Complete Story
 

02/27/2012

New project delivery systems now available to state, local governments

ACEC seminar will explore new methods

State and local government agencies may now make use of sophisticated new public works project delivery systems, thanks to changes in state law enacted last year.

But how many public works officials – or engineers and architects, for that matter – really understand design/build and construction manager at-risk?  How many of us know when – and when not – to use them?

On February 2, administrative rules became effective that regulate how state and local governments implement these new project delivery systems, officially making them available for use.

The rules prescribe contract and subcontract forms, types and amounts of bonds, new electronic advertising and bidding protocols and the factors agencies must consider in performing a "best value" selection of a design/build firm or construction manager at-risk.

Documents relating to general contracting were finalized by the Ohio Department of Administrative Services/Office of the State Architect in late December, making this contracting method available to state and local agencies as a third option to multiple-prime contracting, which had been required in Ohio since 1877.

While engineers and architects are familiar with general contracting, relatively few have had extensive experience with design/build and even fewer with CM at-risk.  In order to educate ACEC Ohio members about these new project delivery systems, the Council's Vertical Construction Committee is planning a high-level seminar on May 17, in Columbus, that will explore these systems in detail.

The seminar will be led by Michael D. Tarullo, an attorney specializing in construction law with the firm of IceMiller LLP.  In addition, a panel of contractors, developers, government agency representatives and construction managers will share the dais for a panel discussion on the future of public works contracting in Ohio.

ACEC Ohio members will receive full program and registration information in March.

 

Printer-Friendly Version



Advancing the Business of Engineering