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LAWA, Bureau of Engineering present revised MOU and dispute-resolution steps to speed airport projects
Summary
Los Angeles World Airports and the Bureau of Engineering told the committee they have revised a 2017 MOU, added over-the-shoulder reviews, clearer project requirements and informal dispute forums to reduce delays and costs on major airport projects; the committee received and filed the report.
Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), with the Bureau of Engineering, presented a report on ways to streamline LAWA project delivery and improve contracting for public–private partnerships and other alternative delivery methods. The Trade, Travel and Tourism Committee voted to receive and file the report.
LAWA officials said the single biggest lesson from recent projects was the need for effective memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with sister city departments. Mike Christiansen, LAWA airport development officer, said LAWA’s 2017 MOU had gaps that contributed to delays and additional costs; the agencies have produced a revised MOU and have implemented many of its provisions while continuing to refine it. Jake Adams, LAWA deputy executive director, said the updated MOU aligns city approval processes to a wider array of delivery methods — including progressive design-build and construction management at-risk — and builds in iterative design approvals and “over-the-shoulder” reviews so designers and city reviewers resolve comments together in real time.
The report highlighted three principal changes: clearer, project-specific requirements and permit expectations stated up front; iterative review processes that allow accelerated construction reliance on 30/60/90% designs; and deeper interagency collaboration, including co-location of staff, partnering sessions with contractors and an executive oversight committee to escalate unresolved issues. LAWA reported that the revised approach contributed to approving an AT&T roadway package on consent during the same meeting and that most permit packages for an ongoing program were expected to reach 90% by year-end.
LAWA officials also urged more comprehensive pre-bid site investigations (potholing, ground-penetrating radar) and clearer, less-ambiguous contract language to limit claims. To keep work moving during disputes, the report recommends informal dispute resolution forums (an IDR) and the use of force-account directives (also described as unilateral change orders or time-and-material provisions) to permit contractors to continue work while a disagreement is resolved.
When asked about future use of public–private partnerships, LAWA said it is not planning additional P3s in the near term because current capital projects lack the operate-and-maintain components that made prior P3s appropriate. Officials said the Department of Water and Power’s board approved the revised MOU during the same day, and LAWA confirmed it funds full-time equivalent staff in some city agencies to maintain project continuity.
Chair Tracy Park moved to receive and file the report; the clerk recorded the roll as Park — yes; McCosker — yes; Rodriguez — absent. The item was received and filed.
