FAIRBANKS, AK — In Fairbanks, Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy recently signed into law his administration’s bill modernizing Alaska’s public construction process. House Bill 160 changes the current construction procurement code by including the Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC) methodology as an authorized form of awarding procurement contracts.

CM/GC allows a contractor to be awarded the contract for both the preconstruction and construction phases of a project. This method is accepted as a worldwide industry standard for managing costs and delivering safe and quality results. However, Alaska’s procurement code was not updated to accept CM/GC as a default method of managing contracts. If the agencies wanted to use this cost-saving method, a lengthy administrative review was required. HB 160 eliminates that burden.

“Today’s bill is one example of a good idea that is a win-win-win for saving state dollars, getting projects done on time, and benefitting Alaskans with better results,” Dunleavy said. “Taking proven ideas from the men and women who build our roads, bridges, and buildings throughout Alaska just makes sense. [The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities] now has another tool in the toolbox connecting Alaskans to Alaska.”

HB 160 was introduced and sponsored by Dunleavy’s administration at the start of the 2021 Legislative Session, and passed the Legislature unanimously.