SB 513: PUBLIC CONTRACTS: Provides for public works project delivery methods. (8/1/26) - Louisiana

SB513 Original → SB513 Act 917 · 5 edits

MODERATE

The bill was completely rewritten to shift from a pilot program for local subdivisions using an 'average bid' method to a permanent authorization for public airports to use 'design-build' contracts for specific aviation-related facilities. The original pilot program for local governments was removed entirely, while new provisions were added to allow airports to combine design and construction for towers, hangars, and other vertical facilities without committee approval.

Scope change

The bill's scope changed from a limited pilot program for local governmental subdivisions to a permanent authorization specifically for public airports and their associated vertical facilities.

SCOPE

Removed the pilot program authorizing local governmental subdivisions to use the average bid method for public works contracts.

Added permanent authority for public airports to use the design-build project delivery method for air traffic control towers, hangars, and other vertical facilities.

ELIGIBILITY

Removed the requirement for local governments to obtain approval from Senate and House transportation committees before using the average bid method.

Expanded eligibility to include airports, whereas the original bill only applied to local governmental subdivisions.

REQUIREMENT

Changed the awarding mechanism from calculating an average of bids to using a design-build approach where the owner selects a contractor based on public interest and benefit.

SB513 Enrolled → SB513 Original · 7 edits

MODERATE

The bill was completely rewritten to shift from a specific design-build exception for airports to a broader pilot program allowing local governments to use an 'average bid' method for public works. It also adds a new provision allowing the Department of Transportation and Development to use this method for road projects. These changes aim to provide local entities with more flexibility in awarding contracts while maintaining oversight through legislative committees.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded significantly from a narrow focus on airport construction (design-build) to a general pilot program for local governments and political subdivisions, and it added a new authority for the state Department of Transportation and Development.

SCOPE

Established a new pilot program allowing local governments and political subdivisions to use an 'average bid method' to award public works contracts, replacing the previous specific design-build rule for airports.

Removed the specific provision authorizing airports to use design-build contracts for air traffic control towers and hangars.

ELIGIBILITY

Extended the authority to use the average bid method to the Department of Transportation and Development for road and highway construction projects.

REQUIREMENT

Mandated that local entities must submit written notification to Senate and House transportation committees at least 60 days before advertising bids to obtain approval for using the average bid method.

Required local entities to submit a final report to the committees after contract completion, detailing costs, bidder information, and the basis for the award.

Changed the calculation rules for the average bid method; local governments must include all responsive bids in the average, whereas the Department of Transportation must exclude the highest and lowest bids if five or more are received.

DEFINITION

Defined key terms including 'average bid method' (award to the bid closest to but not exceeding the average), 'responsive bid', and 'owner'.

SB513 Reengrossed → SB513 Enrolled · 4 edits · Jun 1, 2026

MODERATE

The bill was finalized as an enrolled version, removing the draft header and summary digest. The core policy changes include expanding eligibility to allow public airports to use design-build contracts for specific vertical facilities like towers and hangars, while retaining a pilot program for the Department of Transportation and Office of Louisiana Highway Construction to use an average bid method for four projects per year.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded to include public airports as eligible entities for design-build contracts, whereas the reengrossed version focused primarily on the pilot program for state highway departments. The enrolled version also removed a sunset date provision that was present in the reengrossed draft.

TIMELINE

The sunset date of March 1, 2028, which was included in the reengrossed version, was removed in the enrolled version, meaning the pilot program provisions remain in effect indefinitely unless amended.

TECHNICAL

The document header was updated from 'REENGROSSED' to 'ENROLLED', indicating the bill has been approved by both legislative chambers and the governor and is ready for signing into law.

DEFINITION

The detailed digest and summary of amendments explaining the legislative history and specific changes made during the Senate floor were removed, as these are not part of the final legal text.

REQUIREMENT

The specific language regarding the pilot program's limit of 'four state funded projects per year' was retained in the final text, confirming the scope of the average bid method authorization.

SB513 Engrossed → SB513 Reengrossed · 6 edits · May 11, 2026

MODERATE

This bill was reengrossed to shift focus from a pilot program for local governments to use average bidding to a specific authorization for airports to use design-build methods for vertical facilities like towers and hangars. Simultaneously, the pilot program for state highway departments was narrowed from fifteen projects to just four, with the scope restricted to the Department of Transportation and the Office of Louisiana Highway Construction. The bill also removed detailed definitions and procedural requirements for local bidders.

Scope change

The bill's scope changed from a broad pilot program for local subdivisions to a targeted authorization for airports, while the state pilot program was significantly reduced in size and limited to specific state agencies.

ELIGIBILITY

Removed the pilot program allowing local governmental subdivisions to use the average bid method for public works contracts.

Added specific authority for public airports to use the design-build project delivery method for constructing air traffic control towers and aircraft hangars.

Restricted the state pilot program eligibility to only the Department of Transportation and the Office of Louisiana Highway Construction.

REQUIREMENT

Reduced the state pilot program limit for using the average bid method from fifteen projects per year to just four projects per year.

Removed requirements for local subdivisions to submit written notifications and reports to Senate and House committees regarding their bidding methods.

DEFINITION

Deleted specific legal definitions for terms like 'average bid method' and 'responsive bid' that were previously included.

PUBLIC CONTRACTS: Provides for public works project delivery methods. (8/1/26)

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