SRC-SEW S.B. 925 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 925
77R4793 SGA-FBy: Brown, J. E. "Buster"
Natural Resources
3/5/2001
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, the design-build method of construction alleviates many of the
pitfalls inherent in preliminary planning for a project by offering an
insured construction method.  Design-build is a  
method of contracting in which an owner hires a competent contractor who in
turn hires an architect, structural engineer, mechanical/electrical
engineer, civil engineer, and any specialty consultants.  All design and
construction is handled under one contract.  The design team works with the
owner from day one to design a building best suited to the owner's needs.
The result is a project with a realistic budget, little or no change
orders, and effective design from the start. 
As proposed, S.B. 925 gives navigation districts and port authorities the
option of choosing the designbuild method when making a purchase or
entering into a contract valued at $ 25,000 or more. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a
state officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Chapter 60N, Water Code, by adding Section 60.4125, as
follows: 

Sec. 60.4125.  ALTERNATIVE METHODS FOR CERTAIN PURCHASES OR CONTRACTS.
Authorizes a navigation district or port authority, notwithstanding the
other provisions of this subchapter or any other law, to make a purchase or
enter into a contract valued at $25,000 or more by any method available to
a school district under Chapter 44B (Purchases; Contracts), Education Code,
that, in the opinion of the port commission, provides the best value to the
navigation district or port authority. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date:  upon passage or September 1, 2001.