Design-build: highways.

Existing law authorizes the Department of Transportation to utilize design-build procurement for up to 10 projects on the state highway system, based on either best value or lowest responsible bid. Existing law requires the department to perform construction inspection services for those projects that are on or interfacing with the state highway system, as specified. Existing law establishes a procedure for submitting bids that includes a requirement that design-build entities provide a statement of qualifications submitted to the transportation entity that is verified under oath, subject to penalty of perjury. This bill would authorize the department to utilize design-build procurement on an unlimited number of projects and would require the department to contract with consultants to perform construction inspection services for those authorized projects. The bill would eliminate the requirement that the department perform the construction inspection services for the projects on or interfacing with the state highway system. By authorizing the design-build method of procurement to be utilized in an unlimited number of projects, the bill would expand the number of projects in which the statement of qualifications requirement, subject to penalty of perjury, is applicable, thereby expanding the scope of an existing crime and imposing 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.