H.B. 16-204, he added, will also ensure that “when we put together the privatization package, we will have individuals who are qualified and who have done this work in the past and can actually come in and help us. We don’t need another ‘consultant’ who will be paid $300,000 to cut and paste an old report that won’t get us anywhere.”
Palacios, R-Saipan, said the bill “clearly states” that U.S. certified contractors are allowed to join the bidding process.
“It’s not saying ‘only U.S. companies,’ but ‘U.S. certified companies’ that comply with federal standards. We want internationally reputable companies, not a consortium of individuals put together just to come up with a proposal [for this project].”
Asked if he believes that the measure will become law, the speaker said: “It’s a straightforward amendment. I see no problems with it. We consulted CUC and the governor’s office in the drafting of this bill.”
Introduced last December by Rep. Heinz S. Hofschneider, R-Saipan, H.B. 16-204 will amend Public Law 16-17, or the CUC Private Sector Partnership Act of 2008, which was enacted after lawmakers overrode the governor’s veto.
The governor opposed the $250 million price tag set by the law, describing it as an unrealistic cost that would be passed on the consumers.
P.L. 16-17 also requires the winning bidder to generate at least 50 percent of its power through renewable energy sources.
H.B. 16-204 retained this provision.
