A bill intended to encourage the federal government to use two-phase design/build project delivery was introduced in the U.S. Senate. Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) introduced the Senate version of H.R. 2750, the Design-Build Efficiency and Jobs Act, S. 2652. This follows U.S. House of Representatives action on the matter in the spring.
Design Build Institute of America supports the bill along with a coalition of A/E/C associations, including AIA and AGC. The legislation would:
1. Require federal agency contracting officers to justify to superiors when more than five finalists are short-listed
2. Restrict single-phase design-build to projects of $750,000 or less
3. Require that agencies report on these activities.
The House passed a version of the bill as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that passed in May. The Senate is expected to vote on the matter this fall.
(http://www.dbia.org/advocacy/federal/Documents/s2652_july2014.pdf)
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Aug 27, 2019
Slower speed limits in urban areas offer multiple benefits
Improved safety, better adoption of electric scooters and autonomous vehicles are possible if drivers ease off the accelerator.
Codes and Standards | Aug 27, 2019
Renewables creating significant savings for commercial and public facilities
Payback ranges from five to 15 years.
Codes and Standards | Aug 27, 2019
Oregon rescinds tsunami-zone construction ban
Other states have no ban, but have strengthened building codes for tidal wave resilience.
Urban Planning | Aug 27, 2019
Pop-up parks revitalize empty lots
Pop-up parks that provide instant open areas for public use and programming can revitalize under-utilized spaces and add vibrancy to neighborhoods.
Codes and Standards | Jul 15, 2019
USGBC calls for proposals for feedback, concepts for next LEED version
The move follows successful public input on LEED 4.1.
AEC Tech | Jul 15, 2019
Lack of standards hampers development of exoskeleton industry
Guidelines, common terminology, and testing methodology are needed, says expert.
Concrete | Jul 8, 2019
Concrete repair code requirements released
American Concrete Institute offers guidance on assessment, repair, rehab of existing concrete structures.
K-12 Schools | Jul 8, 2019
Collaborative for High Performance Schools releases 2019 Core Criteria Version 3.0 Update
The update adds credits to lower carbon footprints and to promote climate change resiliency.
Wood | Jul 8, 2019
Campaign launched to promote ‘climate-smart wood’
The Forest Stewardship Council and other groups aim to help buyers understand and make it easier to locate lumber that meets sustainable forestry standards.
Urban Planning | Jul 8, 2019
U.S. cities experience ‘Doppler shift’ in walkable urban development
The walkability trend is spreading to urbanizing suburbs.
