[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 65 (Thursday, May 9, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E640-E641]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         INTRODUCTION OF THE CONSTRUCTION QUALITY ASSURANCE ACT

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 9, 2013

  Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, as we look for ways 
to ensure government dollars are used efficiently, Congress should 
reform the procurement process to limit bid shopping on federal 
construction contracts. Restoring equitable safeguards in the low bid 
system will assure that agency practice will conform to the highest 
standards adhered to by industry professionals and contractor 
associations, and will reflect best practices followed by a great many 
other public procurement systems nationally and internationally.
  That is why I am introducing the Construction Quality Assurance Act, 
legislation that would require prime bidders on low-bid projects valued 
at $1 million or more to list each subcontractor on work categories of 
$100,000 or more with their bid submissions. Substitutions of listed 
subcontractors after contracts are awarded would be allowed only in 
exceptional circumstances and only with the consent of the contracting 
officer.
  The bill would impose financial penalties for improper substitution 
of listed subcontractors.

[[Page E641]]

It would also apply to subcontractors. Both prime contractors and 
subcontractors would be subject to debarment or ineligibility 
determinations in cases where there are two infractions of the 
prohibitions over any three-year period.
  I urge my colleagues to pass this bill and ensure integrity in the 
federal procurement system.