Monday, May 14, 2012

Connecticut Approves Alternative Delivery Methods for Transportation Projects

The Connecticut Legislature has approved legislation authorizing the state's Department of Transportation to utilize both Design-Build and Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) in its construction projects.  Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy is expected to sign S.B. 33.

Only 3 states with no Design-Build for transportation projects:  With the new law, Connecticut will join 46 other states that authorize Design-Build for transportation projects. Only Iowa, Nebraska, and Oklahoma do not permit Design-Build for transportation projects.  

Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR):  This alternative delivery method, also known as CM at Risk, GC/CM (General Contractor/Construction Manager), and CM/GC (Construction Manager/General Contractor),  involves selecting the contractor early in the design process based on qualifications and limited pricing (overhead and profit and general conditions costs).  The contractor then provides input during design to the engineer or architect and is responsible for the actual construction.  Laws vary, but often the contractor selects subcontractors based on a public bidding process and awards to the low bidder.

Design-Build:  Under the Design-Build model, the public agency selects one firm under a single contract to both design and build the project.  Design-Build provides for a more seamless process and is often faster than the traditional Design-Bid-Build method of public works construction.

State of Washington:  The State of Washington permits the use of both GC/CM and Design-Build with various requirements outlined in RCW 39.10.  A subcommittee of the state's Capital Projects Advisory Review Board (CPARB) is currently meeting to discuss recommendations for potential changes in the law that will be considered by the Legislature in January 2013.  RCW 39.10 will expire in June 2013 unless reauthorized by the Legislature.

More information about Connecticut's law:   Click on the following links for additional information about Connecticut's new law:
Mike Purdy's Public Contracting Blog 
© 2012 by Michael E. Purdy Associates, LLC 
http://PublicContracting.blogspot.com

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