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2018 INCREASE IN SCHOOL DISTRICT BID LIMITS

On December 23, 2017, Pennsylvania’s Department of Labor and Industry announced an increase for 2018 to the base amounts used by public school districts to determine whether competitive bidding and/or multiple price quotes are required under Sections 751 and 807.1 of the Public School Code.

During 2018, school districts may use the following dollar thresholds when determining whether competitive bidding and/or multiple price quotes are required for construction-related projects under School Code Section 751 and non-exempt purchases of school supplies under School Code Section 807.1:

Section 751 – Construction Projects – Public bidding is required for construction, reconstruction, repairs, maintenance or work to public school buildings, where the entire cost, value, or amount of such work, including labor and material, exceeds $20,100.  For construction-related work costing more than $10,900 and less than or equal to $20,100, three (3) written or telephonic quotations must be obtained.  A school district’s own maintenance personnel may perform such work without soliciting bids or quotes, if the entire cost is less than $10,900.

• Section 751 – Separate Contracts – Separate specifications, bids and contracts for electrical, plumbing, mechanical and general trades work are required for construction-related work on any public school building, where the entire cost for such work exceeds $20,100.

• Section 807.1 – School Supplies – Public bidding is required for purchases of non-exempt furniture, equipment, school supplies and other appliances when the cost of the purchase is $20,100 or more.  For non-exempt purchases costing more than $10,900 and less than $20,100, three (3) written or telephonic quotations must be obtained.

The foregoing thresholds are an increase from L&I’s figures that had applied during 2017, which were $10,700 for written or telephonic quotations and $19,700 for bids.

We hope you find this issue of KKAL’s Education Law Watch helpful and informative.  Please understand that the Law Watch is designed to provide information about current developments and required actions.  It does not constitute legal advice, and school districts should consult a lawyer knowledgeable in this area of the law prior to taking specific actions on the issues addressed.

If you have questions regarding any education law matter, including the issues discussed in this newsletter, please do not hesitate to contact us at (717) 392-1100, or email us at any of the addresses on the following page.

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KEGEL KELIN ALMY & LORD LLP

Education Law Group

(717) 392-1100

Clarence C. Kegel, Jr.                               kegel@kkallaw.com

Howard L. Kelin                                       kelin@kkallaw.com

Jeffrey D. Litts                                          litts@kkallaw.com

Rhonda F. Lord                                         lord@kkallaw.com

Jason T. Confair                                  confair@kkallaw.com

Katie L. Summers                           summers@kkallaw.com

Stephen S. Russell                               russell@kkallaw.com

Kay Mercein Mann                               mann@kkallaw.com

Kegel Kelin Almy & Lord LLP is a regional law firm with offices in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.  KKAL is solicitor and general counsel to 23 school districts and joint school systems – and bond counsel, finance counsel, or special joint counsel to many others in Central and Eastern Pennsylvania.  In addition, KKAL frequently serves Pennsylvania school districts for unusual and challenging problems, projects, or litigation.

© 2018 Kegel Kelin Almy & Lord LLP.  All Right Reserved.
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