Bill > H2776

This bill proposes changes to the "designer selection law," which governs how the government contracts for design services for public projects. Essentially, it raises the financial thresholds that trigger certain requirements for these contracts. Specifically, contracts for design services will be exempt from the board's oversight if the design fee is less than $50,000 or if the estimated construction cost of the project is less than $500,000, with exceptions for modular buildings and demolition projects. Additionally, the bill clarifies that energy management services also have exemptions. It also modifies requirements for public advertising of contracts and the certification of designers regarding their financial controls and audited financial statements, with the new thresholds for these certifications also being set at $50,000 for design fees and $500,000 for construction costs. Finally, for building construction, reconstruction, alteration, remodeling, or repair projects estimated to exceed $500,000, the bill mandates a specific selection procedure, including public notice, uniform evaluation of applicants, and negotiation of fees, with exceptions for housing authorities and projects funded by the Massachusetts School Building Authority.