The bill amends the Revised Code to enhance transparency and accountability in public construction contracts by requiring public authorities and other parties involved in construction contracts to clearly indicate any deviations from industry standard contract forms. Specifically, when using an industry standard published construction management contract form, any alterations must be highlighted through striking through and underlining changes or by cross-referencing supplemental conditions. If these alterations are not properly indicated, they will be deemed void, and the original language of the standard form will prevail. The bill also outlines procedures for selecting construction managers at risk and design-build firms, mandating that public authorities provide detailed project descriptions and pricing proposals to ensure clarity in the bidding process.

Additionally, the bill allows public authorities to select and rank fewer than three design-build firms if they determine in writing that fewer than three qualified firms are available. It introduces requirements for providing selected firms with essential project information and stipulates that any alterations to an industry-standard design-build services contract form must be clearly indicated, or the original language will prevail. The bill also repeals existing sections related to design-build services to streamline the legal framework and clarifies that these changes apply only to contracts entered into after the bill's effective date, leaving existing contracts unaffected. Furthermore, it grants public authorities the discretion to provide stipends for pricing proposals and maintains their right to accept or reject proposals in whole or in part.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 9.334, 153.12, 153.501, 153.503, 153.693