A. As used in this section:
1. "Highway emergency" means a situation or condition of a designed state highway that:
2. "Highway improvement contract" means a contract awarded by the Department of Transportation for the construction, repair, or maintenance of a designated state highway or any part of the highway.
B. As the part of any bidding procedure as provided by law for the letting of contracts by the Department of Transportation, the Department may award a highway improvement contract in a highway emergency in accordance with rules adopted by the Department which may include:
1. Contractor eligibility;
2. Notification of prospective bidders;
3. Bidding requirements;
4. Procedures for awarding the contract, pursuant to the Public Competitive Bidding Act of 1974;
5. Bonding or other requirements to ensure satisfactory performance by the contractor and the protection of claimants supplying labor and materials used in performance of the contract;
6. Contract form and contents;
7. Provisions for extended work days to expedite the improvement; and
8. Provisions for waiver of or exception to a procedure or requirement adopted pursuant to this section.
C. Prior to awarding a contract under this section, the Department shall certify in writing a description of the highway emergency. A copy of the certification of the highway emergency shall be attached to the contract. The Transportation Commission shall be sent a copy of the certification of the highway emergency for final approval.
D. In addition to the requirements of this section, any contract awarded pursuant to this section shall comply with the Public Competitive Bidding Act of 1974.
Added by Laws 1997, c. 70, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1997.