PUBLIC CONTRACTS – Amends existing law to require public agencies and political subdivisions to factor contractor fees in determining which contractor to select for certain projects.

Idaho's S 1081 amends state law to require public agencies and political subdivisions (like cities, counties, and state departments) to consider contractor fees when selecting firms for professional services contracts exceeding $50,000. The bill mandates that agencies include fee schedules in their evaluation, allowing fees to count toward up to 25% of the total scoring for selection, alongside qualifications and past performance. Agencies must publish scoring criteria, ranked lists of qualified firms, and the rationale for selections to ensure transparency. This applies specifically to engineering, architecture, construction management, and land surveying services, while smaller projects under $50,000 remain exempt from these fee considerations.