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Panel approves bill to standardize bidder selection to 'lowest and best' for state and local projects
Summary
House Bill 15‑59 would align procurement code (IC 5‑32) so the same award standard—"lowest and best"—applies to higher education, state and local government projects. Supporters said it allows value judgments such as reputation and schedule; critics warned it could introduce discretion and legal uncertainty. Committee voted 12‑0 to advance the bill
The committee considered House Bill 15‑59, described by its sponsor as a cleanup to IC 5‑32 that would create a single award standard—"lowest and best"—for higher education, state owners and local units of government. The sponsor said the change "levels the playing field" because local governments currently apply a "lowest responsive and responsible" standard while higher education and state owners use "lowest and best."
Lance Gasser, chief operating officer for Garmont Construction, supported the change and said it applies only to subcontractor…
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