SCS/SB 1484 - This act modifies provisions relating to public contracts. Current law allows the Commissioner of Administration to contract directly with other governmental entities for the purchase of supplies. This act additionally allows the Commissioner to contract with nonprofit entities for the purchase of supplies. Current law provides procedures for how a political subdivision may enter into a contract for a design-build project. This act establishes procedures for political subdivisions to enter into progressive design-build contracts. A progressive design-build project is one in which the design, construction, alteration, addition, remodeling, or improvement of any buildings or facilities is under one, progressive contract with a political subdivision, including civil works projects, such as roads, streets, bridges, utilities, airport runways and taxiways, storm drainage and flood control projects, or transit projects and noncivil works projects, such as buildings, site improvements, and other structures, habitable or not, commonly designed by architects. Progressive design-build projects are subject to many of the same requirements as are currently applicable to design-build projects except that it is a two-step process rather than a three-step process. Phase I shall consist of the solicitation and evaluation of qualifications of design-builders. Phase II shall consist of the solicitation and evaluation of proposals describing the design-builder's approach to design development, pre-construction services and construction of the project. The political subdivision shall have discretion to disqualify any design-builder who, in the political subdivision's opinion, lacks the minimum qualifications required to perform the work. The provisions of this act relating to progressive design-build projects expire on August 28, 2036. This act is substantially similar to the truly agreed to SCS/HCS/HB 2474 (2026), HB 2899 (2026), and certain provisions in SCS/HB 3000 (2026). SCOTT SVAGERA

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Henderson

Authorizes Missouri public entities to use progressive design-build contracts, combining design and construction phases with a single contractor to potentially accelerate projects but reduce competitive bidding.

SCS Voted Do Pass S Government Efficiency Committee (5910S.04C)

Legislative bill overview

SB 1484 establishes new legal framework and procedures for "progressive design-build" contracting in Missouri, a method where a single entity designs and builds a project in phases rather than the traditional sequential design-then-bid-then-build process. The bill creates statutory authorization and guidelines for public entities to use this contracting approach for construction projects.

Why is this important

Progressive design-build can potentially reduce project timelines and costs by allowing construction to begin before final designs are complete, but it also concentrates more control with a single contractor, which raises accountability and competitive bidding concerns. Public entities in Missouri would gain flexibility in how they procure major construction projects, affecting everything from infrastructure to school buildings.

Potential points of contention

Reduced competition: Progressive design-build typically involves fewer competitive bids than traditional methods, potentially limiting cost savings and innovation from competing firms

Public accountability: Concentrating design and construction with one entity may reduce oversight checkpoints and make it harder to identify cost overruns or quality issues early

Scope creep and change orders: The phased nature could lead to disputes over what's included in initial contracts versus expensive change orders added later