Public Construction Focus Of Casper Conference

Wyoming Builders and Contractors sit down with state agencies to talk public construction this week. ABC of Wyoming-that's Associated Builders and Contractors-has invited representatives of the state agencies interpreting new laws and language governing public contracts in Wyoming to attend a one day workshop in Casper.

ABC President, Josh Carnahan says the idea of the 'Contracting With Wyoming' conference is to talk about state procedures and requirements and make sure everybody is on the same page.

"From a contractor's point of view its been difficult working with state agencies to get issues resolved. I think the new administration coming in with their point of view on how construction should be conducted in the state, I think that has opened the door for us to be at the table to work with these agencies once again. We shouldn't be at odds. We're all working toward the same goal."

Two bills passed this last legislative session that were to help define contracting law and residency requirements. He says issues remain to be worked out.

For the conference Friday, at the Parkway Plaza,  he expects members from the School Facilities Commission, the State Office of Construction Management, and the University of Wyoming.

"I think its gonna be a good event. Its the first time we've tried something like this. There's been an awful lot of interest, particularly from the state agencies, and on top of state agencies, we're also having the Small Business Administration come in as well as the procurement folks."

Carnahan says they want to get a better handle on how the state is interpreting the new laws, help contractors understand what they need to know to do business with the state, and hopefully establish better relationships.