(A) The director of transportation shall award contracts pursuant to this chapter in conformity to the requirements of subsection (f) of section 105 of the federal "Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982," 96 Stat. 2099, 23 U.S.C.A. 105.
(B) Notwithstanding sections 153.50 to 153.52 of the Revised Code, neither the director nor any political subdivision or other public authority is required to solicit separate bids or award separate contracts for any branch of work in a contract for the construction or improvement of a road or highway funded in whole or in part by or through the department of transportation.
(C) When the director estimates that more than fifty-one per cent of the dollar amount of work to be performed in a contract is to be performed by one branch of work, the director shall designate the prime contractor for the contract from that one branch of work. This division does not apply if the director does not receive any bids from a prequalified prime contractor from that branch of work.
(D) As used in this section:
(1) "Road" or "highway" does not include physical facilities, garages, district offices, or other buildings funded in whole or in part by or through the department of transportation.
(2) "Branch of work" means any of the following:
(a) Plumbing and gas-fitting;
(b) Steam and hot-water heating, ventilating apparatus, and steam-powered plant;
(c) Electrical equipment.
Effective Date: 06-29-1999 .