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HF2759 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Qualification-based selection requirement established for certain projects at Department of Transportation, reports required, and money appropriated.

Related bill: SF2905

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to establish a pilot program to test the effectiveness of using qualification-based selection (QBS) methods for hiring engineering and design professionals in certain road construction projects managed by the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The goal is to explore whether selecting professionals based on qualifications rather than just cost improves project outcomes.

Main Provisions

  • Pilot Program Dates: The pilot program will run from October 1, 2025, to March 1, 2028.
  • Applicability: QBS methods will be used for selecting engineering professionals on at least five road construction projects each year that have engineering service fees exceeding $800,000.
  • Project Selection: The commissioner of transportation will choose different projects or phases each year for implementing QBS methods.

Reporting Requirements

  • Preliminary Report: By October 1, 2026, a preliminary report will be submitted to the relevant legislative committees. This report will evaluate the initial use and effectiveness of QBS methods, suggest criteria for choosing eligible projects, and propose whether more projects should adopt QBS methods before the program ends.
  • Final Report: By October 1, 2028, a final report will be prepared detailing the pilot program's findings. It will include comprehensive recommendations on the number of projects suitable for QBS, a cost-benefit analysis of using QBS compared to traditional methods, and legislative suggestions for broader implementation.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

The bill introduces a new approach by prioritizing qualifications over lowest bids in engineering services for specific road construction projects. This method will be assessed for its impact on procurement timelines, project quality, changes in orders, and sustainability. Based on the findings, there could be legislative moves to expand the use of QBS beyond the pilot program.

Expiration

The program and its requirements will expire on January 15, 2029, or upon submission of the final report, whichever comes first.

Relevant Terms

  • Qualification-Based Selection (QBS)
  • Engineering Services
  • Minnesota Department of Transportation
  • Pilot Program
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Procurement Timelines
  • Sustainability

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 23, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toTransportation Finance and Policy
March 23, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toTransportation Finance and Policy

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Defines 'best value' as used in the qualification-based selection for engineering services pilot program.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "16C.28",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1b"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Defines 'qualification-based selection' for use in the pilot program for engineering services.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "16C.087",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  }
]

Sponsors