By: Callegari, Macias H.B. No. 447
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to contracts by governmental entities and related
professional services and to public works performance and payment
bonds.
       BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
ARTICLE 1.  PUBLIC WORKS PERFORMANCE AND PAYMENT BONDS
       SECTION 1.01.  Section 2253.021, Government Code, is amended
by adding Subsection (h) to read as follows:
       (h)  A reverse auction procedure may not be used to obtain
services related to a public work contract for which a bond is
required under this section.  In this subsection, "reverse auction
procedure" has the meaning assigned by Section 2155.062 or a
procedure similar to that described by Section 2155.062.
ARTICLE 2.  CONTRACTS BY GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES
       SECTION 2.01.  Subchapter B, Chapter 44, Education Code, is
amended by adding Section 44.0351 to read as follows:
       Sec. 44.0351.  COMPETITIVE BIDDING.  (a)  Except to the
extent prohibited by other law and to the extent consistent with
this subchapter, a school district may use competitive bidding to
select a vendor as authorized by Section 44.031(a)(1).
       (b)  Except as otherwise specifically provided by this
subsection, Subchapter B, Chapter 271, Local Government Code, does
not apply to a competitive bidding process under this subchapter.  
Sections 271.026, 271.027(a), and 271.0275, Local Government Code,
apply to a competitive bidding process under this subchapter.
       (c)  A school district shall award a competitively bid
contract at the bid amount to the bidder offering the best value for
the district.  In determining the best value for the district, the
district is not restricted to considering price alone, but may
consider any other factors stated in the selection criteria.  The
selection criteria may include the factors listed in Section
44.031(b).
       SECTION 2.02.  Subchapter B, Chapter 44, Education Code, is
amended by adding Section 44.0361 to read as follows:
       Sec. 44.0361.  COMPETITIVE SEALED PROPOSALS.  (a)  In
selecting a vendor through competitive sealed proposals as
authorized by Section 44.031(a)(2), a school district shall follow
the procedures prescribed by this section.
       (b)  The district shall prepare a request for competitive
sealed proposals that includes information that vendors may require
to respond to the request.  The district shall state in the request
for proposals the selection criteria that will be used in selecting
the successful offeror.
       (c)  The district shall receive, publicly open, and read
aloud the names of the offerors and, if any are required to be
stated, all prices stated in each proposal.  Within 45 days after
the date of opening the proposals, the district shall evaluate and
rank each proposal submitted in relation to the published selection
criteria.
       (d)  The district shall select the offeror that offers the
best value for the district based on the published selection
criteria and on its ranking evaluation.  The district shall first
attempt to negotiate with the selected offeror a contract.  The
district may discuss with the selected offeror options for a scope
or time modification and any price change associated with the
modification.  If the district is unable to negotiate a contract
with the selected offeror, the district shall, formally and in
writing, end negotiations with that offeror and proceed to the next
offeror in the order of the selection ranking until a contract is
reached or all proposals are rejected.
       (e)  In determining the best value for the district, the
district is not restricted to considering price alone, but may
consider any other factors stated in the selection criteria.
       SECTION 2.03.  Subchapter B, Chapter 44, Education Code, is
amended by adding Section 44.0411 to read as follows:
       Sec. 44.0411.  CHANGE ORDERS.  (a)  If changes in plans or
specifications are necessary after the performance of the contract
is begun or if it is necessary to decrease or increase the quantity
of work to be performed or of materials, equipment, or supplies to
be furnished, the district may approve change orders making the
changes.
       (b)  The total contract price may not be increased because of
the changes unless additional money for increased costs is approved
for that purpose from available funds or is provided for by the
authorization of the issuance of time warrants.
       (c)  If a change order involves a decrease or an increase of
$25,000 or less, the district may grant general authority to an
administrative official to approve the change orders.
       (d)  The original contract price may not be increased under
this section by more than 25 percent.  The original contract price
may not be decreased under this section by more than 25 percent
without the consent of the contractor.
       SECTION 2.04.  Section 791.011, Government Code, is amended
by adding Subsections (h) and (i) to read as follows:
       (h)  An interlocal contract may not be used to purchase
engineering or architectural services unless the services are in
connection with the design or construction of a specific facility
to be jointly owned, used, or financed by the parties to the
contract.
       (i)  An interlocal contract may not be used to purchase
construction services unless the services are in connection with
the design or construction of a specific facility to be jointly
owned, used, or financed by the parties to the contract or:
             (1)  the services are in connection with a job order
contract;
             (2)  the governing body of the governmental entity for
whom the work will ultimately be performed approves the purchase in
open session;
             (3)  public notice is provided in a manner consistent
with a direct contract for job order contracting services; and
             (4)  work orders under the contract comply with Section
2264.353.
       SECTION 2.05.  Section 2166.2525, Government Code, is
amended to read as follows:
       Sec. 2166.2525.  DETERMINATION OF CONTRACTING METHOD.  The
[commission shall adopt rules that determine the circumstances for
use of each] method of contracting allowed under this subchapter
for design and construction services is any method provided by
Chapter 2264.  [In developing the rules, the commission shall
solicit advice and comment from design and construction
professionals regarding the criteria the commission will use in
determining which contracting method is best suited for a project.]
       SECTION 2.06.  Section 2254.003(b), Government Code, is
amended to read as follows:
       (b)  The professional fees under the contract[:
             [(1)  must be consistent with and not higher than the
recommended practices and fees published by the applicable
professional associations; and
             [(2)]  may not exceed any maximum provided by law.
       SECTION 2.07.  Subchapter A, Chapter 2254, Government Code,
is amended by adding Section 2254.007 to read as follows:
       Sec. 2254.007.  DECLARATORY OR INJUNCTIVE RELIEF.  (a)  This
subchapter may be enforced through an action for declaratory or
injunctive relief filed not later than the 10th day after the date
on which the contract is awarded.
       (b)  This section does not apply to enforcement of a contract
entered into by a state agency.  In this subsection, "state agency" 
has the meaning assigned by Section 2151.002.  The term includes the
Texas Building and Procurement Commission.
       SECTION 2.08.  Subtitle F, Title 10, Government Code, is
amended by adding Chapter 2264 to read as follows:
CHAPTER 2264.  CONTRACTING AND DELIVERY PROCEDURES FOR
CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
SUBCHAPTER A.  GENERAL PROVISIONS
       Sec. 2264.001.  DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:
             (1)  "Architect" means an individual registered as an
architect under Chapter 1051, Occupations Code.
             (2)  "Engineer" means an individual licensed as an
engineer under Chapter 1001, Occupations Code.
             (3)  "Facility" means an improvement to real property.
             (4)  "General conditions" in the context of a contract
for the construction, rehabilitation, alteration, or repair of a
facility means on-site management, administrative personnel,
insurance, bonds, equipment, utilities, and incidental work,
including minor field labor and materials.
             (5)  "General contractor" means a sole proprietorship,
partnership, corporation, or other legal entity that assumes the
risk for constructing, rehabilitating, altering, or repairing all
or part of a facility at the contracted price.
             (6)  "Public work contract" means a contract for
constructing, altering, or repairing a public building or carrying
out or completing any public work.
       Sec. 2264.002.  APPLICABILITY OF CHAPTER TO GOVERNMENTAL
ENTITIES AND QUASI-GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES ENGAGED IN PUBLIC WORKS.  
This chapter applies to a public work contract made by a
governmental entity or quasi-governmental entity authorized by
state law to make a public work contract, including:
             (1)  a state agency as defined by Section 2151.002,
including the Texas Building and Procurement Commission;
             (2)  a local government, including:
                   (A)  a county;
                   (B)  a municipality;
                   (C)  a school district;
                   (D)  any other special district or authority,
including a hospital district, a defense base development authority
established under Chapter 379B, Local Government Code, and a
conservation and reclamation district, including a river authority
or any other type of water district; and
                   (E)  any other political subdivision of this
state; and
             (3)  a public junior college as defined by Section
61.003, Education Code.
       Sec. 2264.003.  CONFLICT OF LAWS; REQUIREMENT TO FOLLOW
PROCEDURES OF THIS CHAPTER. (a)  Except as provided by this
section, this chapter prevails over any other law relating to a
public work contract.
       (b)  This chapter does not prevail over a conflicting
provision in a law relating to contracting with a historically
underutilized business.
       (c)  This chapter does not prevail over a conflicting
provision that requires the use of competitive bidding in:
             (1)  a charter of a home-rule municipality; or
             (2)  a rule of a county, a defense base development
authority, or a conservation and reclamation district, including a
river authority or any other type of water district.
       (d)  The governing body of a governmental entity to which
Subsection (c) applies may elect to have this chapter overrule the
conflicting provision in the charter or rule.
       Sec. 2264.004.  EXEMPTION: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION.  This chapter does not apply to a contract entered
into by the Texas Department of Transportation.
       Sec. 2264.005.  APPLICABILITY:  INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER
EDUCATION.  (a)  In this section, "institution of higher
education," "public junior college," and "university system" have
the meanings assigned by Section 61.003, Education Code.
       (b)  This chapter applies to a public junior college but does
not apply to:
             (1)  any other institution of higher education; or
             (2)  a university system.
[Sections 2264.006-2264.050 reserved for expansion]
SUBCHAPTER B. GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES
       Sec. 2264.051.  RULES. A governmental entity may adopt
rules as necessary to implement this chapter.
       Sec. 2264.052.  NOTICE REQUIREMENTS. (a) A governmental
entity shall advertise or publish notice of requests for bids,
proposals, or qualifications in a manner prescribed by law.
       (b)  For a contract entered into by a governmental entity
under a method provided by this chapter, the governmental entity
shall publish notice of the time and place the bid or proposal or
request for qualifications will be received and opened in a manner
prescribed by law.
       Sec. 2264.053.  DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY. (a) The governing
body of a governmental entity may delegate its authority under this
chapter regarding an action authorized or required by this chapter
to a designated representative, committee, or other person.
       (b)  The governmental entity shall provide notice of the
delegation, the limits of the delegation, and the name or title of
each person designated under Subsection (a) by rule or in the
request for bids, proposals, or qualifications or in an addendum to
the request.
       Sec. 2264.054.  RIGHT TO WORK. (a) This section applies to
a governmental entity when the governmental entity is engaged in:
             (1)  procuring goods or services under this chapter;
             (2)  awarding a contract under this chapter; or
             (3)  overseeing procurement or construction for a
public work or public improvement under this chapter.
       (b)  In engaging in an activity to which this section
applies, a governmental entity:
             (1)  may not consider whether a person is a member of or
has another relationship with any organization; and
             (2)  shall ensure that its bid specifications and any
subsequent contract or other agreement do not deny or diminish the
right of a person to work because of the person's membership or
other relationship status with respect to an organization.
       Sec. 2264.055.  CRITERIA TO CONSIDER. (a)  In determining
the award of a contract under this chapter, the governmental entity
may consider:
             (1)  the price;
             (2)  the offeror's experience and reputation;
             (3)  the quality of the offeror's goods or services;
             (4)  the impact on the ability of the governmental
entity to comply with rules relating to historically underutilized
businesses;
             (5)  the offeror's safety record;
             (6)  the offeror's proposed personnel;
             (7)  whether the offeror's financial capability is
appropriate to the size and scope of the project; and
             (8)  any other relevant factor specifically listed in
the request for bids, proposals, or qualifications.
       (b)  In determining the award of a contract under this
chapter, the governmental entity shall:
             (1)  consider and apply any existing laws, including
any criteria, related to historically underutilized businesses;
and
             (2)  consider and apply any existing laws, rules, or
applicable municipal charters, including laws applicable to local
governments, related to the use of women, minority, small, or
disadvantaged businesses.
       Sec. 2264.056.  USING METHOD OTHER THAN COMPETITIVE BIDDING
FOR CONSTRUCTION SERVICES; EVALUATION OF PROPOSALS; CRITERIA. (a)
The governing body of a governmental entity that considers a
construction contract using a method authorized by this chapter
other than competitive bidding must, before advertising, determine
which method provides the best value for the governmental entity.
       (b)  The governmental entity shall base its selection among
offerors on applicable criteria listed for the particular method
used. The governmental entity shall publish in the request for
proposals or qualifications the criteria that will be used to
evaluate the offerors, and the applicable weighted value for each
criterion.
       (c)  The governmental entity shall document the basis of its
selection and shall make the evaluations public not later than the
seventh day after the date the contract is awarded.
       Sec. 2264.057.  ARCHITECT OR ENGINEER SERVICES.  (a) An
architect or engineer required to be selected or designated under
this chapter has full responsibility for complying with Chapter
1051 or 1001, Occupations Code, as applicable.
       (b)  If the selected or designated architect or engineer is
not a full-time employee of the governmental entity, the
governmental entity shall select the architect or engineer on the
basis of demonstrated competence and qualifications as provided by
Section 2254.004.
       Sec. 2264.058.  USE OF OTHER PROFESSIONAL SERVICES. (a)
Independently of the contractor, construction manager-at-risk, or
design-build firm, the governmental entity shall provide or
contract for the construction materials engineering, testing, and
inspection services and the verification testing services
necessary for acceptance of the facility by the governmental
entity.
       (b)  The governmental entity shall select the services for
which it contracts under this section in accordance with Section
2254.004.
       Sec. 2264.059.  SEALED BIDS, PROPOSALS, OR QUALIFICATIONS
REQUIRED. A person who submits a bid, proposal, or qualification to
a governmental entity shall seal it before delivery.
[Sections 2264.060-2264.100 reserved for expansion]
SUBCHAPTER C. COMPETITIVE BIDDING METHOD
       Sec. 2264.101.  CONTRACTS FOR FACILITIES: COMPETITIVE
BIDDING.  (a)  In this chapter, "competitive bidding" is a
procurement method by which a governmental entity contracts with a
contractor for the construction, alteration, rehabilitation, or
repair of a facility by awarding the contract to the lowest
responsible bidder.
       (b)  Except as otherwise provided by this chapter or other
law, a governmental entity may contract for the construction,
alteration, rehabilitation, or repair of a facility only after the
entity advertises for bids for the contract in a manner prescribed
by law, receives competitive bids, and awards the contract to the
lowest responsible bidder.
       Sec. 2264.102.  USE OF ARCHITECT OR ENGINEER. The
governmental entity shall select or designate an architect or
engineer in accordance with Chapter 1051 or 1001, Occupations Code,
as applicable, to prepare the construction documents required for a
project to be awarded by competitive bidding.
       Sec. 2264.103.  PREPARATION OF REQUEST. The governmental
entity shall prepare a request for competitive bids that includes
construction documents, estimated budget, project scope, estimated
project completion date, and other information that a contractor
may require to submit a bid.
       Sec. 2264.104.  EVALUATION OF OFFERORS. The governmental
entity shall receive, publicly open, and read aloud the names of the
offerors and their bids.
       Sec. 2264.105.  SELECTION OF OFFEROR. Not later than the
seventh day after the date the contract is awarded, the
governmental entity shall document the basis of its selection and
shall make the evaluations public.
       Sec. 2264.106.  APPLICABILITY OF OTHER COMPETITIVE BIDDING
LAW TO CERTAIN LOCAL GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES. Except as otherwise
specifically provided by this section, Subchapter B, Chapter 271,
Local Government Code, does not apply to a competitive bidding
process conducted under this chapter. Sections 271.026,
271.027(a), and 271.0275, Local Government Code, apply to a
competitive bidding process conducted under this chapter by a
governmental entity as defined by Section 271.021, Local Government
Code.
[Sections 2264.107-2264.150 reserved for expansion]
SUBCHAPTER D. COMPETITIVE SEALED PROPOSAL METHOD
       Sec. 2264.151.  CONTRACTS FOR FACILITIES: COMPETITIVE
SEALED PROPOSALS.  (a)  In this chapter, "competitive sealed
proposals" is a procurement method by which a governmental entity
requests proposals, ranks the offerors, negotiates as prescribed,
and then contracts with a general contractor for the construction,
rehabilitation, alteration, or repair of a facility.
       (b)  In selecting a contractor through competitive sealed
proposals, a governmental entity shall follow the procedures
provided by this subchapter.
       Sec. 2264.152.  USE OF ARCHITECT OR ENGINEER. The
governmental entity shall select or designate an architect or
engineer to prepare construction documents for the project.
       Sec. 2264.153.  PREPARATION OF REQUEST. The governmental
entity shall prepare a request for competitive sealed proposals
that includes construction documents, selection criteria and the
weighted value for each criterion, estimated budget, project scope,
estimated project completion date, and other information that a
contractor may require to respond to the request.
       Sec. 2264.154.  EVALUATION OF OFFERORS. (a) The
governmental entity shall receive, publicly open, and read aloud
the names of the offerors and any monetary proposals made by the
offerors.
       (b)  Not later than the 45th day after the date of opening the
proposals, the governmental entity shall evaluate and rank each
proposal submitted in relation to the published selection criteria.
       Sec. 2264.155.  SELECTION OF OFFEROR. (a) The governmental
entity shall select the offeror that submits the proposal that
offers the best value for the governmental entity based on:
             (1)  the selection criteria in the request for proposal
and the weighted value for those criteria in the request for
proposal; and
             (2)  its ranking evaluation.
       (b)  The governmental entity shall first attempt to
negotiate a contract with the selected offeror. The governmental
entity and its architect or engineer may discuss with the selected
offeror options for a scope or time modification and any price
change associated with the modification.
       (c)  If the governmental entity is unable to negotiate a
contract with the selected offeror, the governmental entity shall,
formally and in writing, end negotiations with that offeror and
proceed to the next offeror in the order of the selection ranking
until a contract is reached or all proposals are rejected.
[Sections 2264.156-2264.200 reserved for expansion]
SUBCHAPTER E.  CONSTRUCTION MANAGER-AGENT METHOD
       Sec. 2264.201.  CONTRACTS FOR FACILITIES: CONSTRUCTION
MANAGER-AGENT. (a) In this chapter, the "construction
manager-agent method" is a delivery method by which a governmental
entity contracts with a construction manager-agent, instead of a
general contractor, to provide administrative services and to
manage multiple contracts with various construction prime
contractors.
       (b)  A construction manager-agent is a sole proprietorship,
partnership, corporation, or other legal entity that serves as the
agent for the governmental entity by providing construction
administration and management services described by Subsection (a)
for the construction, rehabilitation, alteration, or repair of a
facility.
       (c)  A governmental entity may retain a construction
manager-agent for assistance in the construction, rehabilitation,
alteration, or repair of a facility only as provided by this
subchapter.
       Sec. 2264.202.  CONTRACT PROVISIONS OF CONSTRUCTION
MANAGER-AGENT. The contract between the governmental entity and
the construction manager-agent may require the construction
manager-agent to provide:
             (1)  administrative personnel;
             (2)  equipment necessary to perform duties under this
subchapter;
             (3)  on-site management; and
             (4)  other services specified in the contract.
       Sec. 2264.203.  LIMITS ON CONSTRUCTION MANAGER-AGENT.  A
construction manager-agent may not:
             (1)  self-perform any aspect of the construction,
rehabilitation, alteration, or repair of the facility;
             (2)  be a party to a construction subcontract for the
construction, rehabilitation, alteration, or repair of the
facility; or
             (3)  provide project bonding for the construction,
rehabilitation, alteration, or repair of the facility.
       Sec. 2264.204.  FIDUCIARY CAPACITY OF CONSTRUCTION
MANAGER-AGENT. A construction manager-agent represents the
governmental entity in a fiduciary capacity.
       Sec. 2264.205.  USE OF ARCHITECT OR ENGINEER. (a) On or
before the selection of a construction manager-agent, the
governmental entity shall select or designate an architect or
engineer to prepare the construction documents for the project.
       (b)  The governmental entity's architect or engineer may not
serve, alone or in combination with another person, as the
construction manager-agent unless the architect or engineer is
hired to serve as the construction manager-agent under a separate
or concurrent selection process conducted in accordance with this
subchapter. This subsection does not prohibit the governmental
entity's architect or engineer from providing customary
construction phase services under the architect's or engineer's
original professional service agreement in accordance with
applicable licensing laws.
       (c)  To the extent that the construction manager-agent's
services are defined as part of the practice of architecture or
engineering under Chapter 1051 or 1001, Occupations Code, those
services must be conducted by a person licensed under the
applicable chapter.
       Sec. 2264.206.  SELECTION OF CONTRACTORS. A governmental
entity using the construction manager-agent method shall procure,
in accordance with applicable law and in any manner authorized by
this chapter, a general contractor or trade contractors who will
serve as the prime contractor for their specific portion of the
work.
       Sec. 2264.207.  SELECTION OF CONSTRUCTION MANAGER-AGENT. A
governmental entity shall select a construction manager-agent on
the basis of demonstrated competence and qualifications in the same
manner that an architect or engineer is selected under Section
2254.004.
       Sec. 2264.208.  INSURANCE. A construction manager-agent
selected under this subchapter shall maintain professional
liability or errors and omissions insurance in the amount of at
least $1 million for each occurrence.
[Sections 2264.209-2264.250 reserved for expansion]
SUBCHAPTER F. CONSTRUCTION MANAGER-AT-RISK METHOD
       Sec. 2264.251.  CONTRACTS FOR FACILITIES: CONSTRUCTION
MANAGER-AT-RISK. (a) In this chapter, the "construction
manager-at-risk method" is a delivery method by which a
governmental entity contracts with an architect or engineer for
design and construction phase services and contracts separately
with a construction manager-at-risk to serve as the general
contractor and to provide consultation during the design and
construction, rehabilitation, alteration, or repair of a facility.
       (b)  A construction manager-at-risk is a sole
proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or other legal entity
that assumes the risk for construction, rehabilitation,
alteration, or repair of a facility at the contracted price as a
general contractor and provides consultation to the governmental
entity regarding construction during and after the design of the
facility.  The contracted price may be a guaranteed maximum price.
       (c)  A governmental entity may use the construction
manager-at-risk method in selecting a general contractor for the
construction, rehabilitation, alteration, or repair of a facility
only as provided by this subchapter.
       Sec. 2264.252.  USE OF ARCHITECT OR ENGINEER. (a) On or
before the selection of a construction manager-at-risk, the
governmental entity shall select or designate an architect or
engineer to prepare the construction documents for the project.
       (b)  The governmental entity's architect or engineer for a
project may not serve, alone or in combination with another person,
as the construction manager-at-risk unless the architect or
engineer is hired to serve as the construction manager-at-risk
under a separate or concurrent selection process conducted in
accordance with this subchapter. This subsection does not prohibit
the governmental entity's architect or engineer from providing
customary construction phase services under the architect's or
engineer's original professional service agreement in accordance
with applicable licensing laws.
       Sec. 2264.253.  SELECTION PROCESS. (a) The governmental
entity shall select the construction manager-at-risk in a one-step
or two-step process.
       (b)  The governmental entity shall prepare a single request
for proposals, in the case of a one-step process, and an initial
request for qualifications, in the case of a two-step process, that
includes:
             (1)  a statement as to whether the selection process is
a one-step or two-step process;
             (2)  general information on the project site, project
scope, schedule, selection criteria and the weighted value for each
criterion, and estimated budget and the time and place for receipt
of the proposals or qualifications; and
             (3)  other information that may assist the governmental
entity in its selection of a construction manager-at-risk.
       (c)  The governmental entity shall state the selection
criteria in the request for proposals or qualifications.
       (d)  If a one-step process is used, the governmental entity
may request, as part of the offeror's proposal, proposed fees and
prices for fulfilling the general conditions.
       (e)  If a two-step process is used, the governmental entity
may not request fees or prices in step one.  In step two, the
governmental entity may request that five or fewer offerors,
selected solely on the basis of qualifications, provide additional
information, including the construction manager-at-risk's proposed
fee and prices for fulfilling the general conditions.
       (f)  At each step, the governmental entity shall receive,
publicly open, and read aloud the names of the offerors. At the
appropriate step, the governmental entity shall also read aloud the
fees and prices, if any, stated in each proposal as the proposal is
opened.
       (g)  Not later than the 45th day after the date of opening the
final proposals, the governmental entity shall evaluate and rank
each proposal submitted in relation to the criteria set forth in the
request for proposals.
       Sec. 2264.254.  SELECTION OF OFFEROR. (a) The governmental
entity shall select the offeror that submits the proposal that
offers the best value for the governmental entity based on the
published selection criteria and on its ranking evaluation.
       (b)  The governmental entity shall first attempt to
negotiate a contract with the selected offeror.
       (c)  If the governmental entity is unable to negotiate a
satisfactory contract with the selected offeror, the governmental
entity shall, formally and in writing, end negotiations with that
offeror and proceed to negotiate with the next offeror in the order
of the selection ranking until a contract is reached or
negotiations with all ranked offerors end.
       (d)  Not later than the seventh day after the date the
contract is awarded, the governmental entity shall make the
rankings determined under Section 2264.253(g) public.
       Sec. 2264.255.  PERFORMANCE OF WORK. (a) A construction
manager-at-risk shall publicly advertise for bids or proposals and
receive bids or proposals from trade contractors or subcontractors
for the performance of all major elements of the work other than the
minor work that may be included in the general conditions.
       (b)  A construction manager-at-risk may seek to perform
portions of the work itself if:
             (1)  the construction manager-at-risk submits its bid
or proposal for those portions of the work in the same manner as all
other trade contractors or subcontractors; and
             (2)  the governmental entity determines that the
construction manager-at-risk's bid or proposal provides the best
value for the governmental entity.
       Sec. 2264.256.  REVIEW OF BIDS OR PROPOSALS. (a) The
construction manager-at-risk shall review all trade contractor or
subcontractor bids or proposals in a manner that does not disclose
the contents of the bid or proposal during the selection process to
a person not employed by the construction manager-at-risk,
architect, engineer, or governmental entity. All bids or proposals
shall be made available to the governmental entity on request and to
the public after the later of the award of the contract or the
seventh day after the date of final selection of bids or proposals.
       (b)  If the construction manager-at-risk reviews, evaluates,
and recommends to the governmental entity a bid or proposal from a
trade contractor or subcontractor but the governmental entity
requires another bid or proposal to be accepted, the governmental
entity shall compensate the construction manager-at-risk by a
change in price, time, or guaranteed maximum cost for any
additional cost and risk that the construction manager-at-risk
incurs because of the governmental entity's requirement that
another bid or proposal be accepted.
       Sec. 2264.257.  DEFAULT; PERFORMANCE OF WORK. If a selected
trade contractor or subcontractor defaults in the performance of
its work or fails to execute a subcontract after being selected in
accordance with this subchapter, the construction manager-at-risk
may itself fulfill, without advertising, the contract requirements
or select a replacement trade contractor or subcontractor to
fulfill the contract requirements.
       Sec. 2264.258.  PERFORMANCE OR PAYMENT BOND. (a) If a fixed
contract amount or guaranteed maximum price has not been determined
at the time the contract is awarded, the penal sums of the
performance and payment bonds delivered to the governmental entity
must each be in an amount equal to the construction budget, as
specified in the request for proposals or qualifications.
       (b)  The construction manager-at-risk shall deliver the
bonds not later than the 10th day after the date the construction
manager-at-risk executes the contract unless the construction
manager-at-risk furnishes a bid bond or other financial security
acceptable to the governmental entity to ensure that the
construction manager will furnish the required performance and
payment bonds when a guaranteed maximum price is established.
[Sections 2264.259-2264.300 reserved for expansion]
SUBCHAPTER G.  DESIGN-BUILD METHOD
       Sec. 2264.301.  CONTRACTS FOR FACILITIES: DESIGN-BUILD.  In
this chapter, "design-build" is a project delivery method by which
a governmental entity contracts with a single entity to provide
both design and construction services for the construction,
rehabilitation, alteration, or repair of a facility.
       Sec. 2264.302.  APPLICABILITY OF SUBCHAPTER TO BUILDINGS;
EXCEPTIONS. This subchapter applies only to a facility that is a
building or an associated structure. This subchapter does not
apply to:
             (1)  a highway, road, street, bridge, utility, water
supply project, water plant, wastewater plant, water and wastewater
distribution or conveyance facility, wharf, dock, airport runway or
taxiway, drainage project, or related type of project associated
with civil engineering construction; or
             (2)  a building or structure that is incidental to a
project that is primarily a civil engineering construction project.
       Sec. 2264.303.  CONTRACTS FOR BUILDINGS: DESIGN-BUILD. A
governmental entity may use the design-build method for the
construction, rehabilitation, alteration, or repair of a building
or associated structure only as provided by this subchapter. In
using that method, the governmental entity shall enter into a
single contract with a design-build firm for the design and
construction of the building or associated structure.
       Sec. 2264.304.  DESIGN-BUILD FIRMS. A design-build firm
under this subchapter must be a sole proprietorship, partnership,
corporation, or other legal entity or team that includes an
architect or engineer and a construction contractor.
       Sec. 2264.305.  USE OF ARCHITECT OR ENGINEER AS INDEPENDENT
REPRESENTATIVE. The governmental entity shall select or designate
an architect or engineer independent of the design-build firm to
act as the governmental entity's representative for the duration of
the project.
       Sec. 2264.306.  PREPARATION OF REQUEST. (a) The
governmental entity shall prepare a request for qualifications that
includes general information on the project site, project scope,
budget, special systems, selection criteria and the weighted value
for each criterion, and other information that may assist potential
design-build firms in submitting proposals for the project.
       (b)  The governmental entity shall also prepare the design
criteria package that includes more detailed information on the
project. If the preparation of the design criteria package
requires architectural or engineering services that constitute the
practice of architecture within the meaning of Chapter 1051,
Occupations Code, or the practice of engineering within the meaning
of Chapter 1001, Occupations Code, those services shall be provided
in accordance with the applicable law.
       (c)  The design criteria package must include a set of
documents that provides sufficient information, including criteria
for selection, to permit a design-build firm to prepare a response
to the governmental entity's request for qualifications and to
provide any additional information requested. The design criteria
package must specify criteria the governmental entity considers
necessary to describe the project and may include, as appropriate,
the legal description of the site, survey information concerning
the site, interior space requirements, special material
requirements, material quality standards, conceptual criteria for
the project, special equipment requirements, cost or budget
estimates, time schedules, quality assurance and quality control
requirements, site development requirements, applicable codes and
ordinances, provisions for utilities, parking requirements, and
any other requirement.
       (d)  The governmental entity may not require offerors to
submit detailed architectural or engineering designs as part of a
proposal or a response to a request for qualifications.
       Sec. 2264.307.  EVALUATION OF DESIGN-BUILD FIRMS. (a) For
each design-build firm that responded to the request for
qualifications, the governmental entity shall evaluate the firm's
experience, technical competence, and capability to perform, the
past performance of the firm and members of the firm, and other
appropriate factors submitted by the firm in response to the
request for qualifications, except that cost-related or
price-related evaluation factors are not permitted.
       (b)  Each firm must certify to the governmental entity that
each architect or engineer that is a member of the firm was selected
based on demonstrated competence and qualifications, in the manner
provided by Section 2254.004.
       (c)  The governmental entity shall qualify a maximum of five
responders to submit proposals that contain additional information
and, if the governmental entity chooses, to interview for final
selection.
       (d)  The governmental entity shall evaluate the additional
information submitted by the offerors on the basis of the selection
criteria stated in the request for qualifications and the results
of any interview.
       (e)  The governmental entity may request additional
information regarding demonstrated competence and qualifications,
considerations of the safety and long-term durability of the
project, the feasibility of implementing the project as proposed,
the ability of the offeror to meet schedules, or costing
methodology. As used in this subsection, "costing methodology"
means an offeror's policies on subcontractor markup, definition of
general conditions, range of cost for general conditions, policies
on retainage, policies on contingencies, discount for prompt
payment, and expected staffing for administrative duties. The term
does not include a guaranteed maximum price or bid for overall
design or construction.
       (f)  The governmental entity shall rank each proposal
submitted on the basis of the criteria set forth in the request for
qualifications.
       Sec. 2264.308.  SELECTION OF DESIGN-BUILD FIRM. (a)  The
governmental entity shall select the design-build firm that submits
the proposal offering the best value for the governmental entity on
the basis of the published selection criteria and on its ranking
evaluations.
       (b)  The governmental entity shall first attempt to
negotiate a contract with the selected firm.
       (c)  If the governmental entity is unable to negotiate a
satisfactory contract with the selected firm, the governmental
entity shall, formally and in writing, end all negotiations with
that firm and proceed to negotiate with the next firm in the order
of the selection ranking until a contract is reached or
negotiations with all ranked firms end.
       (d)  Not later than the seventh day after the date the
contract is awarded, the governmental entity shall make the
rankings determined under Section 2264.307(f) public.
       Sec. 2264.309.  SUBMISSION OF DESIGN AFTER SELECTION. After
selection of the design-build firm, that firm's architects or
engineers shall submit all design elements for review and
determination of scope compliance to the governmental entity or the
governmental entity's architect or engineer before or concurrently
with construction.
       Sec. 2264.310.  FINAL CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS. The
design-build firm shall supply a set of construction documents for
the completed project to the governmental entity at the conclusion
of construction.  The documents must note any changes made during
construction.
       Sec. 2264.311.  PERFORMANCE OR PAYMENT BOND. (a) A payment
or performance bond is not required and may not provide coverage for
the design portion of the design-build contract with the
design-build firm under this subchapter.
       (b)  If a fixed contract amount or guaranteed maximum price
has not been determined at the time the design-build contract is
awarded, the penal sums of the performance and payment bonds
delivered to the governmental entity must each be in an amount equal
to the construction budget, as specified in the design criteria
package.
       (c)  The design-build firm shall deliver the bonds not later
than the 10th day after the date the design-build firm executes the
contract unless the design-build firm furnishes a bid bond or other
financial security acceptable to the governmental entity to ensure
that the design-build firm will furnish the required performance
and payment bonds before construction begins.
[Sections 2264.312-2264.350 reserved for expansion]
SUBCHAPTER H. JOB ORDER CONTRACTS METHOD
       Sec. 2264.351.  JOB ORDER CONTRACTING.  In this chapter,
"job order contracting" is a procurement method used for
maintenance, repair, alteration, renovation, remediation, or minor
construction of an existing facility when the work is of a recurring
nature but the delivery times, type, and quantities of work
required are indefinite.
       Sec. 2264.352.  APPLICABILITY OF SUBCHAPTER TO BUILDINGS;
EXCEPTIONS. This subchapter applies only to a facility that is a
building or an associated structure. This subchapter does not
apply to:
             (1)  a highway, road, street, bridge, utility, water
supply project, water plant, wastewater plant, water and wastewater
distribution or conveyance facility, wharf, dock, airport runway or
taxiway, drainage project, or related type of project associated
with civil engineering construction; or
             (2)  a building or structure that is incidental to a
project that is primarily a civil engineering construction project.
       Sec. 2264.353.  REQUIREMENTS FOR JOB ORDER CONTRACTS FOR
FACILITIES. (a)  A governmental entity may award job order
contracts for the maintenance, repair, alteration, renovation,
remediation, or minor construction of a facility if:
             (1)  the work is of a recurring nature but the delivery
times are indefinite; and
             (2)  indefinite quantities and orders are awarded
substantially on the basis of predescribed and prepriced tasks.
       (b)  The governmental entity shall establish the maximum
aggregate contract price when it advertises the proposal.
       (c)  The governing body of a governmental entity shall
approve each job order that exceeds:
             (1)  $500,000 under the contract; or
             (2)  a lesser amount as established by the governing
body.
       Sec. 2264.354.  CONTRACTUAL UNIT PRICES. The governmental
entity may establish contractual unit prices for a job order
contract by:
             (1)  specifying one or more published construction unit
price books and the applicable divisions or line items; or
             (2)  providing a list of work items and requiring the
offerors to propose one or more coefficients or multipliers to be
applied to the price book or prepriced work items as the price
proposal.
       Sec. 2264.355.  COMPETITIVE SEALED PROPOSAL METHOD. (a)  A
governmental entity may use the competitive sealed proposal method
under Subchapter D for job order contracts.
       (b)  The governmental entity shall advertise for, receive,
and publicly open sealed proposals for job order contracts.
       (c)  The governmental entity may require offerors to submit
information in addition to rates, including experience, past
performance, and proposed personnel and methodology.
       Sec. 2264.356.  AWARDING OF JOB ORDER CONTRACTS. The
governmental entity may award job order contracts to one or more job
order contractors in connection with each solicitation of
proposals.
       Sec. 2264.357.  USE OF ARCHITECT OR ENGINEER. If a job order
contract or an order issued under the contract requires
architectural or engineering services that constitute the practice
of architecture within the meaning of Chapter 1051, Occupations
Code, or the practice of engineering within the meaning of Chapter
1001, Occupations Code, the governmental entity shall select or
designate an architect or engineer to prepare the construction
documents for the project.
       Sec. 2264.358.  JOB ORDER CONTRACT TERM. The base term for a
job order contract may not exceed two years.  The governmental
entity may renew the contract annually for not more than three
additional years.
       Sec. 2264.359.  JOB ORDERS. (a) An order for a job or
project under a job order contract must be signed by the
governmental entity's representative and the contractor.
       (b)  The order may be:
             (1)  a fixed price, lump-sum contract based
substantially on contractual unit pricing applied to estimated
quantities; or
             (2)  a unit price order based on the quantities and line
items delivered.
       Sec. 2264.360.  PAYMENT AND PERFORMANCE BONDS. The
contractor shall provide payment and performance bonds, if required
by law, based on the amount or estimated amount of any order.
[Sections 2264.361-2264.400 reserved for expansion]
SUBCHAPTER I.  ENFORCEMENT
       Sec. 2264.401.  VOID CONTRACT. (a)  A contract, including a
job order, entered into in violation of this chapter and any bonds
issued in connection with the contract are voidable as against
public policy.
       (b)  An action to void a contract under this section does not
excuse the obligation of the governmental entity to pay for any
service performed or material delivered in good faith by a
contractor, architect, engineer, design-builder, or construction
manager before the date on which the contract is determined to be
void.
       Sec. 2264.402.  DECLARATORY OR INJUNCTIVE RELIEF.  (a)  This
chapter may be enforced through an action for declaratory or
injunctive relief filed not later than the 10th day after the date
on which the contract is awarded.
       (b)  This section does not apply to enforcement of a contract
entered into by a state agency. In this subsection, "state agency" 
has the meaning assigned by Section 2151.002.  The term includes the
Texas Building and Procurement Commission.
       SECTION 2.09.  Sections 44.031(a) and (f), Education Code,
are amended to read as follows:
       (a)  Except as provided by this subchapter, all school
district contracts for the purchase of goods and services, except
contracts for the purchase of produce or vehicle fuel, valued at
$25,000 or more in the aggregate for each 12-month period shall be
made by the method, of the following methods, that provides the best
value for the district:
             (1)  competitive bidding for services other than
construction services;
             (2)  competitive sealed proposals for services other
than construction services;
             (3)  a request for proposals, for services other than
construction services;
             (4)  a catalogue purchase as provided by Subchapter B,
Chapter 2157, Government Code;
             (5)  an interlocal contract;
             (6)  a method provided by Chapter 2264, Government
Code;
             (7)  [a design/build contract;
             [(7)  a contract to construct, rehabilitate, alter, or
repair facilities that involves using a construction manager;
             [(8)  a job order contract for the minor construction,
repair, rehabilitation, or alteration of a facility;
             [(9)]  the reverse auction procedure as defined by
Section 2155.062(d), Government Code; or
             (8) [(10)]  the formation of a political subdivision
corporation under Section 304.001, Local Government Code.
       (f)  This section does not apply to a contract for
professional services rendered, including services of an
architect, attorney, engineer, or fiscal agent. A school district
may, at its option, contract for professional services rendered by
a financial consultant or a technology consultant in the manner
provided by Section 2254.003, Government Code, in lieu of the
methods provided by this section.
       SECTION 2.10.  Section 252.048, Local Government Code, is
amended by adding Subsection (c-1) to read as follows:
       (c-1)  If a change order for a public works contract in a
municipality with a population of 500,000 or more involves a
decrease or an increase of $100,000 or less, or a lesser amount as
provided by ordinance, the governing body of the municipality may
grant general authority to an administrative official of the
municipality to approve the change order.
       SECTION 2.11.  Section 271.054, Local Government Code, is
amended to read as follows:
       Sec. 271.054.  COMPETITIVE BIDDING REQUIREMENT. Before the
governing body of an issuer may enter into a contract requiring an
expenditure by or imposing an obligation or liability on the
issuer, or on a subdivision of the issuer if the issuer is a county,
of more than $25,000, the governing body must:
             (1)  submit the proposed contract to competitive
bidding; or
             (2)  use an alternate method of project delivery
authorized by Chapter 2264, Government Code.
       SECTION 2.12.  Section 431.101(g), Transportation Code, is
amended to read as follows:
       (g)  A local government corporation [created by a navigation
district] must comply with all state law related to the design and
construction of projects, including the procurement of design and
construction services, that applies to the local government
[navigation district] that created the corporation.
ARTICLE 3.  ADDITIONAL EXEMPTIONS
       SECTION 3.01.  Section 44.901, Education Code, is amended by
adding Subsection (j) to read as follows:
       (j)  Chapter 2264, Government Code, does not apply to this
section.
       SECTION 3.02.  Section 51.927, Education Code, is amended by
adding Subsection (k) to read as follows:
       (k)  Chapter 2264, Government Code, does not apply to this
section.
       SECTION 3.03.  Section 2166.406, Government Code, is amended
by adding Subsection (k) to read as follows:
       (k)  Chapter 2264 does not apply to this section.
       SECTION 3.04.  Chapter 302, Local Government Code, is
amended by adding Section 302.006 to read as follows:
       Sec. 302.006.  EXEMPTION FROM OTHER CONTRACTING LAW.
Chapter 2264, Government Code, does not apply to this chapter.
       SECTION 3.05.  Subchapter E, Chapter 335, Local Government
Code, is amended by adding Section 335.077 to read as follows:
       Sec. 335.077.  EXEMPTION FROM CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTING LAW.  
Chapter 2264, Government Code, does not apply to this chapter.
       SECTION 3.06.  Section 22.074, Transportation Code, is
amended by adding Subsection (f) to read as follows:
       (f)  Chapter 2264, Government Code, does not apply to a joint
board whose constituent agencies are populous home-rule
municipalities.
       SECTION 3.07.  Section 370.305, Transportation Code, is
amended by adding Subsection (c-1) to read as follows:
       (c-1)  Chapter 2264, Government Code, does not apply to
agreements entered into pursuant to this section.
       SECTION 3.08.  Subchapter Q, Chapter 451, Transportation
Code, is amended by adding Section 451.8025 to read as follows:
       Sec. 451.8025.  EXEMPTION FROM OTHER CONTRACTING LAW.  
Chapter 2264, Government Code, does not apply to this subchapter.
       SECTION 3.09.  Subchapter C, Chapter 452, Transportation
Code, is amended by adding Section 452.1095 to read as follows:
       Sec. 452.1095.  EXEMPTION FROM OTHER CONTRACTING LAW FOR
CERTAIN AUTHORITIES.  Chapter 2264, Government Code, does not apply
to an authority consisting of one subregion governed by a
subregional board created under Subchapter O.
       SECTION 3.10.  Section 60.452, Water Code, is amended by
adding Subsection (c) to read as follows:
       (c)  Chapter 2264, Government Code, does not apply to this
subchapter.
ARTICLE 4.  CONFORMING AMENDMENT
       SECTION 4.01.  Section 252.021(a), Local Government Code, is
amended to read as follows:
       (a)  Before a municipality may enter into a contract that
requires an expenditure of more than $25,000 from one or more
municipal funds, the municipality must:
             (1)  comply with the procedure prescribed by this
subchapter and Subchapter C for competitive sealed bidding or
competitive sealed proposals;
             (2)  use the reverse auction procedure, as defined by
Section 2155.062(d), Government Code, for purchasing; or
             (3)  comply with a method described by Chapter 2264,
Government Code [Subchapter H, Chapter 271].
ARTICLE 5.  REPEALER
       SECTION 5.01.  The following are repealed:
             (1)  Sections 44.0312, 44.0315, 44.035, 44.036,
44.037, 44.038, 44.039, 44.040, 44.041, and 44.043, Education Code;
             (2)  Sections 2166.2511, 2166.2526, 2166.2531,
2166.2532, 2166.2533, and 2166.2535, Government Code;
             (3)  Section 252.043(d-1), Local Government Code;
             (4)  Subchapter H, Chapter 271, Local Government Code;
and
             (5)  Section 431.101(e), Transportation Code.
ARTICLE 6.  TRANSITION; EFFECTIVE DATE
       SECTION 6.01.  (a) The changes in law made by this Act apply
only to a contract or construction project for which a governmental
entity first advertises or otherwise requests bids, proposals,
offers, or qualifications, or makes a similar solicitation, on or
after the effective date of this Act.
       (b)  A contract or construction project for which a
governmental entity first advertises or otherwise requests bids,
proposals, offers, or qualifications, or makes a similar
solicitation, before the effective date of this Act is governed by
the law as it existed immediately before the effective date of this
Act, and that law is continued in effect for that purpose.
       SECTION 6.02.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2007.