MS HB1497

Authorizes the Public Procurement Review Board to adopt regulations governing approval of architectural and engineering service contracts for state building and facility projects, ensuring compliance with purchasing regulations and competitive qualification-based selection processes except for emergency or continuation projects.

Requires the Department of Finance and Administration to review and preapprove all architectural and engineering service contracts entered into by state agencies, institutions, commissions, boards, or authorities regardless of funding source, with specific exemptions for higher education institutions using self-generated funds and State Military Department projects funded with federal or nonstate sources.

Ensures architectural and engineering service contract fees do not exceed department fee schedules and that contracts are procured through competitive qualification-based selection processes except for emergency projects or continuation appointments for directly related projects.

Brings forward Section 31-7-13.1 establishing the "dual-phase design-build method" for construction contracting, which may only be used when specifically authorized by the Legislature and includes requirements for scope of work statements, two-phase proposal evaluation, and selection of two to five shortlisted firms.

Brings forward Section 37-101-41 governing Board of Trustees authority to lease state university land to private entities for construction or renovation of auxiliary facilities, limited to two leases per university per year and not exceeding 25 percent of campus property.