CERTIFICATION OF ENROLLMENT

SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL 6355



61st Legislature
2010 Regular Session

Passed by the Senate March 11, 2010
  YEAS 44   NAYS 0


________________________________________    
President of the Senate
Passed by the House March 10, 2010
  YEAS 97   NAYS 0


________________________________________    
Speaker of the House of Representatives


CERTIFICATE

I, Thomas Hoemann, Secretary of the Senate of the State of Washington, do hereby certify that the attached is SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL 6355 as passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives on the dates hereon set forth.


________________________________________    
Secretary
Approved 









________________________________________    
Governor of the State of Washington
FILED







Secretary of State
State of Washington


_____________________________________________ 

SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL 6355
_____________________________________________

AS AMENDED BY THE HOUSE

Passed Legislature - 2010 Regular Session
State of Washington61st Legislature2010 Regular Session

By Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development (originally sponsored by Senators Kilmer, Becker, Rockefeller, and Shin)

READ FIRST TIME 01/29/10.   



     AN ACT Relating to expanding the higher education system upon proven demand; amending RCW 28B.50.020, 28B.50.810, 28B.76.020, 28B.76.230, 28B.120.005, 28B.120.010, 28B.120.020, 43.88D.010, and 28B.76.210; adding a new section to chapter 28B.20 RCW; adding new sections to chapter 43.131 RCW; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature finds that the state institutions of higher education are providing a high quality education to the citizens of the state. The legislature further finds that to meet goals of the strategic master plan for higher education the state needs a higher education system that is capable of delivering many more degrees. The legislature also finds that expansion of the system should be based on the proven demands of the citizens and the marketplace, a concept called "expand on demand." The legislature further finds that the higher education coordinating board, in collaboration with the state board for community and technical colleges, the two-year and four-year institutions of higher education, and other stakeholders developed a system design plan that contains seven guiding principles for system expansion, focuses near-term enrollment growth at university branch campuses, comprehensive universities, and university centers where existing capacity is available without new state capital investment, establishes a process for evaluating major new capital expansion, and creates a fund for innovation to foster change and innovation in higher education delivery. The legislature finds that the strategies in the plan support the concept of expand on demand and would increase degree production by first reinvesting in higher education to use existing capacity while also providing long-term strategies to guide decisions on when and where to build new campuses, significantly expand existing sites, and change missions of existing institutions.
     The legislature endorses the system design plan, approved by the higher education coordinating board in November 2009, and adopts the recommendations and strategies in the plan.

Sec. 2   RCW 28B.50.020 and 2009 c 64 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     The purpose of this chapter is to provide for the dramatically increasing number of students requiring high standards of education either as a part of the continuing higher education program or for occupational education and training, or for adult basic skills and literacy education, by creating a new, independent system of community and technical colleges which will:
     (1) Offer an open door to every citizen, regardless of his or her academic background or experience, at a cost normally within his or her economic means;
     (2) Ensure that each college district shall offer thoroughly comprehensive educational, training, and service programs to meet the needs of both the communities and students served by combining high standards of excellence in academic transfer courses; realistic and practical courses in occupational education, both graded and ungraded; community services of an educational, cultural, and recreational nature; and adult education, including basic skills and general, family, and workforce literacy programs and services;
     (3) Provide for basic skills and literacy education, and occupational education and technical training at technical colleges in order to prepare students for careers in a competitive workforce;
     (4) Provide or coordinate related and supplemental instruction for apprentices at community and technical colleges;
     (5) Provide administration by state and local boards which will avoid unnecessary duplication of facilities or programs; and which will encourage efficiency in operation and creativity and imagination in education, training, and service to meet the needs of the community and students;
     (6) Allow for the growth, improvement, flexibility and modification of the community colleges and their education, training, and service programs as future needs occur; and
     (7) Establish firmly that((, except on a pilot basis)) as provided under RCW 28B.50.810, community colleges are, for purposes of academic training, two year institutions, and are an independent, unique, and vital section of our state's higher education system, separate from both the common school system and other institutions of higher learning((, and never to be considered for conversion into four-year liberal arts colleges)).

Sec. 3   RCW 28B.50.810 and 2008 c 166 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) ((By April 2006,)) The college board ((shall)) may select ((four)) community or technical colleges to develop and offer programs of study leading to ((an)) applied baccalaureate degrees. ((At least one of the four pilot programs chosen must lead to a baccalaureate of applied science degree which builds on an associate of applied science degree. The college board shall convene a task force that includes representatives of both the community and technical colleges to develop objective selection criteria.
     (2) By February 2008, the college board shall select up to three colleges to develop and offer programs of study leading to an applied baccalaureate degree. At least one of the colleges selected must be a technical college. The college board shall use the objective selection criteria developed under subsections (1) and (3) of this section to make the selection.
     (3)
)) Colleges may submit ((an)) applications to ((become a pilot college under this section)) the college board. The college board and the higher education coordinating board shall review the applications and select the ((pilot)) colleges using objective criteria, including, but not limited to:
     (a) The college demonstrates the capacity to make a long-term commitment of resources to build and sustain a high quality program;
     (b) The college has or can readily engage faculty appropriately qualified to develop and deliver a high quality curriculum at the baccalaureate level;
     (c) The college can demonstrate demand for the proposed program from a sufficient number of students within its service area to make the program cost-effective and feasible to operate;
     (d) The college can demonstrate that employers demand the level of technical training proposed within the program, making it cost-effective for students to seek the degree; and
     (e) The proposed program fills a gap in options available for students because it is not offered by a public four-year institution of higher education in the college's geographic area.
     (((4))) (2) A college selected ((as a pilot college)) under this section may develop the curriculum for and design and deliver courses leading to an applied baccalaureate degree. However, degree programs developed under this section are subject to approval by the college board under RCW 28B.50.090 and by the higher education coordinating board under RCW 28B.76.230 before a ((pilot)) college may enroll students in upper division courses. ((A pilot college approved under subsection (1) of this section may not enroll students in upper division courses before the fall academic quarter of 2006. A pilot college approved under subsection (2) of this section may not enroll students in upper division courses before the fall academic quarter of 2009.))

Sec. 4   RCW 28B.76.020 and 1985 c 370 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     ((For the purposes of this chapter:)) The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
     (1) "Board" means the higher education coordinating board((; and)).
     (2) "Four-year institutions" means the University of Washington, Washington State University, Central Washington University, Eastern Washington University, Western Washington University, and The Evergreen State College.
     (3) "Major expansion" means expansion of the higher education system that requires significant new capital investment, including building new institutions, campuses, branches, or centers or conversion of existing campuses, branches, or centers that would result in a mission change.
     (4) "Mission change" means a change in the level of degree awarded or institutional type not currently authorized in statute.

Sec. 5   RCW 28B.76.230 and 2005 c 258 s 11 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The board shall develop a comprehensive and ongoing assessment process to analyze the need for additional degrees and programs, additional off-campus centers and locations for degree programs, and consolidation or elimination of programs by the four-year institutions. Board recommendations regarding proposed major expansion shall be limited to determinations of whether the major expansion is within the scope indicated in the most recent strategic master plan for higher education or most recent system design plan. Recommendations regarding existing capital prioritization processes are not within the scope of the evaluation of major expansion. Major expansion and proposed mission changes may be proposed by the board, any public institution of higher education, or by a state or local government.
     (2) As part of the needs assessment process, the board shall examine:
     (a) Projections of student, employer, and community demand for education and degrees, including liberal arts degrees, on a regional and statewide basis;
     (b) Current and projected degree programs and enrollment at public and private institutions of higher education, by location and mode of service delivery; ((and))
     (c) Data from the workforce training and education coordinating board and the state board for community and technical colleges on the supply and demand for workforce education and certificates and associate degrees ; and
     (d) Recommendations from the technology transformation task force created in chapter 407, Laws of 2009, and institutions of higher education relative to the strategic and operational use of technology in higher education. These and other reports, reviews, and audits shall allow for: The development of enterprise-wide digital information technology across educational sectors, systems, and delivery methods; the integration and streamlining of administrative tools including but not limited to student information management, financial management, payroll, human resources, data collection, reporting, and analysis; and a determination of the costs of multiple technology platforms, systems, and models
.
     (3) Every two years the board shall produce, jointly with the state board for community and technical colleges and the workforce training and education coordinating board, an assessment of the number and type of higher education and training credentials required to match employer demand for a skilled and educated workforce. The assessment shall include the number of forecasted net job openings at each level of higher education and training and the number of credentials needed to match the forecast of net job openings.
     (4) The board shall determine whether certain major lines of study or types of degrees, including applied degrees or research-oriented degrees, shall be assigned uniquely to some institutions or institutional sectors in order to create centers of excellence that focus resources and expertise.
     (5) The following activities are subject to approval by the board:
     (a) New degree programs by a four-year institution;
     (b) Creation of any off-campus program by a four-year institution;
     (c) Purchase or lease of major off-campus facilities by a four-year institution or a community or technical college;
     (d) Creation of higher education centers and consortia;
     (e) New degree programs and creation of off-campus programs by an independent college or university in collaboration with a community or technical college; and
     (f) Applied baccalaureate degree programs developed by colleges under RCW 28B.50.810.
     (6) Institutions seeking board approval under this section must demonstrate that the proposal is justified by the needs assessment developed under this section. Institutions must also demonstrate how the proposals align with or implement the statewide strategic master plan for higher education under RCW 28B.76.200.
     (7) The board shall develop clear guidelines and objective decision-making criteria regarding approval of proposals under this section, which must include review and consultation with the institution and other interested agencies and individuals.
     (8) The board shall periodically recommend consolidation or elimination of programs at the four-year institutions, based on the needs assessment analysis.
     (9) In the case of a proposed major expansion or mission change, the needs assessment process under subsection (2) of this section constitutes a threshold inquiry. If the board determines that the need for the proposed major expansion or mission change has not been justified, the inquiry is concluded. If the board determines that the need for the proposed major expansion or mission change has been sufficiently established, the board, in consultation with any directly involved institutions and other interested agencies and individuals, shall proceed to examine the viability of the proposal using criteria including, but not limited to:
     (a) The specific scope of the project including the capital investment requirements, the number of full-time equivalent students anticipated, and the number of academic programs planned;
     (b) The existence of an efficient and sustainable financial plan;
     (c) The extent to which existing resources can be leveraged;
     (d) The current and five-year projected student population, faculty, and staff to support the proposed programs, institution, or innovation;
     (e) The plans to accommodate expected growth over a twenty-year time frame;
     (f) The extent to which new or existing partnerships and collaborations are a part of the proposal; and
     (g) The feasibility of any proposed innovations to accelerate degree production.
     (10) After the board completes its evaluation of the proposed major expansion or mission change using the needs assessment under subsection (2) of this section and viability determination under subsection (9) of this section, the board shall make a recommendation to either proceed, modify, or not proceed with the proposed major expansion or mission change. The board's recommendation shall be presented to the governor and the legislature.

Sec. 6   RCW 28B.120.005 and 1999 c 169 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     The legislature finds that encouraging collaboration among the various educational sectors to meet statewide productivity and educational attainment needs as described in the system design plan developed by the higher education coordinating board will strengthen the entire educational system, kindergarten through twelfth grade and higher education. The legislature also recognizes that the most effective way to develop innovative and collaborative programs is to encourage institutions to develop them voluntarily, in line with established state goals. Through a system of competitive grants, the legislature shall encourage the development of innovative and collaborative and cost-effective solutions to issues of critical statewide need, including:
     (1) Raising educational attainment and planning and piloting innovative initiatives to reach new locations and populations;
     (2)
Recognizing needs of special populations of students, including access and completion efforts targeting underrepresented populations;
     (((2))) (3) Furthering the development of learner-centered, technology-assisted course delivery, including expansion of online and hybrid coursework, open courseware, and other uses of technology in order to effectively and efficiently share costs, improve the quality of instruction and student, faculty, and administrative services, increase undergraduate and graduate student access, retention, and graduation, and to enhance transfer capability;
     (((3))) (4) Furthering the development of competency-based measurements of student achievement to be used as the basis for awarding degrees and certificates; ((and
     (4)
)) (5) Increasing the collaboration among both public and private sector institutions of higher education; and
     (6) Improving productivity through innovations such as accelerated programs and alternative scheduling
.

Sec. 7   RCW 28B.120.010 and 1999 c 169 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:
     The Washington fund for innovation and quality in higher education program is established. The higher education coordinating board shall administer the program ((for the purpose of awarding grants in which a four-year institution of higher education is named as the lead institution. The state board for community and technical colleges shall administer the program for the purpose of awarding grants in which a community or technical college is named as the lead institution)) and shall work in close collaboration with the state board for community and technical colleges and other local and regional entities. Through this program the higher education coordinating board((s)) may award on a competitive basis incentive grants to state public or private nonprofit institutions of higher education or consortia of institutions to encourage ((cooperative)) programs designed to address specific system problems. ((Grants shall not exceed a two-year period.)) Each institution or consortia of institutions receiving the award shall contribute some financial support, either by covering part of the costs for the program during its implementation, or by assuming continuing support at the end of the grant period. Strong priority will be given to proposals that involve more than one sector of education((, and to proposals that show substantive institutional commitment)). Institutions are encouraged to solicit nonstate funds to support these cooperative programs.

Sec. 8   RCW 28B.120.020 and 1999 c 169 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:
     The higher education coordinating board shall have the following powers and duties in administering the program for those proposals in which a four-year institution of higher education is named as the lead institution and fiscal agent:
     (1) To adopt rules necessary to carry out the program;
     (2) ((To establish one or more review committees to assist in the evaluation of proposals for funding. The review committee shall include individuals with significant experience in higher education in areas relevant to one or more of the funding period priorities and shall include representatives from both the four-year and two-year sectors of higher education;
     (3)
)) To award grants no later than September 1st in those years when funding is available by June 30th;
     (((4))) (3) To establish each biennium specific guidelines for submitting grant proposals consistent with RCW 28B.120.005 and consistent with the strategic master plan for higher education, the system design plan, the overall goals of the program and ((consistent with)) the guidelines established by the state board for community and technical colleges under RCW 28B.120.025. ((During the 1999-01 biennium the guidelines shall be consistent with the following desired outcomes of:
     (a) Minority and diversity initiatives that encourage the participation of minorities in higher education, including students with disabilities;
     (b) K-12 teacher preparation models that encourage collaboration between higher education and K-12 to improve the preparedness of teachers, including provisions for higher education faculty involved with teacher preparation to spend time teaching in K-12 schools;
     (c) Collaborative instructional programs involving K-12, community and technical colleges, and four-year institutions of higher education to develop a three-year degree program, or reduce the time to degree;
     (d) Contracts with public or private institutions or businesses to provide services or the development of collaborative programs;
     (e) Articulation and transfer activities to smooth the transfer of students from K-12 to higher education, or from the community colleges and technical colleges to four-year institutions;
     (f) Projects that further the development of learner-centered, technology-assisted course delivery; and
     (g) Projects that further the development of competency-based measurements of student achievement to be used as the basis for awarding degrees and certificates.
))
     After June 30, 2001, and each biennium thereafter, the board shall determine funding priorities for ((collaborative)) proposals for the biennium in consultation with the governor, the legislature, the office of the superintendent of public instruction, the state board for community and technical colleges, the workforce training and education coordinating board, higher education institutions, educational associations, and business and community groups consistent with statewide needs;
     (((5))) (4) To solicit grant proposals and provide information to the institutions of higher education about the program; and
     (((6))) (5) To establish reporting, evaluation, accountability, monitoring, and dissemination requirements for the recipients of the grants awarded by the higher education coordinating board.

Sec. 9   RCW 43.88D.010 and 2008 c 205 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) By October ((15th)) 1st of each even-numbered year, the office of financial management shall complete an objective analysis and scoring of all capital budget projects proposed by the public four-year institutions of higher education and submit the results of the scoring process to the legislative fiscal committees, the higher education coordinating board, and the four-year institutions((, except that, for 2008, the office of financial management shall complete the objective analysis and scoring by November 1st)). Each project must be reviewed and scored within one of the following categories, according to the project's principal purpose. Each project may be scored in only one category. The categories are:
     (a) Access-related projects to accommodate enrollment growth at main and branch campuses, at existing or new university centers, or through distance learning. Growth projects should provide significant additional student capacity. Proposed projects must demonstrate that they are based on solid enrollment demand projections, more cost-effectively provide enrollment access than alternatives such as university centers and distance learning, and make cost-effective use of existing and proposed new space;
     (b) Projects that replace failing permanent buildings ((or renovate facilities to restore building life and upgrade space to meet current program requirements)). Facilities that cannot be economically renovated are considered replacement projects. ((Renovation projects should represent a complete renovation of a total facility or an isolated wing of a facility. A reasonable renovation project should cost between sixty to eighty percent of current replacement value and restore the renovated area to at least twenty-five years of useful life.)) New space may be programmed for the same or a different use than the space being replaced ((or renovated)) and may include additions to improve access and enhance the relationship of program or support space;
     (c) Projects that renovate facilities to restore building life and upgrade space to meet current program requirements. Renovation projects should represent a complete renovation of a total facility or an isolated wing of a facility. A reasonable renovation project should cost between sixty to eighty percent of current replacement value and restore the renovated area to at least twenty-five years of useful life. New space may be programmed for the same or a different use than the space being renovated and may include additions to improve access and enhance the relationship of program or support space;
     (d)
Major stand-alone campus infrastructure projects;
     (((d))) (e) Projects that promote economic growth and innovation through expanded research activity. The acquisition and installation of specialized equipment is authorized under this category; and
     (((e))) (f) Other project categories as determined by the office of financial management in consultation with the legislative fiscal committees.
     (2) The office of financial management, in consultation with the legislative fiscal committees ((and the joint legislative audit and review committee)), shall establish a scoring system and process for each four-year project category that is based on the framework used in the community and technical college system of prioritization. Staff from the state board for community and technical colleges, the higher education coordinating board, and the four-year institutions shall provide technical assistance on the development of a scoring system and process.
     (3) The office of financial management shall consult with the legislative fiscal committees in the scoring of four-year institution project proposals, and may also solicit participation by ((the joint legislative audit and review committee and)) independent experts.
     (a) For each four-year project category, the scoring system must, at a minimum, include an evaluation of enrollment trends, reasonableness of cost, the ability of the project to enhance specific strategic master plan goals, age and condition of the facility if applicable, and impact on space utilization.
     (b) Each four-year project category may include projects at the predesign, design, or construction funding phase.
     (c) To the extent possible, the objective analysis and scoring system of all capital budget projects shall occur within the context of any and all performance agreements between the office of financial management and the governing board of a public, four-year institution of higher education that aligns goals, priorities, desired outcomes, flexibility, institutional mission, accountability, and levels of resources.
     (4) In evaluating and scoring four-year institution projects, the office of financial management shall take into consideration project schedules that result in realistic, balanced, and predictable expenditure patterns over the ensuing three biennia.
     (5) The office of financial management shall distribute common definitions, the scoring system, and other information required for the project proposal and scoring process as part of its biennial budget instructions((, except that, for the 2009-2011 budget development cycle, this information must be distributed by July 1, 2008)). The office of financial management, in consultation with the legislative fiscal committees ((and the joint legislative audit and review committee)), shall develop common definitions that four-year institutions must use in developing their project proposals and lists under this section.
     (6) In developing any scoring system for capital projects proposed by the four-year institutions, the office of financial management:
     (a) Shall be provided with all required information by the four-year institutions as deemed necessary by the office of financial management;
     (b) May utilize independent services to verify, sample, or evaluate information provided to the office of financial management by the four-year institutions; and
     (c) Shall have full access to all data maintained by the higher education coordinating board and the joint legislative audit and review committee concerning the condition of higher education facilities.
     (7) By August ((15th)) 1st of each even-numbered year((, beginning in 2008,)) each public four-year higher education institution shall prepare and submit prioritized lists of the individual projects proposed by the institution for the ensuing six-year period in each category. ((On a pilot basis, the office of financial management shall require one research university to prepare two separate prioritized lists for each category, one for the main campus, and one covering all of the institution's branch campuses. The office of financial management shall report to the legislative fiscal committees by December 1, 2009, on the effect of this pilot project on capital project financing for all branch campuses.)) The lists must be submitted to the office of financial management and the legislative fiscal committees. The four-year institutions may aggregate minor works project proposals by primary purpose for ranking purposes. Proposed minor works projects must be prioritized within the aggregated proposal, and supporting documentation, including project descriptions and cost estimates, must be provided to the office of financial management and the legislative fiscal committees.

Sec. 10   RCW 28B.76.210 and 2008 c 205 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The board shall collaborate with the four-year institutions including the council of presidents, the community and technical college system, and when appropriate the workforce training and education coordinating board, the superintendent of public instruction, and the independent higher educational institutions to identify budget priorities and levels of funding for higher education, including the two and four-year institutions of higher education and state financial aid programs. It is the intent of the legislature that recommendations from the board reflect not merely the sum of budget requests from multiple institutions, but prioritized funding needs for the overall system of higher education.
     (2) By December of each odd-numbered year, the board shall distribute guidelines which outline the board's fiscal priorities to the institutions and the state board for community and technical colleges.
     (a) The institutions and the state board for community and technical colleges shall submit an outline of their proposed operating budgets to the board no later than July 1st of each even-numbered year. Pursuant to guidelines developed by the board, operating budget outlines submitted by the institutions and the state board for community and technical colleges after January 1, 2007, shall include all policy changes and enhancements that will be requested by the institutions and the state board for community and technical colleges in their respective biennial budget requests. Operating budget outlines shall include a description of each policy enhancement, the dollar amount requested, and the fund source being requested.
     (b) Capital budget outlines for the two-year institutions shall be submitted by August 15th of each even-numbered year, and shall include the prioritized ranking of the capital projects being requested, a description of each capital project, and the amount and fund source being requested.
     (c) Capital budget outlines for the four-year institutions must be submitted by August 15th of each even-numbered year, and must include: The institutions' priority ranking of the project; the capital budget category within which the project will be submitted to the office of financial management in accordance with RCW 43.88D.010; a description of each capital project; and the amount and fund source being requested.
     (d) The office of financial management shall reference these reporting requirements in its budget instructions.
     (3) The board shall review and evaluate the operating and capital budget requests from four-year institutions and the community and technical college system based on how the requests align with the board's budget priorities, the missions of the institutions, and the statewide strategic master plan for higher education under RCW 28B.76.200.
     (4) The board shall submit recommendations on the proposed operating budget and priorities to the office of financial management by October 1st of each even-numbered year, and to the legislature by January 1st of each odd-numbered year.
     (5) The board's capital budget recommendations for the community and technical college system and the four-year institutions must be submitted to the office of financial management ((by November 15th of each even-numbered year)) and to the legislature by ((January 1st of each odd-numbered)) November 15th of each even-numbered year. The board's recommendations for the four-year institutions must include ((the relative share of the higher education capital budget that the board recommends be assigned to each project category, as defined in RCW 43.88D.010, and to minor works program and preservation)) a single, prioritized list of the major projects that the board recommends be funded with state bond and building account appropriations during the forthcoming fiscal biennium. In developing this single prioritized list, the board shall:
     (a) Seek to identify the combination of projects that will most cost-effectively achieve the state's goals. These goals include increasing baccalaureate and graduate degree production, particularly in high-demand fields; promoting economic development through research and innovation; providing quality, affordable educational environments; preserving existing assets; and maximizing the efficient utilization of instructional space;
     (b) Be guided by the objective analysis and scoring of capital budget projects completed by the office of financial management pursuant to chapter 43.88D RCW;
     (c) Anticipate (i) that state bond and building account appropriations continue at the same level during each of the two subsequent fiscal biennia as has actually been appropriated for the baccalaureate institutions during the current one; (ii) that major projects funded for design during a biennium are funded for construction during the subsequent one before state appropriations are provided for new major projects; and (iii) that minor health, safety, code, and preservation projects are funded at the same average level as in recent biennia before state appropriations are provided for new major projects
.
     (((5))) (6) Institutions and the state board for community and technical colleges shall submit any supplemental budget requests and revisions to the board at the same time they are submitted to the office of financial management. The board shall submit recommendations on the proposed supplemental budget requests to the office of financial management by November 1st and to the legislature by January 1st.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 11   A new section is added to chapter 28B.20 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) This section provides an alternative process for awarding contracts for construction, building, renovation, remodeling, alteration, repair, or improvement of university buildings and facilities in which critical patient care or highly specialized medical research is located. These provisions may be used, in lieu of other procedures to award contracts for such work, when the estimated cost of the work is equal to or less than five million dollars and the project involves construction, renovation, remodeling, or alteration of improvements within a building that is used directly for critical patient care or highly specialized medical research.
     (2) The university may create a single critical patient care or specialized medical research facilities roster or may create multiple critical patient care or specialized medical research facilities rosters for different trade specialties or categories of anticipated work. At least once a year, the university shall publish in a newspaper of general circulation a notice of the existence of the roster or rosters and solicit a statement of qualifications from contractors who wish to be on the roster or rosters of prime contractors. In addition, qualified contractors shall be added to the roster or rosters at any time they submit a written request, necessary records, and meet the qualifications established by the university. The university may require eligible contractors desiring to be placed on a roster to keep current records of any applicable licenses, certifications, registrations, bonding, insurance, or other appropriate matters on file with the university as a condition of being placed on a roster or rosters. Placement on a roster shall be on the basis of qualifications.
     (3) The public solicitation of qualifications shall include but not be limited to:
     (a) A description of the types of projects to be completed and where possible may include programmatic, performance, and technical requirements and specifications;
     (b) The reasons for using the critical patient care and specialized medical research roster process;
     (c) A description of the qualifications to be required of a contractor, including submission of an accident prevention program;
     (d) A description of the process the university will use to evaluate qualifications, including evaluation factors and the relative weight of factors;
     (e) The form of the contract to be awarded;
     (f) A description of the administrative process by which the required qualifications, evaluation process, and project types may be appealed; and
     (g) A description of the administrative process by which decisions of the university may be appealed.
     (4) The university shall establish a committee to evaluate the contractors submitting qualifications. Evaluation criteria for selection of the contractor or contractors to be included on a roster shall include, but not be limited to:
     (a) Ability of a contractor's professional personnel;
     (b) A contractor's past performance on similar projects, including but not limited to medical facilities, and involving either negotiated work or other public works contracts;
     (c) The contractor's ability to meet time and budget requirements;
     (d) The contractor's ability to provide preconstruction services, as appropriate;
     (e) The contractor's capacity to successfully complete the project;
     (f) The contractor's approach to executing projects;
     (g) The contractor's approach to safety and the contractor's safety history; and
     (h) The contractor's record of performance, integrity, judgment, and skills.
     (5) Contractors meeting the evaluation committee's criteria for selection must be placed on the applicable roster or rosters.
     (6) When a project is selected for delivery through this roster process, the university must establish a procedure for securing written quotations from all contractors on a roster to assure that a competitive price is established. Invitations for quotations shall include an estimate of the scope and nature of the work to be performed as well as materials and equipment to be furnished. Plans and specifications must be included in the invitation but may not be detailed. Award of a project must be made to the responsible bidder submitting the lowest responsive bid.
     (7) The university shall make an effort to solicit proposals from certified minority or certified woman-owned contractors to the extent permitted by the Washington state civil rights act, RCW 49.60.400.
     (8) Beginning in September 2010 and every other year thereafter, the university shall provide a report to the capital projects advisory review board which must, at a minimum, include a list of rosters used, contracts awarded, and a description of outreach to and participation by women and minority-owned businesses.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 12   A new section is added to chapter 43.131 RCW to read as follows:
     The alternative process for awarding contracts established in section 11 of this act terminates June 30, 2015, as provided in section 13 of this act.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 13   A new section is added to chapter 43.131 RCW to read as follows:
     Section 11 of this act, as now existing or hereafter amended, is repealed, effective June 30, 2016.

--- END ---