Public contracts: local water infrastructure projects: Construction Manager/General Contractor project delivery method.

Plain English Breakdown

The bill summary and digest do not provide specific details on how local agencies will be reimbursed for costs related to this method, leaving it unclear if there are any provisions for reimbursement beyond stating that none is required by the act.

Local Water Projects: Construction Manager/General Contractor Method

The law allows local agencies to use the Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC) method for up to 15 water infrastructure projects until January 1, 2031.

What This Bill Does

• Defines when a local agency can use the CM/GC project delivery method for water infrastructure projects.
• Limits each local agency to no more than 15 capital outlay projects using this method.
• Requires that contracts awarded under this method must go to the best value or lowest responsible bidder.

Who It Names or Affects

• Local agencies in California
• Construction managers and contractors involved in water infrastructure projects

Terms To Know

Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC) Method

A project delivery method where a construction manager provides preconstruction services during the design phase and construction services during the building phase.

Capital Outlay Projects

Projects that involve significant financial investment for infrastructure development.

Limits and Unknowns

• The law only applies until January 1, 2031.
• It does not specify how local agencies will be reimbursed for costs related to this method.

Official Summary Text

SB 598, Durazo.
Public contracts: local water infrastructure projects: Construction Manager/General Contractor project delivery method.
Existing law defines the Construction Manager/General Contractor project delivery method (CM/GC method) as a project delivery method in which a construction manager is procured to provide preconstruction services during the design phase of a project and construction services during the construction phase of the project. Under existing law, the method allows the contract for construction services to be entered into at the same time as the contract for preconstruction services or at a later time. Existing law authorizes the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California to utilize the CM/GC method for regional recycled water projects or other water infrastructure projects under specified conditions. Pursuant to existing law, certain information required to be submitted as part of the CM/GC method is required to be verified under oath. Existing law makes the provisions described above
pertaining to the CM/GC method effective only until January 1, 2028, and inoperative as of that date.
This bill would, until January 1, 2031, authorize a local agency, as defined, upon approval of its governing body, to similarly use the CM/GC method for a regional recycled water project or other water infrastructure project undertaken by the district to alleviate water supply shortages attributable to drought or climate change. The bill would require that authorization to apply to no more than 15 capital outlay projects for each local agency and would require a local agency to award a contract pursuant to the bill on a best value basis or to the lowest responsible bidder. Because the bill would expand the crime of perjury, it would impose a state-mandated local program.
The California Constitution
requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

Current Bill Text

Download Bill PDF