Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1608

Introduced
6/16/25  
Refer
6/16/25  

Caption

In transportation infrastructure, providing for design build best value.

Impact

The implementation of HB 1608 would significantly alter how highway and bridge projects are procured in Pennsylvania. By incorporating design build best value as a standard procurement method, the bill aims to streamline processes and potentially reduce costs through innovation and efficiency. This change could foster a more competitive environment among contractors, as it encourages them to submit designs that offer greater value rather than simply competing on price. By doing so, the bill also intends to enhance the quality and effectiveness of transportation infrastructure projects in the state.

Summary

House Bill 1608 focuses on amending the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes concerning transportation infrastructure. The bill introduces a new chapter titled 'Design Build Best Value' which allows for an alternative procurement process for highway and bridge construction projects managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. This process emphasizes the selection of projects based on best value rather than just the lowest bid, and allows for alternative technical concepts (ATCs) to be submitted by offerors, which can potentially lead to innovative solutions and better project outcomes.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around HB 1608 appears to be supportive among those who believe in the benefits of innovation and efficiency in public procurement. Proponents argue that this change will lead to better-quality infrastructure and more effective use of state resources. However, there may be concerns among stakeholders about the removal of traditional bidding processes, which some feel could compromise oversight and accountability in the awarding of public contracts. Overall, the sentiment is largely positive among advocates of modernizing how transportation projects are developed.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HB 1608 might center on the potential risks associated with shifting to a design build best value approach. Critics may express worries about the lack of transparency and possibility of favoritism in contract awards, as the process allows for subjective evaluations of proposals. Additionally, considerations about how to adequately assess and compare the alternative technical concepts against traditional bids may be a source of debate. Ensuring that the process remains fair and beneficial to taxpayers while promoting innovation will be critical challenges in the implementation of this bill.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB1833

In transportation infrastructure, providing for design build best value.

PA HB1327

In source selection and contract formation, further providing for definitions and for methods of source selection and providing for design build best value process and establishing the Design Build Advisory Committee.

PA HB2637

In veteran-owned small businesses, further providing for definitions, for regulations, for participation goal, for duties of Department of General Services and for bonding and progress payments, providing for request for full or partial waiver of contract-specific goal, further providing for reports and providing for disparity study; in small and disadvantaged businesses, further providing for policy and for definitions, providing for Small Diverse Business Program and for nonapplicability, further providing for regulations and for duties of department, providing for request for full or partial waiver of contract-specific goal, further providing for bonding and progress payments and for report to General Assembly and providing for aspirational target, for disparity study and for program expiration; providing for Participation Program for Construction and Design Professional Services; and making editorial changes.

PA HB2256

In veteran-owned small businesses, further providing for definitions, for regulations, for participation goal, for duties of Department of General Services and for bonding and progress payments, providing for request for full or partial waiver and good faith efforts, further providing for reports and providing for disparity study; in small and disadvantaged businesses, further providing for policy and for definitions, providing for Small and Midsize Diverse Business Program and for nonapplicability, further providing for regulations and for duties of department, providing for request for full or partial waiver and good faith efforts, further providing for bonding and progress payments and for report to General Assembly and providing for aspirational target, for disparity study and for program review and expiration; providing for Program for Construction and Design Professional Services; and making editorial changes.

PA HB1240

In restructuring of electric utility industry, providing for development of transportation electrification infrastructure.

PA SB284

In boards and offices, providing for information technology; establishing the Office of Information Technology and the Information Technology Fund; providing for administrative and procurement procedures and for the Joint Cybersecurity Oversight Committee; imposing duties on the Office of Information Technology; providing for administration of Pennsylvania Statewide Radio Network; and imposing penalties.

PA HB883

In boards and offices, providing for information technology; establishing the Office of Information Technology and the Information Technology Fund; providing for administrative and procurement procedures and for the Joint Cybersecurity Oversight Committee; imposing duties on the Office of Information Technology; providing for administration of Pennsylvania Statewide Radio Network; and imposing penalties.

PA HB1648

Providing for right-to-know; making repeals; and making editorial changes.

PA SB59

Providing for the establishment and funding of a center to conduct research on gun violence in this Commonwealth.

PA HB1973

Providing for Public Facilities Infrastructure Grant Program.

Similar Bills

PA HB1833

In transportation infrastructure, providing for design build best value.

CA AB1736

Notification requirements.

TX SB1138

Relating to design-build contracts and comprehensive development agreements of regional mobility authorities.

CA SB1505

State contracts: procurement processes.

VA SB249

Virginia Public Procurement Act; construction management and design-build contracting.

VA HB1108

Virginia Public Procurement Act; construction management and design-build contracting.

CA SB459

Public employee retirement systems: prohibited investments: retailers and wholesalers of banned weapons.

CA AB1033

California Family Rights Act: parent-in-law: small employer family leave mediation: pilot program.