NC H1043

Establishes a formal prequalification process for public construction projects, allowing governmental entities to prequalify bidders only when using specific construction methods and adopting an objective prequalification policy before advertising contracts.

Requires prequalification policies to be uniform, transparent, and rationally related to construction work, and prohibits requiring prior award history from the governmental entity while allowing bidders to submit experience with similar-sized projects.

Mandates a protest process for denied bidders that must be completed before bid opening and allows sufficient time for subsequently prequalified bidders to submit bids.

Clarifies that construction managers at risk must use the prequalification process established in G.S. 143-135.8 and prohibits prequalification for design-build, design-build-finance-operate-maintain, and qualification-based services selections.

Establishes a 20-member Blue Ribbon Commission to study North Carolina's building and infrastructure needs through 2025, including anticipated costs, funding options, and prioritization processes, with final report due to the 2016 General Assembly.