Declares that the 2001 legislature found that a contracting procedure that facilitates construction of transportation facilities in a more timely manner may occasionally be necessary to ensure that construction can proceed simultaneously with the design of the facility. The legislature further found that the design-build process and other alternative project delivery concepts achieve the goals of time savings and avoidance of costly change orders.

Finds that the audit, conducted by Talbot, Korvola & Warwick in 2001, of the state ferries' capital program resulted in a recommendation for improvements and changes in ferry procurement processes. The auditors recommended that ferries be procured through use of a modified request for proposals process whereby the prevailing shipbuilder and Washington state ferries engage in a design and build partnership. This process promotes ownership of the design by the shipbuilder while using the department of transportation's expertise in ferry design and operations. Alternative processes like design-build partnerships promote innovation and create competitive incentives that increase the likelihood of finishing projects on time and within the budget.

Declares that the purpose of this 2006 act is to modify the request for proposals process for procurement of ferries, authorize the use of best value determinations, and to prescribe appropriate requirements and criteria to ensure that contracting procedures serve the public interest.