California Legislation Expands Design Build Authority for Public Facilities By Stanley S. Taylor, Patrick D. Harder, and Ashley C. Jacobson April 23, 2009 By signing Senate Bill 4 ("SBX2 4") into law on February 20, 2009, Governor Schwarzenegger took a significant step towards bringing public agency procurements in California into the 21st Century. SBX2 4, which was vigorously supported by the Governor's office, includes broad authority for state and local agencies to use the design-build delivery method for courts, correction and state office facilities and redevelopment agency projects. The bill authorizes the Director of the Department of General Services, the Secretary of the Department of Corrections and the Judicial Council to use design-build procurement methods for up to five state office, prison and court facilities and gives redevelopment agencies authority to use design-build procurements for up to ten projects. While the Department of General Services has had limited design-build authority in the past, SBX2 4 is otherwise the first use of the design-build procurement method for these types of facilities in California. Due to the limited number of authorized projects, however, selection of projects will be a key component to the proper utilization of SBX2 4 in California. SBX2 4 also permits design-build and allows the use of public-private partnerships for certain transportation projects. CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE |
