Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Procurement Design Build topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Senate clears design‑build procurement option for state projects, centralizes leasing oversight
Summary
Senators adopted a committee substitute enabling state agencies to use design‑build contracting and giving DFA authority to coordinate leased office space in Hinds/Madison/Rankin counties; supporters cited faster delivery and potential savings, critics asked for ADA and lease protections.
The Senate approved legislation that adds design‑build as a project delivery option for state construction and centralizes leasing authority for state agencies in specified counties.
Lede: The committee substitute for the design‑build bill, explained on the floor by its sponsor, was adopted and the measure passed by roll call. The bill authorizes a single contract covering both design and construction and adds reporting and centralized oversight requirements for state office leasing in the capital region.
Nut graf: Backers said design‑build shortens project timelines and reduces risk for the state by putting design and construction responsibility in a single team. The bill also directs the Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) to evaluate leased office space in Hinds, Madison and Rankin counties and to report annually to public property committee chairs if purchases or consolidations are in the state’s interest.
Key points - Single contract approach: Design‑build shifts responsibility for design and construction into one contract with a design‑builder, which proponents said reduces delays and change orders. - Centralized leasing: DFA gets authority to coordinate leases and to consider consolidation into the Capital Complex Improvement District when in the state’s financial interest. The bill requires DFA to report annually to the public‑property committee chairmen if it identifies opportunities for purchase or consolidation. - ADA and accessibility questions: Senators pressed whether DFA would ensure leased premises meet ADA access standards; sponsors said DFA would address accessibility but did not add a statutory detailed checklist.
What supporters said: Sponsor testimony cited more than 1,000,000 square feet of privately leased office space in Hinds, Madison and Rankin counties and more than $14 million a year in rent paid by the state; adopting a holistic approach should create opportunities for savings, they said.
What opponents asked: Several senators sought explicit language guaranteeing accessibility standards would be enforced for relocated offices; sponsors said DFA would take those into account and supported further review.
Outcome: Committee substitute adopted, amendment technical corrections approved, final passage by roll call. DFA and the public‑property committee will be expected to follow up with annual reporting and, if purchases are proposed, with legislative funding and approval.
Ending: The bill is intended to give state leaders additional tools to speed construction while creating central oversight of lease obligations; interested contractors and agency facility managers should monitor DFA guidance and the public‑property committee’s future reports.
