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03/28/2024 12:55 PM
Pennsylvania State Senate
https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=S&SPick=20130&cosponId=11919
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Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2013 - 2014 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted: February 27, 2013 04:20 PM
From: Senator Richard L. Alloway, II
To: All Senate members
Subject: Design Build Legislation
 
In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation that would provide needed flexibility to school districts in school building construction, reconstruction, repairs, and maintenance.

Currently, the Public School Code requires an extensive, time-consuming, and costly bidding and contracting process for school construction projects, and it does not allow school districts to undergo construction projects in the most efficient manner. These construction mandates consume valuable resources and tie the hands of school districts in renovating deteriorating schools, updating structures to meet building codes and integrating safety and security upgrades to protect our students.

My legislation amends section 751(a) of the Public School Code to give school districts the ability to elect to enter into a design/build contract for all construction, reconstruction, repairs, or maintenance if they determine the design/build project delivery method to be the most efficient, economical, and timely method to complete a project. A design/build contract is a project delivery method whereby a single qualified entity provides a combination of architectural and construction services under one contract. The bill would require the school district to adopt a resolution, then request written proposals including project terms and conditions from potential contractors. Any contract awarded under this change would be exempt from the requirements of the Separations Act or any other act requiring separate bids specifications.

My legislation provides school districts with the discretion to determine if a single design/build project delivery contract would save time and money for its taxpayers due to eliminating duplicative procedures during the bidding process. Furthermore, design/build projects would result in administrative efficiencies for districts in managing the construction process, eliminating multiple points of contact for project coordination, and minimizing the school district’s legal liability and costs when multiple contractors involved in a project have a dispute. Giving school districts the opportunity to better manage their construction and repair needs is an imperative step in ensuring that our children’s schools meet the necessary safety and security requisites while lifting some of this financial burden from local taxpayers.



Introduced as SB743