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. 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, and mandates that any alterations to an industry-standard design-build services contract form must also be clearly indicated.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a structured negotiation process for contract agreements, focusing on mutual understanding of essential requirements and the determination of a guaranteed maximum price. If negotiations with the initially selected firm fail, public authorities can negotiate with the next highest-ranked firm until a contract is successfully negotiated. The bill also allows for stipends for pricing proposals and clarifies that public authorities have the right to accept or reject any proposals. It repeals existing sections of the Revised Code related to these processes, ensuring that the new provisions apply only to contracts entered into after the bill's effective date.

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