Introduction of the Construction Quality Assurance Act

Floor Speech

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, as we look for ways to ensure government dollars are used efficiently, Congress should reform the procurement process to limit bid shopping on federal construction contracts. Restoring equitable safeguards in the low bid system will assure that agency practice will conform to the highest standards adhered to by industry professionals and contractor associations, and will reflect best practices followed by a great many other public procurement systems nationally and internationally.

That is why I am introducing the Construction Quality Assurance Act, legislation that would require prime bidders on low-bid projects valued at $1 million or more to list each subcontractor on work categories of $100,000 or more with their bid submissions. Substitutions of listed subcontractors after contracts are awarded would be allowed only in exceptional circumstances and only with the consent of the contracting officer.

The bill would impose financial penalties for improper substitution of listed subcontractors. It would also apply to subcontractors. Both prime contractors and subcontractors would be subject to debarment or ineligibility determinations in cases where there are two infractions of the prohibitions over any three-year period.

I urge my colleagues to pass this bill and ensure integrity in the federal procurement system.

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