Idaho Lawmaker Wants Change in Bidding Process

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — An Idaho lawmaker is pushing a proposal that would give state agencies a chance to competitively bid on government work earmarked for private contractors.

The Spokesman-Review reports the legislation drafted by Democratic Rep. John Gannon of Boise is aimed at giving the Idaho Department of Correction a chance to compete with private prison companies for operation of the troubled Idaho Correctional Center.

Gannon says he's not convinced the state is saving any money by paying Corrections Corporation of America roughly $30 million a year to operate the prison south of Boise. But so far, the Idaho Board of Correction has barred the state agency from determining if the state could run the prison cheaper.