Design-build: Metropolitan Water District of Southern California: solar energy systems.

Existing law sets forth requirements for the solicitation and evaluation of bids and the awarding of contracts by public entities for the erection, construction, alteration, repair, or improvement of any public structure, building, road, or other public improvement. Existing law also authorizes specified state agencies, cities, and counties to implement alternative procedures for the awarding of contracts on a design‑build basis. This bill would authorize the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California to enter into design-build contracts for projects involving the design, construction, fabrication, and installation of a solar energy system in excess of $1,000,000, in accordance with specified provisions. The bill would establish a procedure for submitting bids that includes a requirement that design-build entities provide a statement of qualifications submitted to the district that is verified under oath. Because a verification under oath is made under penalty of perjury, the bill would, by requiring a verification, create a new crime and thereby impose a state-mandated local program. The bill would require the district, if it uses the design-build method on a project, to submit a report to the Legislative Analyst's Office, as specified, and would require the Legislative Analyst's Office to report to the Legislature on the use of the design-build method on or before January 1, 2015. The bill would repeal these provisions on January 1, 2016. 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.