Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Design-Build Best Value legislation allows for better construction outcomes

Design-Build Best Value legislation allows for better construction outcomes

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    July 16, 2026 | 12:21 PM

A proposal based on legislation (H.B. 1608) passed by the General Assembly this week, will allow for design-build-best-value procurement to complete construction projects on Pennsylvania’s massive network of roads and bridges in a faster, less-costly manner.

The proposal, co-authored by state Rep. Ed Neilson, chairman of the PA House Transportation Committee, will allow the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission to award construction contracts to firms that offer the best value in terms of cost savings and time.

“We’ve seen rising costs in all walks of life, and construction is no exception,” Neilson said. “Design-build-best-value allows the most qualified teams to be awarded contracts, complete them in a timely manner and ensure Pennsylvania drivers have a safe commute without time-consuming road projects.”

Currently, because of a 2011 Commonwealth Court decision, all contract construction work must be awarded to the lowest bidder, even if that bidder is the least qualified for the project.

“DBBV is used successfully in many states and has been shown to speed up construction and reduce costs,” the lawmaker continued.

Neilson thanked his colleagues: state Reps. James Struzzi and Kerry Benninghoff, and state Sens. Judy Ward and Marty Flynn, for helping in the effort to get the legislation enacted.

The language was signed into law as part of Act 21 of 2026.