AGO Opinion Topics: PURCHASES

(1) A code city is not required to call for competitive bids when contracting for the purchase of supplies, materials and equipment which are not being procured in connection with a public work or improvement project.   (2) A code city is required to call for competitive bids when contracting for the purchase of equipment which is being procured in connection with a public work or improvement having an estimated cost in excess of five thousand dollars.  (3) The provisions of chapter 56, Laws of 1975, 1st Ex. Sess., (now codified as RCW 35.22.620 ‑ 35.22.650) do not apply so as to permit a code city, when contracting for a public work or improvement, to refrain from calling for competitive bids if the estimated cost of such work or improvement, including the cost of materials, supplies and equipment, although in excess of five thousand dollars, does not exceed ten thousand dollars (or fifteen thousand dollars if the public work or improvement is for the construction of water mains).