from reviewing bids with or on behalf of the municipality.

Requires municipalities to allow use of alternative materials certified as equivalent by an engineer or other qualified expert.

Requires municipalities to use measurable standards for material and product equivalencies when practicable.