SB 5798

SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5798

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Passed Senate, March 12, 2007

Title: An act relating to design-build construction for transportation projects.

Brief Description: Preserving the use of design-build construction on certain transportation projects.

Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Marr, Vice Chair; Murray, Vice Chair; Swecker, Ranking Minority Member; Benton, Berkey, Clements, Delvin, Eide, Holmquist, Jacobsen, Kastama, Kauffman, Kilmer, Pflug, Sheldon and Spanel.

Background: Design-build construction is a contracting technique that allows the owner of a project to contract with a single entity for the design and construction of a project. Some construction work can often begin before final design is complete, providing opportunity for cost savings and expedited project delivery. The more common project contract, design-bid-build, requires design to be completed before the construction portion of the project is awarded.

Current law allows the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to use design-build construction if construction activities are highly specialized, efficiency opportunities through the use of a single entity for design and construction are greater, or significant savings in project delivery time would be realized. A design-build project must be over ten million dollars, except that WSDOT may also use the design-build process on up to five pilot projects costing between two and ten million dollars.

The sunset provision on the use of design-build construction by WSDOT was intended to be removed by legislation passed in 2006 (HB 2874). A section of current law relating to design-build construction is due to expire in 2008.

Summary of Bill: The design-build construction expiration date of April 30, 2008, is removed, allowing WSDOT to continue using this provision.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Design Build has been used successfully on several projects. It is planned to be used on several up-coming highway projects.