In general provisions relating to general procurement provisions, providing for preference for bid or proposal.
Summary
HB1017 would amend Pennsylvania’s procurement law in Title 62 to create a 2% bidding preference for American-made supplies, services, or construction when a government agency or school entity uses competitive sealed bidding or competitive sealed proposals based on price. Under the bill, the agency or school entity would reduce the qualifying bid or proposal by 2% for evaluation purposes and then award the contract based on the revised amount. The bill also requires documentation to verify that a bidder qualifies for the preference.
The measure defines “American-made” as supplies, services, or construction in which at least 75% of the costs for the materials, equipment, products, or processes are derived from the United States. It also adds definitions for contract, person, procurement, school entity, and United States, and it applies the preference broadly to state and local government procurement as well as a wide range of educational institutions, including school districts, charter schools, intermediate units, career and technical schools, private schools meeting specified conditions, and State-related institutions.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would change procurement evaluation rules for Pennsylvania government agencies and school entities by giving a formal price advantage to qualifying American-made bids and proposals. It would affect how contracts for supplies, services, and construction are scored and awarded, potentially shifting purchasing decisions toward domestic content and requiring agencies to collect and review proof of eligibility. The bill would amend Title 62 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by adding a new section on bid and proposal preferences.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee debate or votes in the provided materials, the bill appears to be framed as a pro-domestic purchasing measure with a straightforward policy goal. Its sponsors likely view it as supporting American manufacturing and domestic suppliers while giving public entities a clear procurement preference rule. Because no transcripts or vote history are provided, there is no documented public sentiment in the record here beyond the bill’s stated intent.
Contention
The main likely point of contention is whether a state procurement preference for American-made goods and services could increase costs, reduce competition, or complicate bid evaluation and compliance for agencies and school entities. Supporters would likely emphasize domestic economic benefits and support for U.S. producers, while opponents may question the 75% U.S.-cost threshold, the administrative burden of documentation, and whether the preference could conflict with broader procurement efficiency goals. No specific objections or named opponents appear in the provided discussion materials.
In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in procurement organization, further providing for specific construction powers, duties and procedures; in procurement of construction and design professional services, further providing for procurement of design professional services; providing for project delivery methods; and making a repeal.
In general provisions relating to Commonwealth Procurement Code, further providing for definitions and providing for prioritization of American-made supplies.
In support matters generally, further providing for paternity; and, in general provisions relating to children and minors, further providing for blood tests to determine paternity.