Bill > HB1608

This bill introduces a new chapter to Pennsylvania transportation law that establishes a "design build best value" procurement method for highway and bridge projects at the Department of Transportation and Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. The method allows these agencies to select contractors through a more flexible process that considers both technical quality and price, rather than simply choosing the lowest bidder. Agencies can conduct either one-step or two-step procurement processes, with limitations of no more than 10 procurements of each type per calendar year. The bill outlines detailed requirements for soliciting proposals, including provisions for alternative technical concepts (ATCs), which allow contractors to propose innovative variations to project requirements. The procurement process includes creating an evaluation committee, establishing criteria for proposal evaluation, and potentially offering stipends to unsuccessful bidders to encourage participation. The bill also specifies which existing procurement laws will apply to these projects and includes protections like confidentiality for submitted proposals. Importantly, the powers granted under this chapter are time-limited, with the authority to use this procurement method expiring eight years after the section's effective date, though contracts initiated during that period will remain valid. The goal is to provide more flexibility and potentially encourage innovation in transportation infrastructure projects.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1608