Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to establish a pilot program for using qualification-based selection methods for certain engineering projects undertaken by the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The goal is to evaluate if these methods are effective and provide recommendations for potential legislative changes.

Main Provisions

• Pilot Program Duration: The qualification-based selection method will be applied from October 1, 2025, to March 1, 2028.
• Project Selection: Each year, at least five projects with engineering consultant fees over $800,000 must use qualification-based selection methods. The methods can be applied to different phases of the project such as predesign, design, construction, and reconstruction. Projects or phases cannot be repeated in subsequent years.

Required Reports

• Preliminary Report: By October 1, 2026, a report with initial findings and evaluation of qualification-based selection methods must be submitted, including potential legislative changes and impact analysis on procurement timelines, project quality, change orders, and sustainability.
• Final Report: By October 1, 2028, a final report must be compiled, providing a detailed evaluation of the pilot program, including a cost-benefit analysis comparing these methods to best value engineering practices. Recommendations will also address whether more projects should adopt these methods.

Expiration

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

Relevant Terms

• Qualification-based selection
• Engineering services
• Best value
• Procurement timelines
• Legislative recommendations
• Sustainability improvements
• Cost-benefit analysis