AB 1901 (Jones) – Support
As Introduced on February 22, 2012
AB 1901, by Assembly Member Brian Jones, would extend the sunset
date on existing design-build authority granted to counties,
eliminate the project cost threshold in order to use the
design-build method, and modify the reporting requirements that
counties must submit to the Legislative Analyst’s
Office.
The design-build method is an approach to delivering public works
projects which CSAC finds beneficial. Under design-build, the
owner contracts with a single entity to both design and construct
a project at a fixed price. The owner prepares documents that
describe the concept of the project and the desired outcome for
the project. In addition to price, proposals are generally
evaluated on criteria such as best-value, qualifications and
design quality. There are a number of advantages to using
design-build, when compared to the traditional design-bid-build
method:
Projects can be completed faster, as construction can
commence during the design phase.
Contractors are provided with more flexibility over project
design, materials and construction methods. This promotes project
design and construction innovation, which can ultimately result
in higher quality, as well as cost savings.
Time-consuming and costly disputes between designer and
contractor are reduced, because both parties are affiliated with
the same entity.
By 2009, approximately nine counties had used or planned to use
the design-build method for project delivery for a variety of
projects ranging from parking facilities to parks and recreation
projects to fire stations, to mention a few. Counties and tax
payers in general benefit from the use of design-build authority
due to cost savings produced by this method of project delivery.
Furthermore, given the difficult economic times across the State,
local agencies need maximum flexibility to delivery projects
based on their expertise in choosing the right delivery
method.
AB 1901 is set for hearing before the Assembly Local Government
Committee on Wednesday, April 11.
