Governor signs Wolk’s cost-effective design-build legislation

Authorizes all cities in Yolo and Solano Counties to enter into efficient design-build contracts

Assembly Bill 1329, signed by the Governor at 10 p.m. Tuesday, authorizes cities in the two counties to hire a general contractor to be responsible for both the design and construction work in public construction projects. Existing law requires cities and other public entities to deliver public projects using the design-bid-build method, under which the design and construction work is done by two separate entities, with two separate bidding processes.

“I introduced this bill at the request of Benicia City officials who would like to utilize the design-build process to construct a new police station,” said Assemblywoman Wolk. “This legislation gives Benicia and all the cities in my district the freedom to use the cost-saving design-build construction method.

“Design-build is a proven process that enables government, private industry and labor to work together more efficiently on construction projects,” she continued. “It enables cities to streamline the construction process significantly by hiring one entity to both design and build a project. It also speeds project completion, contains cost, and reduces cities’ exposure to litigation.”

In the past, 13 cities and counties have pursued and attained legislative authority to utilize the design-build option. Davis, West Sacramento, and Woodland were part of that legislative effort and, subsequently, used this process to construct various capital outlay projects. However, the various legislative efforts that authorized the use of the design-build process expire in January 2006.

“We’ve seen the design-build construction method work in the district,” Wolk said. “Solano County used the design-build technique to build its $115 million government center under budget and nine months ahead of schedule. Another example of the design-build process’ efficacy was the completion of the city of Davis’ new police station a year ahead of schedule using the design-build process, saving $700,000.

“This is a good bill, and I thank the Governor for signing it into law. Now, all the cities in my district have the opportunity to reduce construction cost and complexity, as well as lower exposure to litigation.”