The bill revises the definition of "best value" for design-build transportation contracts administered by the Department of Transportation (DOT) in Colorado. The new definition expands the criteria for evaluating proposals, moving beyond just the initial cost to include a comprehensive analysis of long-term impacts and sustainability.
Key Changes:
Overall Value Consideration:
The department will assess proposals based on the greatest overall value to the state or community, considering a range of factors throughout the project's lifecycle.
Evaluation Factors:
Initial and Long-Term Life-Cycle Cost:
A full life-cycle analysis will be used to assess the project's long-term cost, considering factors like corrosion, maintenance, and replacement rates. This will also factor in economic and environmental impacts.
Balancing Initial Costs and Long-Term Value:
Proposals that prioritize durability, minimal maintenance, and life-cycle performance to achieve sustainable outcomes will be valued.
Technical Quality and Performance:
The technical aspects of the proposal will be evaluated to ensure project performance meets high standards.
Sustainability:
Proposals will be assessed on their resource efficiency, waste reduction, and energy conservation.
Environmental Impact:
A focus will be placed on reducing carbon emissions throughout the project's life cycle.
Impact on Local Communities:
Consideration will be given to job creation, social equity, and minimizing disruptions to local residents.
Long-Term Public Asset Value:
Proposals will be evaluated for resilience against climate impacts, as well as minimizing maintenance burdens over the asset's lifespan.
Resilience Based on Predictable Risk:
Proposals will also be evaluated on their ability to withstand foreseeable risks, ensuring the project is resilient over time.
The goal of this revision is to shift the focus from merely cost savings to achieving a holistic, sustainable approach in transportation projects. The emphasis on factors such as environmental impact, community benefits, and long-term resilience aims to ensure that projects provide not just short-term benefits, but also contribute to the sustainability and well-being of Colorado's communities over time.
Summary
Currently, best value for design-build transportation contracts
administered by the department of transportation (department) means the overall maximum value of a proposal to the department after considering all of the evaluation factors described in the specifications for the transportation project or the request for proposals. The bill changes the definition of best value to mean a determination resulting from an analysis of proposals by the department to identify the proposal that offers the greatest overall value to the state or community, considering factors including:
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The initial cost and long-term life-cycle cost of the project, including a full life-cycle analysis use stage assessment that is service-environment specific and considers corrosion, predictable service environment changes, maintenance, and replacement rate on economic and environmental impact;
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Balancing initial costs with long-term value, giving consideration to proposals that prioritize durability, minimal maintenance, and life cycle performance to achieve sustainable outcomes;
•
Technical quality and project performance;
•
Sustainability, including resource efficiency, waste reduction, and energy conservation;
•
Environmental impact, specifically the assessment and reduction of carbon emissions throughout the project's life cycle;
•
Impact on local communities, including job creation, social equity, and minimization of disruptions to residents;
•
Long-term public asset value, including resilience against climate impacts and minimized maintenance burdens to reduce total costs over the asset's lifespan; and
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Resilience based on predictable risk.
