The Design-Build Efficiency and Jobs Act, a bill pending in the U.S. House of Representatives, would streamline the bid and proposal process by requiring government agencies to use a two-step process when seeking design-build contracts for projects worth more than $750,000.
In addition, agencies would only be able to solicit more than five bids if they could justify the reason to do so in writing. Lawmakers say the measure would help small businesses compete for federal contracts.
Related Stories
| May 15, 2013
Center for Green Schools, Architecture for Humanity release new tool for green schools
The 70-page guide demystifies the processes of identifying building improvement opportunities and finance and implementation strategies.
| May 15, 2013
AAMA extends NAFS certification on fenestration products
The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) announced the release of an interim procedural guide that will provide a documented, optional process to extend current, unexpired AAMA product certification to any edition of AAMA/WDMA(/CSA) 101/I.S.2(/A440), North American Fenestration Standard/Specification for windows, doors, and skylights (NAFS).
| May 9, 2013
New developments would face tougher stormwater rules than redeveloped sites under EPA proposal
New developments would have to meet more stringent stormwater-retention standards than redeveloped sites under a forthcoming Environmental Protection Agency proposal.
| May 9, 2013
Proposed ASHRAE systems manual uniform procedure guideline open for public review
A proposed guideline that will establish a uniform procedure for transmitting design, construction, testing, and operational information to building owners and operators is open for public comment.
| May 9, 2013
Post-tornado Greensburg, Kan., leads world in LEED-certified buildings per capita
Six years after a tornado virtually wiped out the town, Greensburg, Kan., is the world's leading community in LEED-certified buildings per capita.
| May 9, 2013
SMACNA’s new HVAC sound and vibration guide open for public review
Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association’s (SMACNA’s) new “HVAC Systems Sound and Vibration Guide” is available for a 45-day public review.
| May 9, 2013
NSF Sustainability launches VOC emissions testing, certification for commercial furniture industry
New program offers sustainable certification and indoor air quality testing for commercial furniture makers.
| May 1, 2013
House bill would give OSHA more authority over state workplace-safety plans
A recently introduced U.S. House of Representatives bill would give the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) more authority over state workplace-safety plans and toughen penalties for companies that knowingly violate OSHA regulations.
| May 1, 2013
New commercial landlord disclosures go into effect in California in July
Two new landlord disclosure requirements become effective in California on July 1, 2013.
| May 1, 2013
New ASHRAE residential indoor air quality standard adds carbon monoxide alarm requirement
The new 2013 version of ASHRAE’s residential indoor air quality standard adds a requirement for carbon monoxide alarms.
