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

Senator Durazo's legislation expands the Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC) project delivery method to local water agencies across California for infrastructure projects addressing drought and climate change-related water shortages. The CM/GC method allows agencies to procure a construction manager for both preconstruction design services and construction phase implementation.

The measure authorizes cities, counties, and special water districts to utilize CM/GC delivery for up to 15 capital projects each through January 1, 2031, provided their governing bodies approve. Agencies must award contracts either on a best value basis - considering factors like price, features, lifecycle costs and past performance - or to the lowest responsible bidder. The authorization applies specifically to recycled water facilities and infrastructure designed to alleviate water supply shortages.

Under the bill's provisions, construction managers must be licensed contractors capable of providing both contracting and engineering services. Their preconstruction role includes advising agencies on scheduling, pricing and phasing to enhance project constructability during the design phase. Contracts for construction services may be executed concurrent with preconstruction services or at a later date, allowing agencies flexibility in project delivery timing.