CA AB2551

Authorizes irrigation districts, county water districts, and similar water districts to use construction manager at-risk, design-build, and design-build-operate methods for surface storage projects receiving funding under Division 26.7 of the Water Code, in addition to traditional competitive bidding.

Requires contracts to be awarded on a best value basis or to the lowest responsible bidder, with detailed procurement procedures including request for qualifications, prequalification or short-listing of entities, and competitive sealed bid processes.

Mandates that contracting entities and their subcontractors use a skilled and trained workforce for apprenticeable occupations, with escalating apprenticeship graduate requirements: 30% by January 1, 2017; 40% by January 1, 2018; 50% by January 1, 2019; and 60% by January 1, 2020.

Requires bidders to certify qualification information under penalty of perjury and establishes monthly compliance reporting requirements, with payment withholding provisions for non-compliance or missing reports.

Exempts the state from reimbursement obligations under Article XIII B of the California Constitution because costs result from creating new penalties related to perjury.