Bill > HB1846

This bill: - Requires the Department of Transportation to contract for the acquisition of up to five new hybrid diesel-electric ferry vessels that can carry up to 144 vehicles, using a one or two contract procurement approach to potentially accelerate vessel delivery. The Washington State Ferries must make available the design for the 144 vehicle hybrid electric Olympic class vessel to potential bidders, and the Department may offer incentives for design modifications that reduce crew needs, lower life-cycle costs, accelerate delivery, or make other improvements. - Exempts the vessel procurement from certain requirements in existing law, and allows the use of design-build, design-bid-build, or lease with option to buy procurement methods. The Department must establish evaluation criteria beyond just low price to meet best value objectives. - Provides a 13% bid price credit for vessels constructed in Washington state, representing the economic and revenue loss to the state from out-of-state construction, as well as additional costs of transport, potential delay, and oversight. - Requires contractors to meet state apprenticeship requirements and water pollution control standards. - Requires the Department to employ third-party experts to provide project oversight, change order management, and advisory services related to the vessel procurement.