Existing law allows the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California to use the construction manager/general contractor (CM/GC) project delivery method for certain regional recycled water or other water infrastructure projects. Under that authority, the district may enter into a contract with a construction manager during the design phase to provide preconstruction services and, later, construction services for the project, subject to certain procedures and requirements. This authorization is currently set to become inoperative on January 1, 2028.
SB 598 extends and expands authority to use the CM/GC project delivery method by allowing, until January 1, 2031, any city, county, city and county, or special district that provides for the production, storage, supply, treatment, or distribution of water to use the CM/GC project delivery method for up to 15 capital outlay projects involving a regional recycled water project or other water infrastructure project undertaken to alleviate water supply shortages attributable to drought or climate change. SB 598 requires participating local agencies to award a contract using the CM/GC project delivery method on a best value basis or to the lowest responsible bidder.
(SB 568 adds Chapter 4.9 (commencing with Section 22199.5) to Part 3 of Division 2 of the Public Contract Code.)