HB 577 Summary

• Amends Idaho Code Title 40 to authorize the Idaho Transportation Department to use design-build contracts for state highway projects as an alternative to traditional competitive sealed bidding, subject to board approval that projects are suitable and the method serves the public interest.

• Establishes that no more than 20% of the department's annual highway construction budget can be used for design-build and construction manager/general contractor (CM/GC) contracts combined, and requires at least 30% of any such contract to be self-performed by the awarded firm.

• Creates a two-step selection process for design-build contracts: first step involves short-listing qualified firms based on qualifications, second step involves submission of technical and price proposals evaluated using best value, fixed price-best design, or lowest price-technically acceptable methods.

• Authorizes CM/GC contracting procedures allowing the department to retain a professional engineer for design while hiring a CM/GC firm to provide preconstruction services and construction, with contracts awarded in two phases based on best value determination.

• Declares an emergency, making the act effective immediately upon passage and approval.