Title 61. Public Buildings and Public Works

§61-1. Bond, irrevocable letter of credit or affidavit of payment of indebtedness to be furnished on public works contracts. 

A. Prior to an award of a contract exceeding Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00) for construction or repair of a public building or structure, or improvement to real property, the person that receives the award shall: 

1. Furnish a bond with good and sufficient sureties payable to the state in a sum not less than the total sum of the contract; or 

2. Cause an irrevocable letter of credit, containing terms the Department of Central Services prescribes, to be issued for the benefit of the state by a financial institution insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation in a sum not less than the total sum of the contract. 

B. The bond or irrevocable letter of credit shall ensure the proper and prompt completion of the work in accordance with the contract and shall ensure that the contractor shall pay all indebtedness the contractor incurs for the contractor's subcontractors and all suppliers of labor, material, rental of machinery or equipment, and repair of and parts for equipment the contract requires the contractor to furnish. 

C. For a contract not exceeding Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00), in lieu of a bond or irrevocable letter of credit, the contractor shall submit an affidavit of the payment of all indebtedness incurred by the contractor, the contractor's subcontractors, and all suppliers of labor, material, rented machinery or equipment, and repair of and parts for equipment used or consumed in the performance of the contract. The execution of the affidavit with knowledge that any of the contents of the affidavit are false, upon conviction, shall constitute perjury, punishable 

R.L.1910, § 3881. Amended by Laws 1951, p. 168, § 1, emerg. eff. May 1, 1951; Laws 1955, p. 335, § 1, emerg. eff. June 6, 1955; Laws 1961, p. 459, § 1 emerg. eff. May 15, 1961; Laws 1965, c. 518, § 1, emerg. eff. July 22, 1965; Laws 1968, c. 77, § 1, emerg. eff. March 25, 1968; Laws 1980, c. 76, § 1, eff. July 1, 1980; Laws 1983, c. 125, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1983; Laws 1986, c. 110, § 1, emerg. eff. April 9, 1986; Laws 1989, c. 286, § 5, operative July 1, 1989; Laws 1992, c. 239, § 1, emerg. eff. May 19, 1992; Laws 2000, c. 363, § 1, emerg. eff. June 6, 2000; Laws 2006, c. 271, § 1, eff. July 1, 2006. 

 

§61-1.1. Repealed by Laws 2006, c. 271, § 37, eff. July 1, 2006. 

§61-2. Filing of bond - Action on bond - Subcontractors. 

A. Bonds shall be filed in the office of the agency, institution, department, commission, municipality or government instrumentality that is authorized by law and does enter into contracts for the construction of public improvements or buildings, or repairs to the same; and the officer with whom the bond is filed shall furnish a copy thereof to any person claiming any rights thereunder. Any person to whom there is due any sum for labor, material or repair to machinery or equipment, furnished as stated in Section 1 of this title, the heirs or assigns of such person, may bring an action on the bond for the recovery of the indebtedness, provided that no action shall be brought on the bond after one (1) year from the day on which the last of the labor was performed or material or parts furnished for which the claim is made. 

B. Any person having direct contractual relationship with a subcontractor performing work on the contract, but no contractual relationship express or implied with the contractor furnishing the payment bond, shall have a right of action upon the payment bond only upon giving written notice to the contractor and surety on the payment bond within ninety (90) days from the date on which such person did or performed the last of the labor or furnished or supplied the last of the material or parts for which the claim is made, stating with substantial accuracy the amount claimed and the name of the party to whom the material or parts were furnished or supplied or for whom the labor was done or performed. The notice shall be served by mailing the same by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, in an envelope addressed to the contractor at any place the contractor maintains an office or conducts business, together with a copy thereof to the surety or sureties on the payment bond. 

C. 1. The bond or irrevocable letter of credit issued to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation or the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, pursuant to this section, shall also provide that the contractor shall pay all state and local taxes accruing as a result of the contract, any liquidated damages as provided by the contract and any overpayment of progressive estimates resulting in a balance due and owing the Oklahoma Department of Transportation or the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority. 

2. A claim against the bond or irrevocable letter of credit for delinquent taxes shall be made by the public entity to which the tax was payable. The claim shall be made within six (6) months from the date on which the tax became delinquent. Notice of the delinquent tax shall be sent by certified mail to the surety, and a copy of the notice shall be sent to the contractor. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to release, at any time, the contractor from responsibility for full payment of all taxes. 

3. A claim against the bond or irrevocable letter of credit for overpayment on progressive estimates shall be made by the public entity within one (1) year from the date of final acceptance of the project. Notice of the overpayment shall be sent by certified mail to the surety and a copy of the notice shall be sent to the contractor. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as to release, at any time, the contractor from the responsibility of refunding any amount overpaid on progressive estimates which are due and owing the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. 

R.L. 1910, § 3882. Amended by Laws 1955, p. 335, § 2; Laws 1961, p. 459, § 2; Laws 1965, c. 518, § 2; Laws 1968, c. 77, § 2, emerg. eff. March 25, 1968; Laws 1995, c. 200, § 1, emerg. eff. May 19, 1995; Laws 1997, c. 278, § 3, emerg. eff. May 27, 1997. 

 

§61-3. Working day for public employees. 

A. Except as provided in subsection B of this section, eight (8) hours shall constitute a day's work for all public employees not otherwise exempt from or covered by special provisions under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, 29 U.S.C.A., Section 201 et seq. and regulations thereto. In cases where it may be necessary to work more than eight (8) hours per calendar day which results in more than forty (40) hours worked per week, all public employees not otherwise exempt from or otherwise covered by special provisions under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act and regulations related thereto or other persons so employed shall be compensated in accordance with the federal Fair Labor Standards Act and regulations related thereto. 

B. Public employees and public safety professionals may be allowed to work in excess of eight (8) hours per day when such hours are assigned as part of an alternative work schedule. In any case where such work schedule results in an employee working in excess of forty (40) hours per workweek who is not exempt from or covered by special provisions under the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act, the employee shall be compensated in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act and regulations related thereto. For purposes of this section, “public safety professionals” means sheriffs, deputy sheriffs, correctional officers, and persons in the emergency medical service profession. 

R.L. 1910, § 3757. Amended by Laws 1994, c. 242, § 44; Laws 2009, c. 55, § 1, eff. July 1, 2009. 

 

§614. Public contracts made on basis of eighthour day. 

All contracts hereafter made by or on behalf of the state, or by or on behalf of any county, city, township, or other municipality, with any corporation, person or persons, for the performance of any public work, by or on behalf of the state or any county, city, township, or other municipality, shall be deemed and considered as made upon the basis of eight (8) hours constituting a day's work; and it shall be unlawful for such corporation, person or persons, to require, aid, abet, assist, connive at, or permit any laborer, workman, mechanic, prison guards, janitors in public institutions, or other person to work more than eight hours per calendar day in doing such work, except in cases and upon the conditions provided in the preceding section. 

Provided that the provisions of this act in regard to hours worked per calendar day shall not apply to the construction, reconstruction, maintenance, or the production of local materials for: Highways, roads, streets, and all the structures and drainage in connection therewith; sewer systems, waterworks systems, dams and levees, canals, drainage ditches, airport grading, drainage, surfacing, seeding and planting. Provided that the provisions of this act will not prevent employees from drawing time and half for those hours worked over forty (40) during any calendar week. 

R.L. 1910, § 3758; Laws 1949, p. 413, § 1. 

 

§615. Penalty for violating two preceding sections. 

Any officer of the state, or of any county, city, township, or other municipality, or any person acting under or for such officer, or any contractor with the state, or any county, city, township, or other municipality thereof, or other persons violating any of the provisions of the two preceding sections, shall for each offense be fined in any sum not less than Fifty Dollars ($50.00), nor more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), or punished by imprisonment of not less than three (3) months not more than six (6) months. Each day such violation continues shall constitute a separate offense. 

R.L. 1910, § 3759. 

 

§616. Public buildings Home products When to use. 

From and after the passage and approval of this act, in the construction of all public buildings erected for the state; for any county for educational, eleemosynary, penal or other institution of the state, or for any county thereof, where the expense of construction is borne wholly or in part by the state, or county, by appropriation, by the issuance of bonds, or by taxation, preference shall be given to materials mined, quarried, manufactured or procured within the State of Oklahoma, provided that the same can be procured at no greater expense than like material or materials of equal quality from without the state. 

Laws 191011, c. 76, p. 174, § 1. 

 

§61-7. Repealed by Laws 1983, c. 304, § 182, eff. July 1, 1983. 

§618. Prior contracts unaffected. 

The provisions of Sections 1 and 2 shall not apply to contracts entered into prior to the approval of this act. 

Laws 191011, c. 76, p. 175, § 3. 

 

§619. Oklahoma labor and materials in construction or repair of state institutions. 

The Governor, the Director of Central Services, the Board of Regents for Higher Education, and any agent or agency of the State of Oklahoma who shall be authorized to expend funds for the construction or repair of state institutions provided for pursuant to Section 31 of Article X of the State Constitution, shall include in all contracts for repair or construction a provision requiring employment of Oklahoma labor and the use of Oklahoma materials in doing such construction and repair if such Oklahoma labor and materials are available, and the quality of such labor or materials meet the standards of labor and material available from outside the state and can be procured at a cost no higher than the same quality of labor or material available from outside this state. 

Added by Laws 1949, Ex. Sess., p. 23, § 1. Amended by Laws 1983, c. 304, § 42, eff. July 1, 1983; Laws 2002, c. 294, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2002. 

 

§6110. Preference for Oklahoma labor and materials in certain construction. 

The Governor, the Director of Central Services, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, and any agent or agency of the State of Oklahoma who shall be authorized to expend funds for the construction or repair of state institutions provided for pursuant to Section 33 of Article X of the State Constitution, shall include in all contracts for repair or construction a provision requiring employment of Oklahoma labor and the use of Oklahoma materials in doing such construction and repair wherever such Oklahoma labor and materials are available and the quality of such labor or materials meet the standards of labor and material available from outside the state and can be procured at a cost no higher than the same quality of labor or material available from outside this state. 

Added by Laws 1955, p. 589, § 1, emerg. eff. June 6, 1955. Amended by Laws 1983, c. 304, § 43, eff. July 1, 1983; Laws 2002, c. 294, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2002. 

 

§61-11. Public buildings - Facilities for handicapped - Additions to existing buildings. 

A. Unless otherwise provided for by law, all plans and specifications for the erection of public buildings by this state, or any agency or political subdivision thereof, or for any building erected through the use of public funds shall provide facilities for the handicapped. Such facilities shall conform with the codes and standards adopted by the State Fire Marshal and amended by the Division’s promulgated rules. Elevators shall be constructed and installed in said public buildings to the extent deemed feasible and financially reasonable by the contracting authority of the state or such political subdivision. Said codes and standards shall be on file in the Construction and Properties Division of the Department of Central Services. 

B. After May 24, 1973, any building or facility which would have been subject to the provisions of this section but for the fact that it was constructed prior to May 24, 1973, shall be subject to the requirements of this section if additions are made to such building or facility in any twelvemonth period which increase the total floor area of such building or facility by twentyfive percent (25%) or more or if alterations or structural repairs are made to such building or facility in any twelvemonth period which affect twentyfive percent (25%) or more of the total floor area of such building or facility. 

Added by Laws 1965, c. 213, § 1, eff. Jan. 2, 1966. Amended by Laws 1968, c. 57, § 1, emerg. eff. March 18, 1968; Laws 1973, c. 263, § 1, emerg. eff. May 24, 1973; Laws 1983, c. 304, § 44, eff. July 1, 1983; Laws 2002, c. 294, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 2002; Laws 2006, c. 271, § 2, eff. July 1, 2006. 

 

§6112. Plans and specifications Approval. 

All plans and specifications for the erection of public buildings subject to Section 11 of this title shall be submitted prior to bidding and awarding of contract to the governing body of the political entity controlling the funds involved. Such plans and specifications shall be checked for compliance with Section 11 of this title, and no construction contract for any public building shall be awarded unless and until said plans and specifications are approved as being in compliance with Section 11 of this title by the appropriate governmental agency. If public buildings are to be financed by state funds, the Construction and Properties Division of the Department of Central Services shall approve said plans and specifications. In the case of public buildings to be financed by county funds or funds controlled by some other political subdivision of the state, the agency whose approval is required shall be the governing body of such subdivision. 

Added by Laws 1965, c. 213, § 2, eff. Jan. 2, 1966. Amended by Laws 1973, c. 263, § 2, emerg. eff. May 24, 1973; Laws 1983, c. 304, § 45, eff. July 1, 1983; Laws 2002, c. 294, § 4, eff. Nov. 1, 2002. 

 

§6113. Definitions. 

(a) For the purpose of this act the term "contractor" means an individual, general partnership, limited partnership, joint venture, association, corporation or a combination of any of the foregoing who does or undertakes for compensation the construction of any public works. 

(b) The term "public works" for the purpose of this act means the construction, alteration, repair, improvement, moving, wrecking or demolition of any highway, road, railroad, earthwork, building or other structure, project, development or improvement, whether it be in whole or in part. 

Added by Laws 1969, c. 100, § 1. Amended by Laws 2002, c. 294, § 5, eff. Nov. 1, 2002. 

 

§6114. Preference to Oklahoma-domiciled contractors. 

To the extent permitted by federal laws and regulations, whenever the State of Oklahoma, or any department, agency or institution thereof or any city, town or county shall let for bid any contract to a contractor for any public works, the contractor domiciled outside the boundaries of Oklahoma shall be required, in order to be successful, to submit a bid the same percent less than the lowest bid submitted by a responsible contractor domiciled in Oklahoma as would be required for such an Oklahoma domiciled contractor to succeed over the bidding contractor domiciled outside Oklahoma on a like contract being let in his domiciliary state. 

Laws 1969, c. 100, § 2. 

 

§61-15. Exemption for certain contractors. 

This act shall not apply to any contractor who is qualified for bidding purposes with the Oklahoma State Highway Department and submits a successful bid wherein part of or the entire funds are furnished by the United States Government. 

Added by Laws 1969, c. 100, § 3. Amended by Laws 2006, c. 271, § 3, eff. July 1, 2006. 

 

§6116. Unconstitutional. 

§61-17. Presumption as to consent to jurisdiction of Oklahoma courts. 

Any contractor doing business in this state shall be presumed to have consented to the jurisdiction of any court of this state where the work is being done and service may be obtained upon any agent or employee of said contractor. 

Added by Laws 1970, c. 106, § 2, emerg. eff. April 1, 1970. Amended by Laws 2006, c. 271, § 4, eff. July 1, 2006. 

 

§6118. Liability of contractor after completion of contract work. 

Whenever any public officer shall, under the laws of the State of Oklahoma, enter into a contract for the purpose of constructing any highway or turnpike, the contractor or supplier of materials shall not be liable for damages arising out of torts involving injury to persons or damage to property occurring after completion of such contract work and any applicable maintenance obligation and acceptance thereof by such public officer, if all contractual provisions and specifications imposed by state and federal agencies have been complied with by said contractor or supplier of materials. 

  Provided, however, that nothing herein contained shall apply to any cause of action on behalf of the contracting public agency. 

Added by Laws 1972, c. 51, § 1, emerg. eff. Mar. 15, 1972. 

 

§61-19. Multi-year contracts for painting and other maintenance of water storage tanks. 

A. A municipality or rural water district may enter into a multi-year contract for painting and other maintenance of water storage tanks and appurtenant facilities if the contract contains a contingency provision whereby the municipality or district is not obligated to make any payment, in any year, in an amount exceeding the income and revenue provided for such year. 

B. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 101, et seq., of Title 61 of the Oklahoma Statutes, a municipality or rural water district contemplating entering into a multi-year contract for painting and other maintenance of water storage tanks and appurtenant facilities may or may not, at its option, require that the work be bid pursuant to the provisions of the Public Competitive Bidding Act of 1974. 

Added by Laws 2000, c. 139, § 1, emerg. eff. April 25, 2000. 

 

§61-21. Repealed by Laws 1974, c. 298, § 35, operative Aug. 1, 1974. 

§61-22. Repealed by Laws 1974, c. 298, § 35, operative Aug. 1, 1974. 

§61-23. Repealed by Laws 1974, c. 298, § 35, operative Aug. 1, 1974. 

§61-24. Repealed by Laws 1974, c. 298, § 35, operative Aug. 1, 1974. 

§61-25. Repealed by Laws 1974, c. 298, § 35, operative Aug. 1, 1974. 

§61-26. Repealed by Laws 1974, c. 298, § 35, operative Aug. 1, 1974. 

§61-27. Repealed by Laws 1974, c. 298, § 35, operative Aug. 1, 1974. 

§61-28. Repealed by Laws 1974, c. 298, § 35, operative Aug. 1, 1974. 

§61-29. Repealed by Laws 1974, c. 298, § 35, operative Aug. 1, 1974. 

§61-30. Repealed by Laws 1974, c. 298, § 35, operative Aug. 1, 1974. 

§61-31. Repealed by Laws 1974, c. 298, § 35, operative Aug. 1, 1974. 

§61-32. Repealed by Laws 1974, c. 298, § 35, operative Aug. 1, 1974. 

§61-33. Repealed by Laws 1974, c. 298, § 35, operative Aug. 1, 1974. 

§61-34. Repealed by Laws 1974, c. 298, § 35, operative Aug. 1, 1974. 

§61-35. Repealed by Laws 1974, c. 298, § 35, operative Aug. 1, 1974. 

§61-36. Repealed by Laws 1974, c. 298, § 35, operative Aug. 1, 1974. 

§61-37. Repealed by Laws 1974, c. 298, § 35, operative Aug. 1, 1974. 

§61-38. Repealed by Laws 1974, c. 298, § 35, operative Aug. 1, 1974. 

§61-39. Repealed by Laws 1974, c. 298, § 35, operative Aug. 1, 1974. 

§61-40. Repealed by Laws 1974, c. 298, § 35, operative Aug. 1, 1974. 

§61-41. Repealed by Laws 1974, c. 298, § 35, operative Aug. 1, 1974. 

§61-42. Repealed by Laws 1974, c. 298, § 35, operative Aug. 1, 1974. 

§61-43. Repealed by Laws 1974, c. 298, § 35, operative Aug. 1, 1974. 

§61-44. Repealed by Laws 1974, c. 298, § 35, operative Aug. 1, 1974. 

§61-45. Repealed by Laws 1974, c. 298, § 35, operative Aug. 1, 1974. 

§61-46. Repealed by Laws 1974, c. 298, § 35, operative Aug. 1, 1974. 

§61-47. Repealed by Laws 1974, c. 298, § 35, operative Aug. 1, 1974. 

§61-48. Repealed by Laws 1974, c. 298, § 35, operative Aug. 1, 1974. 

§6151. Governmental bodies to purchase American made goods Exceptions. 

A. All agencies, boards, commissions, offices, institutions, or other governmental bodies of the State of Oklahoma, and all individuals making purchases on behalf of such governmental bodies, shall purchase for such governmental bodies goods and equipment manufactured or produced in the United States of America as determined pursuant to federal and state law, unless: 

1. A foreign-made product is substantially cheaper and of equal quality; 

2. A foreign-made product is of substantially superior quality to competing American products and is sold at a comparable price; or 

3. A reciprocal trade agreement or treaty has been negotiated by the State of Oklahoma or by the United States government on behalf of or including this state with a foreign nation or government for nondiscriminatory governmental procurement practices or policies with such foreign nation or government. 

B. The state and any political subdivision of the state may give a two and one-half percent (2 1/2%) differential preference to the cost of goods and equipment manufactured or produced in the United States of America over foreign-made products; provided that such preferences shall not be for goods or equipment of inferior quality to those offered from outside the United States of America. This preference shall not be in addition to any other preference for which such goods or equipment may be eligible pursuant to law. 

Laws 1959, p. 486, § 1; Laws 1992, c. 205, § 4, eff. July 1, 1992. 

 

§61-52. Repealed by Laws 1980, c. 68, § 1, emerg. eff. April 10, 1980. 

§61-60. Mandatory consultant and construction contract forms - Exceptions. 

All state agencies, boards, commissions, offices, institutions, and other governmental bodies of this state, and all individuals representing such entities, except the Department of Transportation, the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, and CompSource Oklahoma provided CompSource Oklahoma is operating pursuant to a pilot program authorized by Sections 1 and 2 of this act, shall use construction manager, consultant and construction contract forms that the State Construction Administrator of the Construction and Properties Division of the Department of Central Services requires to award and execute contracts for designs to construct, renovate, alter, repair, maintain, or improve real property or fixtures of real property of the state. The Administrator may authorize, in writing, exceptions to the use of construction manager, consultant and construction contract forms for specific projects. 

Added by Laws 1982, c. 70, § 1. Amended by Laws 1983, c. 304, § 46, eff. July 1, 1985; Laws 2000, c. 363, § 2, emerg. eff. June 6, 2000; Laws 2001, c. 399, § 1, emerg. eff. June 4, 2001; Laws 2002, c. 294, § 6, eff. Nov. 1, 2002; Laws 2006, c. 271, § 5, eff. July 1, 2006; Laws 2009, c. 454, § 3. 

 

§61-61. Definitions. 

As used in Sections 61 through 65 of this title: 

1. “Administrator” means the State Construction Administrator of the Construction and Properties Division of the Department of Central Services; 

2. “Chief administrative officer” means an individual responsible for directing the administration of a state agency. The term does not mean one or all of the individuals that make policy for a state agency; 

3. “Construction manager” means an individual, firm, corporation, association, partnership, copartnership, or any other legal entity possessing the qualifications to provide services of construction management which include, but are not necessarily limited to, design review, scheduling, cost control, value engineering, constructability evaluation, preparation and coordination of bid packages, and construction administration; 

4. “Department” means the Department of Central Services; 

5. “ Consultant” means an individual or legal entity possessing the qualifications to provide licensed architectural, registered engineering, or registered land surveying services or other individuals or legal entities possessing specialized credentials and qualifications as may be needed to plan or design for any construction or a public work improvement project; 

6. “Director” means the Director of the Department of Central Services; 

7. “Division” means the Construction and Properties Division of the Department of Central Services; 

8. “Project” means plans or designs for a public work improvement, except the transportation facilities under the jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation or the Oklahoma Transportation Authority: 

a.  to construct, renovate, alter, repair, maintain, or improve real property or fixtures of real property, and 

b.  that does not constitute "construction" as defined by the Public Building Construction and Planning Act; and 

9. “State agency” means an agency, office, officer, bureau, board, counsel, court, commission, institution, unit, division, body or house of the executive or judicial branches of state government, whether elected or appointed, excluding only political subdivisions of the state. 

Added by Laws 1974, c. 156, § 1. Amended by Laws 1981, c. 346, § 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1982; Laws 1983, c. 304, § 47, eff. July 1, 1985; Laws 2000, c. 363, § 3, emerg. eff. June 6, 2000; Laws 2001, c. 399, § 2, emerg. eff. June 4, 2001; Laws 2002, c. 294, § 7, eff. Nov. 1, 2002; Laws 2006, c. 271, § 6, eff. July 1, 2006. 

 

§61-62. Construction managers and consultants - Registration and selection. 

A. The Construction and Properties Division of the Department of Central Services shall maintain a file of all persons and entities interested in and capable of performing construction management and consultant services for state agencies. The file shall include registration forms and information submitted by construction managers and consultants pursuant to rules promulgated by the Department of Central Services. Pursuant to rules promulgated by the Department, the Division shall determine whether a construction manager or consultant qualifies for registration and shall notify the construction manager or consultant within twenty (20) days of receipt of a request for registration. Construction managers and consultants shall re-register for each successive calendar year with the Division. 

B. The requisitioning state agency shall define the scope of a proposed project. The scope shall identify project components, phases, and timetables and shall include detailed project descriptions. The state agency may request the Division to assist with scope development. The state agency shall send the scope and a requisition for construction management or consultant services, signed by the chief administrative officer, to the Division. The Division shall review the scope and approve it before the state agency issues a solicitation. 

C. The state agency shall issue a solicitation to construction managers or consultants capable of providing the services the state agency desires. The solicitation shall, at a minimum, contain: 

1. Description and scope of the project; 

2. Estimated construction cost or available funds, anticipated starting date, and completion date the state agency desires for the project; 

3. Certification of funds available for the construction manager or consultant fee, including federal, state or other participation; 

4. Closing date for construction manager or consultant to give notice of interest to the state agency; and 

5. Additional data the state agency requires from the construction manager or consultant. The closing date for submission of construction manager or consultant notice of interest for consideration shall be within thirty (30) days of the date of the notice the state agency issues. 

D. After the closing date, the State Construction Administrator of the Construction and Properties Division of the Department of Central Services shall provide information from the construction managers' or consultants' files to the state agency. Should there be an inadequate expression of interest in the project, the state agency and Division personnel shall confer to add construction managers or consultants for consideration. 

E. The state agency shall review the information the Division provides and shall select no less than three and no more than five construction managers or consultants per contract for interviews. The review shall include consideration of factors from the information the Division supplies including, but not limited to: 

1. Professional qualifications for the type of work contemplated; 

2. Capacity for completing the project in the specified time period; and 

3. Past performance on projects of a similar nature. 

F. The Division shall advise the state agency of the methods to be used to conduct an evaluation, interview, selection, contract negotiation, and fee negotiation processes pursuant to rules promulgated by the Department of Central Services Division. 

G. 1. Upon completion of contract negotiation with the highest qualified construction manager or consultant, which contract shall include a fair and reasonable fee, the Division shall approve and award the contract. 

2. If the Division and the first-choice construction manager or consultant cannot reach an agreement, the negotiations shall terminate and negotiations with the second-choice construction manager or consultant shall commence. If the Division and the second-choice construction manager or consultant cannot reach an agreement, the negotiations shall terminate and negotiations with the third-choice construction manager or consultant shall commence. If the Division and the third-choice construction manager or consultant cannot reach an agreement, then all negotiations shall terminate. Should the Division be unable to negotiate a satisfactory contract with any of the three selected construction managers or consultants, the Division shall select additional construction managers or consultants in order of their competency and qualifications and shall continue negotiations in accordance with the provisions of this section until an agreement is reached. 

H. Any plans developed pursuant to the process for selection of a contractor for construction of a facility authorized pursuant to Section 183 of Title 73 of the Oklahoma Statutes shall become the property of the State of Oklahoma as a condition of the award of the final contract for construction of the facility. 

I. In the selection of a construction manager or consultant, all political subdivisions of this state shall follow these procedures: 

The subdivision shall select a construction manager or consultant based upon the professional qualifications and technical experience of the construction manager or consultant. The subdivision shall negotiate a contract with the highest qualified construction manager or consultant, provided that a fee can be negotiated that is fair and reasonable to both parties. In the event a reasonable fee cannot be negotiated with the selected construction manager or consultant, the subdivision may negotiate with other construction managers or consultants in order of their qualifications. 

Added by Laws 1974, c. 156, § 2. Amended by Laws 1981, c. 346, § 2, eff. Jan. 1, 1982; Laws 1983, c. 304, § 48, eff. July 1, 1985; Laws 1989, c. 300, § 14, operative July 1, 1989; Laws 1997, c. 133, § 82, eff. July 1, 1997; Laws 2000, c. 363, § 4, emerg. eff. June 6, 2000; Laws 2001, c. 298, § 1, emerg. eff. May 31, 2001; Laws 2002, c. 294, § 8, eff. Nov. 1, 2002; Laws 2006, c. 271, § 7, eff. July 1, 2006. 

 

§61-62.1. Contracts to be in accordance with Public Building Construction and Planning Act. 

Except as provided by Sections 61 and 62 of this title and in addition to other statutory requirements, all construction manager, consultant, and construction contracts shall be in accordance with the provisions of the Public Building Construction and Planning Act. 

Added by Laws 1983, c. 304, § 168, eff. July 1, 1983. Amended by Laws 2000, c. 363, § 5, emerg. eff. June 6, 2000; Laws 2006, c. 271, § 8, eff. July 1, 2006. 

 

§61-62.2. Contracts for minor services. 

The Construction and Properties Division of the Department of Central Services may enter into contracts with construction managers and consultants registered with the Division for the purpose of providing minor services to state agencies. The contracts shall provide for services on an as-needed basis and shall not exceed One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) per construction manager or consultant during one (1) year. The requisitioning state agency shall reimburse the Division for the fee of the construction manager or consultant that provides the services. 

Added by Laws 2000, c. 363, § 6, emerg. eff. June 6, 2000. Amended by Laws 2002, c. 294, § 9, eff. Nov. 1, 2002; Laws 2006, c. 271, § 9, eff. July 1, 2006. 

 

§61-63. Ownership and control of plans, etc. 

All drawings, plans, specifications, reports, and models made by a construction manager or consultant for a state agency shall be the property of this state, and shall be delivered to the Construction and Properties Division of the Department of Central Services. The construction manager or consultant receiving payment for plans paid for in whole or in part with state funds shall file such plans with the Division for inclusion in a library system to be maintained by the Division. Any state agency shall have access for review to any plans or specifications filed with the Division. 

Added by Laws 1974, c. 156, § 3. Amended by Laws 1983, c. 304, § 49, eff. July 1, 1983; Laws 2000, c. 363, § 7, emerg. eff. June 6, 2000; Laws 2002, c. 294, § 10, eff. Nov. 1, 2002; Laws 2006, c. 271, § 10, eff. July 1, 2006. 

 

§61-64. Misdemeanor offenses - Punishment. 

Any construction manager or consultant or person doing architectural, surveying or engineering work for the State of Oklahoma, their agents, servants or employees, who shall receive gratuity from any contractor or builder of any public building or works, or solicit, receive or make any political contribution from or to a contractor or builder of any public building or works, or who attempts to interfere with the competitive bidding process of the State of Oklahoma in any manner, is guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be fined not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) nor more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), and by imprisonment in the county jail for not less than six (6) months nor more than one (1) year. Any contractor or builder of any public building or works, their agents, servants or employees, who shall offer any gratuity or political contribution to any construction manager or consultant doing architectural, surveying or engineering work for the State of Oklahoma, or who attempts to interfere with the competitive bidding process of the State of Oklahoma in any manner, is guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be fined not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) nor more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), and by imprisonment in the county jail for not less than six (6) months nor more than one (1) year. 

Added by Laws 1974, c. 156, § 4. Amended by Laws 2002, c. 294, § 11, eff. Nov. 1, 2002; Laws 2006, c. 271, § 11, eff. July 1, 2006. 

 

§61-65. Application of act - Emergencies. 

A. In addition to the conditions prescribed pursuant to subsections C and D of this section, the provisions of Section 62 of this title shall not apply whenever the Construction and Properties Division of the Department of Central Services with concurrence of the chief administrative officer of the public agency affected declares that an emergency exists. The construction manager or consultant shall be selected by the State Construction Administrator of the Construction and Properties Division of the Department of Central Services. The resulting construction manager or consultant contract shall not exceed Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($15,000.00). The reasons for the emergency shall be recorded in the official records of the Division. 

B. Emergency as used in this section shall be limited to conditions resulting from any of the following: 

1. A sudden unexpected happening or unforeseen occurrence if it is impossible for the provisions of Section 62 of this title to be observed because of the time factor and if the public health or safety is endangered; and 

2. A condition or situation which, if allowed to continue, would lead to economic loss to the state or to further damage of state property. 

C. The provisions of Section 62 of this title shall not apply to the process for construction of a correctional facility whenever the State Board of Corrections informs the Division that an emergency condition threatens the security of the state correctional system, including inmate population growth, and the condition requires expeditious treatment for the review, approval and bid process as it relates to construction or expansion of correctional facilities. The Division and the Department of Corrections are authorized to implement an expedited competitive bid process for the contracting of construction managers or consultants and construction of new or expanded correctional facilities that adequately respond to the emergency. The State Board of Corrections shall provide written notification to the Governor, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and to the President Pro Tempore of the Senate of the emergency conditions. 

D. The provisions of Section 62 of this title shall not apply to CompSource Oklahoma if CompSource Oklahoma is operating pursuant to a pilot program authorized by Sections 1 and 2 of this act. 

Added by Laws 1978, c. 201, § 21, emerg. eff. April 14, 1978. Amended by Laws 1983, c. 304, § 50, eff. July 1, 1983; Laws 1997, c. 133, § 83, eff. July 1, 1997; Laws 2002, c. 294, § 12, eff. Nov. 1, 2002; Laws 2006, c. 271, § 12, eff. July 1, 2006; Laws 2009, c. 454, § 4. 

 

§61101. Short title. 

This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Public Competitive Bidding Act of 1974". 

Added by Laws 1974, c. 298, § 1, operative Aug. 1, 1974. 

 

§61-102. Definitions. 

As used in the Public Competitive Bidding Act of 1974: 

1. “Administrator” means the State Construction Administrator of the Construction and Properties Division of the Department of Central Services; 

2. “Awarding public agency” means the public agency which solicits and receives sealed bids on a particular public construction contract; 

3. “Bidding documents” means the bid notice, instruction to bidders, plans and specifications, bidding form, bidding instructions, general conditions, special conditions and all other written instruments prepared by or on behalf of an awarding public agency for use by prospective bidders on a public construction contract; 

4. “Chief administrative officer” means an individual responsible for directing the administration of a public agency. The term does not mean one or all of the individuals that make policy for a public agency; 

5. “Public agency” means the State of Oklahoma, and any county, city, town, school district or other political subdivision of the state, any public trust, any public entity specifically created by the statutes of the State of Oklahoma or as a result of statutory authorization therefor, and any department, agency, board, bureau, commission, committee or authority of any of the foregoing public entities; 

6. “Public construction contract” or “contract” means any contract, exceeding Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00) in amount, awarded by any public agency for the purpose of making any public improvements or constructing any public building or making repairs to or performing maintenance on the same except where the improvements, construction of any building or repairs to the same are improvements or buildings leased to a person or other legal entity exclusively for private and not for public use and no public tax revenues shall be expended on or for the contract unless the public tax revenues used for the project are authorized by a majority of the voters of the applicable public agency voting at an election held for that purpose and the public tax revenues do not exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the total project cost. The amount of public tax dollars committed to the project will not exceed a fixed amount established by resolution of the governing body prior to or concurrent with approval of the project; 

7. “Public improvement” means any beneficial or valuable change or addition, betterment, enhancement or amelioration of or upon any real property, or interest therein, belonging to a public agency, intended to enhance its value, beauty or utility or to adapt it to new or further purposes. The term does not include the direct purchase of materials, equipment or supplies by a public agency, or any personal property, including property as defined in paragraphs 1 and 4 of subsection B of Section 430.1 of Title 62 of the Oklahoma Statutes; and 

8. “Retainage” means the difference between the amount earned by the contractor on a public construction contract, with the work being accepted by the public agency, and the amount paid on said contract by the public agency. 

Added by Laws 1974, c. 298, § 2, operative Aug. 1, 1974. Amended by Laws 1975, c. 266, § 1, emerg. eff. June 5, 1975; Laws 1977, c. 74, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 1977; Laws 1979, c. 28, § 1, emerg. eff. April 3, 1979; Laws 1990, c. 158, § 1, emerg. eff. May 1, 1990; Laws 1994, c. 7, § 5, emerg. eff. March 29, 1994; Laws 1998, c. 365, § 2, eff. July 1, 1998; Laws 1999, c. 149, § 2, eff. July 1, 1999; Laws 2000, c. 363, § 8, emerg. eff. June 6, 2000; Laws 2002, c. 294, § 13, eff. Nov. 1, 2002; Laws 2004, c. 97, § 1, emerg. eff. April 14, 2004; Laws 2005, c. 1, § 89, emerg. eff. March 15, 2005; Laws 2006, c. 271, § 14, eff. July 1, 2006; Laws 2009, c. 257, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2009. 

NOTE: Laws 2004, c. 52, § 1 repealed by Laws 2005, c. 1, § 90, emerg. eff. March 15, 2005. 

 

§61-103. Governing law - Solicitation and award of contracts. 

A. Unless otherwise provided by law, all public construction contracts exceeding Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00) shall be let and awarded to the lowest responsible bidder, by open competitive bidding after solicitation for sealed bids, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Competitive Bidding Act of 1974. No work shall be commenced until a written contract is executed and all required bonds and insurance have been provided by the contractor to the awarding public agency. 

B. Except as provided in subsection D of this section, public construction contracts less than Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00) shall be let and awarded to the lowest responsible bidder by receipt of written bids. No work shall be commenced until a written contract is executed and proof of insurance has been provided by the contractor to the awarding public agency. 

C. Except as provided in subsection D of this section, public construction contracts for less than Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($2,500.00) for minor maintenance or minor repair work may be negotiated with a qualified contractor. No work shall be commenced until a written contract is executed and proof of insurance has been provided by the contractor to the awarding public agency. 

D. The provisions of this subsection shall apply to public construction for minor maintenance or minor repair work to public school district property. Such public construction contracts for less than Twenty-five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) may be negotiated with a qualified contractor. Such public construction contracts equal to or greater than Twenty-five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) but less than Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00) shall be let and awarded to the lowest responsible bidder by receipt of written bids. No work shall be commenced on any such public construction contract until a written contract is executed and proof of insurance has been provided by the contractor to the awarding public agency. 

Added by Laws 1974, c. 298, § 3, operative Aug. 1, 1974. Amended by Laws 1975, c. 266, § 2, emerg. eff. June 5, 1975; Laws 2001, c. 298, § 2, emerg. eff. May 31, 2001; Laws 2006, c. 271, § 15, eff. July 1, 2006. 

 

§61-103.1. Repealed by Laws 1984, c. 101, § 1, eff. July 1, 1984. 

§61103.2. Political subdivision may appoint purchasing agent. 

The governing body of any political subdivision of this state may duly appoint as its agent any individual or individual of a legal entity, with whom the political subdivision has duly entered into a public contract pursuant to law, to make purchases necessary for carrying out the public contract. 

Added by Laws 1981, c. 243, § 2, emerg. eff. June 23, 1981. 

 

§61-103.3. Repealed by Laws 2002, c. 294, § 35, eff. Nov. 1, 2002. 

§61-103.4. School districts – Erection of building or making improvements on force account basis – Emergency asbestos abatement - Exemptions. 

Nothing in the Public Competitive Bidding Act of 1974 shall be construed to prohibit a school district from erecting a building or making improvements on a force account basis. Contracts between a state agency and a school district for the purpose of emergency asbestos abatement shall be exempt from the provisions of the Public Competitive Bidding Act of 1974. 

Added by Laws 1999, c. 86, § 2, eff. July 1, 1999. 

 

§61-103.5. Right-of-way clearance by Transportation Commission and Authority – Competitive bidding not required. 

For purposes of the provisions of the Public Competitive Bidding Act of 1974, contracts not exceeding Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00) entered into solely for right-of-way clearance by the Transportation Commission and the Oklahoma Transportation Authority for the exclusive purpose of demolition and removal of buildings, foundations, slab floors, stem walls, steps, brush, shrubs, brickbats or stone and all rubbish, scrap iron, fencing, and debris, and the installation of new right-of-way fencing, shall not be considered to be public construction contracts and shall not be required to be open for competitive bidding. 

Added by Laws 1999, c. 341, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1999. 

 

NOTE: Editorially renumbered from § 103.4 of this title to avoid a duplication in numbering. 

 

§61-103.6. Contracts not exceeding One Hundred Thousand Dollars not public construction contracts. 

For purposes of the provisions of the Public Competitive Bidding Act of 1974, contracts not exceeding One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) entered into by the Department of Environmental Quality for engineering services to assist qualifying small municipalities or rural water or sewer districts with engineering reports or plans and specifications needed for construction or repairs to achieve compliance with federal and state public water supply or wastewater laws and regulations shall not be considered public construction contracts and shall not be required to be open for competitive bidding. 

Added by Laws 2009, c. 273, § 1. 

 

§61104. Bid notices. 

All proposals to award public construction contracts shall be made equally and uniformly known by the awarding public agency to all prospective bidders and the public in the following manner: 

1. Notice thereof shall be given by publication in a newspaper of general circulation and published in the county where the work, or the major part of it, is to be done, such notice by publication to be published in two consecutive weekly issues of said newspaper, with the first publication thereof to be at least twenty (20) days prior to the date set for opening bids; and 

2. Notice thereof shall be sent to trade or construction publications for their use and information whenever the estimated cost of the contract exceeds Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00); provided however, that this section shall not be construed as requiring the publication of said notice in such trade or construction publication. 

Added by Laws 1974, c. 298, § 4, operative Aug. 1, 1974. Amended by Laws 1975, c. 266, § 3, emerg. eff. June 5, 1975; Laws 2002, c. 294, § 14, eff. Nov. 1, 2002. 

 

§61105. Contents of bid notices. 

All bid notices shall set forth the following information: 

1. The character of the proposed public construction contract in sufficient details that all bidders shall know exactly what their obligation will be, either in the bid notice itself or by reference to bidding documents on file in the main office of the awarding public agency; and 

2. The name of the officer, agent or employee of the awarding public agency and the office location and address of such person, from whom a complete set of bidding documents regarding such proposed contract may be obtained, together with the amount of the cost deposit required therefor, if any; and 

3. The date, time and place of opening of the sealed bids; and 

  4. The name and office location and address of the office of the awarding public agency to whom the sealed bids should be submitted; and 

5. Any additional information regarding such proposed contract deemed by the awarding public agency to be of beneficial interest to prospective bidders or the public. 

Added by Laws 1974, c. 298, § 5, operative Aug. 1, 1974. Amended by Laws 1975, c. 266, § 4, emerg. eff. June 5, 1975. 

 

§61106. Bidding documents to be on file. 

At least one complete set of bidding documents regarding a proposed public construction contract shall be on file in the main office of the awarding public agency at least twenty (20) days prior to the date set for opening bids. The officer, agent or employee of the awarding public agency designated in the bid notice shall have a sufficient number of complete sets of said bidding documents and shall provide a complete set of same to any prospective bidder, upon request; provided, however, that the awarding public agency may require a reasonable deposit for each such set; provided, that such deposit shall not exceed the actual cost of duplicating or printing. The public agency may retain all or part of said deposit if so stated in the notice for bids. 

Added by Laws 1974, c. 298, § 6, operative Aug. 1, 1974. Amended by Laws 1975, c. 266, § 5, emerg. eff. June 5, 1975. 

 

§61-107. Check, bond or irrevocable letter of credit to accompany bid. 

A. A bidder on a public construction contract exceeding Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00) shall accompany the bid with: 

1. A certified check, cashier's check or bid bond equal to five percent (5%) of the bid, which shall be deposited with the awarding public agency as a guaranty; or