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State Building Commission approves TDOT use of energy‑savings performance contracting
Summary
The State Building Commission unanimously approved the Tennessee Department of Transportation’s request to use an energy savings performance contracting delivery method, a move TDOT said will add a procurement tool intended to speed project delivery using private investment.
The State Building Commission on June at its monthly meeting unanimously approved a request from the Tennessee Department of Transportation to allow use of an energy savings performance contracting delivery method.
The request, presented by Commissioner Butch Ealy of the Tennessee Department of Transportation, asked the commission to approve the delivery method now being considered by the department. "We would very much appreciate the approval of this project utilizing the energy savings performance contracting, delivery method that we have been discussing for some time," Ealy said during the meeting.
Why it matters: TDOT said the delivery method would provide another "tool in the toolbox" to speed delivery of projects by harnessing private‑sector investment, which the department said can help carry out work sooner than would be possible awaiting future appropriations. Ealy pointed to prior emergency responses in which rapid private‑sector action aided recovery efforts and argued the approach could produce savings when projects performed now avoid higher future costs.
Details from the meeting: Ealy told commissioners the commission and departments have discussed ways to shorten project delivery over the past several years and described the energy savings performance contracting approach as one additional option. Justin Underwood, TDOT director of asset management, was present to answer technical questions, and representatives from the Department of General Services were available to address implementation details.
The commission recorded a unanimous vote in favor. The roll call recorded "aye" votes from Lieutenant Governor McNally, Secretary Hargett, Commissioner Bryson and Treasurer Lillard; Governor Lee, Speaker Sexton and Comptroller Mumpower were absent and Treasurer Lillard participated electronically under the applicable statute on electronic participation.
The commission did not specify a dollar amount associated with this approval at the meeting and did not approve any individual construction contract; the action authorized use of the stated delivery method for eligible projects brought before the commission in the future.
The meeting opened with a note that Tennessee Code Annotated provisions governing electronic participation and quorums applied to this session; the commission recorded which members were present in person and which participated remotely.
