Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB687

Introduced
4/28/25  

Caption

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in procurement organization, further providing for specific construction powers, duties and procedures; in procurement of construction and design professional services, further providing for procurement of design professional services; providing for project delivery methods; and making a repeal.

Impact

The passage of SB687 would have a significant impact on the laws governing public construction in Pennsylvania. By providing clearer definitions and specific procedures for design-build contracts and other procurement methods, the bill seeks to streamline operations for government agencies involved in the construction of public buildings. It intends to simplify processes, possibly leading to faster project completions and enhanced oversight, which can improve the quality of public projects as well. Additionally, the proposed changes will comply with existing acts such as the Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Act and the Steel Products Procurement Act.

Summary

Senate Bill 687 aims to amend Title 62 (Procurement) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, specifically focusing on procurement processes, design-build contracts, and project delivery methods. The bill proposes to redefine certain terms, enhance the powers and procedures regarding the procurement of construction and design professional services, and facilitate the use of different project delivery methods for public construction projects. A key feature of the bill is the establishment of procedures that ensure efficiency and accountability in public procurement while expanding the scope of acceptable construction contracts.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB687 appears to be cautiously optimistic among stakeholders in the construction and procurement fields. Supporters believe that the bill will help modernize procurement methods, encourage fair competition among contractors, and ultimately lead to better-managed public works projects. However, there are hints of contention regarding how effectively the new procedures can be implemented in practice and whether they might overshadow existing regulatory frameworks that protect local economies and workers.

Contention

Some notable points of contention center around the potential impact on local procurement practices and whether the bill could lead to a loss of autonomy for local government agencies. Critics might argue that while streamlining processes is beneficial, it could unintentionally overlook the specific needs of communities in favor of broader state-directed guidelines, potentially stifling local innovation. Moreover, the repeal of the Separations Act as outlined in the bill has raised questions about how it will affect existing contracts and agreements made prior to the bill's introduction.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB957

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in procurement organization, further providing for specific construction powers, duties and procedures; in procurement of construction and design professional services, further providing for procurement of design professional services; providing for project delivery methods; and making a repeal.

PA SB359

In procurement organization, further providing for powers and duties of Department of General Services and providing for limited contract adjustment due to construction material price escalation.

PA HB1514

In procurement organization, further providing for powers and duties of Department of General Services and providing for limited contract adjustment due to construction material price escalation.

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 SB763

Further providing for definitions; and providing for specific liability.

PA HB1170

Further providing for title of act; in purpose, short title and definitions, further providing for definitions and construction; in organization of the board, further providing for appointment and terms of members and quorum; in licenses of milk dealers, further providing for grounds for refusal, suspension or revocation; in moneys and expenses of board, further providing for expenses and for payment; and, in saving provisions, repealing provisions relating to Joint Study Committee.

PA HB2153

Further providing for definitions, for specifications and for duty of secretary.

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 HB1917

In general provisions relating to Commonwealth Procurement Code, further providing for definitions and providing for prioritization of American-made supplies.

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.

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CA SB598

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CA AB2235

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MT SB483

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NM SB84

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CA SB1262

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AZ SB1099

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