Adjusting monetary limits regarding contracting rules for state highway construction work and procurement.

SB 6170 adjusts monetary thresholds for when Washington State can use its own workers (state forces) instead of contracting highway construction work. It increases the default threshold from $50,000 to $100,000 for most highway work, and sets a $160,000 threshold for small business contracting opportunities. For ferry vessels, it raises the state forces threshold to $400,000 during the 2025-2027 biennium. The bill also requires the Department of Transportation to analyze ferry maintenance procedures and develop a program to reduce vessel out-of-service time. These changes directly affect the Department of Transportation, small businesses, and minority/women contractors competing for state highway and ferry projects.