Indiana, Illinois, Iowa Foundation for Fair Contracting Applauds Updates to Valparaiso, IN Responsible Bidder Ordinance
The City of Valparaiso Strengthens Apprenticeship Graduation Requirements for Public Works Projects
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VALPARAISO, IN – In early July, the Valparaiso City Council voted unanimously to amend and strengthen the city’s local Responsible Bidder Ordinance (RBO), focusing on apprenticeship requirements for contractors bidding on publicly funded projects.
An RBO is a resolution incorporated into a public body’s procurement codes, outlining specific criteria contractors must meet to be eligible for public contracts. These ordinances ensure that public projects are awarded to contractors who are not only responsive but also responsible, employing skilled tradespeople, delivering superior work quality, and providing greater value to taxpayers by prioritizing training, labor, and safety. Since 2021, over 50 RBOs have been passed by local governments across Indiana.
Valparaiso has had an RBO in place since 2016. However, recognizing the need for more specific guidelines, the city has now updated the ordinance to include detailed requirements for apprenticeship graduation rates. The revised ordinance mandates that contractors and subcontractors bidding on Valparaiso public works projects worth at least $150,000 must participate in an apprenticeship training program that has graduated at least five apprentices each year for the last five years for each of the construction crafts the company will perform on the project.
“Valparaiso’s decision to update their Responsible Bidder Ordinance with specific apprenticeship graduation requirements highlights the city’s commitment to advancing workforce development and protecting taxpayer investments,” said Marcella Kunstek, Senior Construction Analyst at the Indiana, Illinois, Iowa Foundation for Fair Contracting (III FFC). “These requirements are an important preventative measure to ensure quality contractors are awarded projects that use taxpayer dollars. The III FFC commends the City Council for their dedication to raising the bar in the local construction industry.”
III FFC was established to increase market share for responsible contractors, work opportunities for skilled craftsmen and craftswomen, and value for taxpayers. III FFC raises standards in the construction industry by advocating for responsible public policies that reward work, ensure business growth, and create broad-based prosperity. You can find out more about responsible bidder ordinances and the III FFC on our website at www.iiiffc.org.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 30, 2024
CONTACT: Jill Gigstad, III FFC, (815) 254-3332 EXT 6, [email protected]