Brief Description: Increasing the number of demonstration projects that may be authorized by the school district project review board.

Sponsors: Representatives Haigh, Cox, Ericks, Miloscia, Armstrong, McCoy, McDermott, Green, Morrell, Wallace, Nixon, Clements, Chase and Linville.

Hearing Date: 1/31/06

Staff: Marsha Reilly (786-7135).

Background:

Alternative forms of public works were first used on a very limited basis and then adopted in statute in 1994 for certain pilot projects. These alternative procedures include a design-build process and a general contractor/construction manager (GC/CM) process and may be used on projects costing in excess of $10 million.

The design-build procedure is a multi-step competitive process to award a contract to a single firm that agrees to both design and build a public facility that meets specific criteria. The GC/CM method employs the services of a project management firm that bears significant responsibility and risk in the contracting process.

In 2000, the School District Project Review Board (Board) was established to review proposals and approve demonstration projects using the GC/CM procedure for four demonstration projects: two projects valued over $10 million and two projects valued between $5 and $10 million.

The authorization for demonstration projects approved by the Board was changed in 2002. The number of projects was increased to 10 projects, all valued at over $5 million. Two of the 10 projects must be between $5 and $10 million in value.

Again in 2003, the number of demonstration projects that the Board could authorize was increased to16 projects valued over $10 million, and two projects valued between $5 and $10 million.

The authority to use alternative public works procedures expires July 1, 2007. In 2005, the Capital Projects Advisory Review Board was established to evaluate public capital projects construction processes and to advise the Legislature on policies related to alternative public works.

Summary of Bill:

The number of demonstration projects authorized by the Board and valued over $10 million is increased from 16 to 23.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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