Design Build Legislation on the Move

Lois Wolk's AB 642 was approved by the Assembly Local Government Committee yesterday, paving the way (so to speak) for increased freedom for cities and local governments to utilize design-build in the construction of public buildings and other related infrastructure.  The Vacaville reporter has a good piece on how design-build helped Solano County build a government center in Fairfield under budget and nearly a year ahead of schedule. 

The advantages of ‘Design Build’ are abundant, though public contract law has historically been hostile to it (this dates back over a century to case, Ertle v. Leary, over the construction of a jail in Placer County).  Cost savings, reduced claim exposure and reduced administrative burden are all facets of removing arduous steps in the construction of public buildings and infrastructure, and Wolk's bill deserves attention and support. 

Comments

[Gary Skrel, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Walnut Creek]

Although there are certain benefits with design-build, there are pitfalls. Having this project delivery option will provide another tool for our cities, however it should not be considered the best delivery method for all municipal projects.