MN HF4444

Metropolitan Council may enter into contracts by direct negotiation without competitive bidding if obtaining two or more quotations and total contractual obligation does not exceed $250,000, with quotations retained for at least one year.

Metropolitan Council and specified agencies may award up to six percent preference in bid amounts for construction work, goods, or services to small targeted group businesses and veteran-owned small businesses.

Council and agencies may designate contracts exclusively for small targeted group businesses or veteran-owned small businesses if at least three such businesses are likely to respond to solicitation.

Prime contractors on council and agency contracts must pay subcontractors within ten days of receiving payment and must pay 1-1/2 percent monthly interest on undisputed late payments, with minimum penalty of $10 per month for balances of $100 or more.

Provisions apply in the counties of Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington, effective the day following final enactment.