Public contracts: local water infrastructure projects: Construction Manager/General Contractor project delivery method.

Senator Durazo's legislation expands local agencies' authority to use Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC) project delivery methods for water infrastructure projects addressing drought and climate change-related shortages. The CM/GC approach allows agencies to contract with construction managers for both preconstruction design services and construction phase implementation.

Under the measure, cities, counties, and special districts authorized to manage water resources may utilize CM/GC delivery for up to 15 capital projects each through January 1, 2031. Agencies must award contracts either on a best value basis - evaluating criteria like price, features, life-cycle costs and past performance - or to the lowest responsible bidder. The bill defines construction managers as licensed contractors capable of providing both contracting and engineering services.

The authorization builds upon existing provisions that currently permit only the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California to use CM/GC methods for recycled water and infrastructure projects. Contracts executed before the 2031 sunset date will remain valid through completion or termination, even if related code sections become inoperative. Local agency governing bodies must approve use of the CM/GC approach for individual projects.