Brief Description: Modifying transportation project design-build provisions.

Sponsors: Representatives Murray, Ericksen, Jarrett, Wallace and Woods; by request of Department of Transportation.

Hearing Date: 1/24/06

Staff: Gary Lebow (786-7304).

Background:

In December 1996 the Department of Transportation (DOT) created an in-house task force to investigate the use of design-build contracting for DOT projects. In 1998 the Legislature granted the DOT statutory authority to use design-build contracting on two pilot projects, each of which had to cost over $10 million. The DOT was also required to present a detailed report to the Legislative Transportation Committee within one year of completion of the pilot projects.

The law required the DOT to develop criteria for use of the design-build process, which had to include the scope of services, contractor pre-qualification requirements, evaluation criteria, and a dispute resolution procedure.

In 2001 the Legislature granted the authority to use design-build on projects costing over $10 million and extended the sunset date to April 30, 2008.
   
The Blue Ribbon Commission on Transportation recommended that the Legislature grant statutory authority to transportation agencies to use design-build techniques and other alternative delivery concepts, such as design-build-operate, design-build-operate-own, design-build-operate-transfer, and general contractor/construction management.

Summary of Bill:

The DOT is authorized to use design-build contracting procedures for up to 5 pilot projects that cost between $2 million and $10 million in order to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of design-build for these size of projects.

The sunset clause is removed allowing use of design-build contract procedures beyond April 30, 2008.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.