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Bill

S 2198

An Act relative to the submission of design build proposals

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jake Oliveira

Modifies Massachusetts design-build construction proposal submission procedures to clarify or streamline how contractors and municipalities handle combined design-construction projects.

Reporting date extended to Saturday January 31, 2026
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Bill Summary · S 2198

Legislative bill overview

S 2198 modifies Massachusetts procedures for submitting design-build proposals, a construction delivery method where a single entity provides both design and construction services. The bill appears to streamline or clarify requirements for how such proposals are submitted to state agencies and municipalities. Specific technical details are not publicly available in the current action summary.

Why is this important

Design-build contracting can accelerate project timelines and reduce costs by eliminating sequential design-then-build phases, making it increasingly used for infrastructure projects. Standardizing submission procedures affects how public entities evaluate these proposals and ultimately impacts project costs, timelines, and competitive fairness in the construction industry. Clear submission requirements protect both public entities and contractors from disputes.

Potential points of contention

  • Competitive fairness concerns: Changes to proposal submission procedures could disadvantage smaller contractors or specialized firms unfamiliar with new requirements, potentially reducing competition on public projects
  • Cost implications: Modified submission processes may increase administrative burden on municipalities already strapped for resources, or conversely, streamlining could reduce taxpayer costs
  • Standardization vs. local control: State-level requirements may conflict with municipalities' preferences for tailored procurement processes suited to local needs and project types

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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