RI H7499

The Rhode Island Department of Administration (DOA) must commission an independent efficiency and performance audit of the Department of Transportation (RIDOT), to be completed and delivered to the governor and General Assembly by January 1, 2027.

The audit must cover six key areas: project delivery efficiency, asset management, workforce and organizational structure, maintenance efficiency, financial management, and governance and oversight.

RIDOT's performance must be benchmarked against 5 to 10 peer state transportation agencies matched on geography, climate, system size, and procurement rules, using specific cost and performance metrics such as cost per lane-mile, bridge cost per square foot, pavement and bridge condition ratings, and safety outcomes.

The audit must evaluate procurement and contracting practices—including consultant oversight, alternative delivery methods (design-build, public-private partnerships), and change order governance—as well as workforce capacity, vacancy rates, and outsourcing strategy.

The completed audit report must be submitted to the governor, senate president, house speaker, and chairs of the house and senate finance committees, and must be made publicly available on the DOA's website; RIDOT is required to cooperate fully and provide access to all records, data, contracts, and personnel.