Letter requesting Congress to take immediate action regarding the acceptance of electronic bonds, including use of electronic signatures, seals, and powers of attorney, accompanying federal contracts – 04/03/2020

To ensure that construction services, accompanying performance guarantees and all commercial surety guarantees continue to be provided without significant disruption or impediment during the current COVID-19 crisis, the undersigned organizations, representing the surety industry and the construction community, respectfully request specific and immediate
guidance be formulated and issued by federal agencies accepting electronic execution and submission of all surety bond documents for federal construction contracts and for all commercial surety transactions. It is vitally important to the efficient provision of construction services to address needed federal infrastructure and to the wellbeing of the surety and construction communities that procurements continue unimpeded during this time of crisis by mandating acceptance of electronic execution and submission of bond documents, including bid bonds and supporting documents, such as powers of attorney. Commercial bonds have an equally important impact and provide financial security for millions of consumers across the
country in every state through, for example, reclamation bonds, license and permit bonds, and utility bonds.

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