HB1063 amends Maryland law governing the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) and its procurement rules for design and construction projects. The bill repeals the existing statutory limit that restricted the Commission to design/build contracts only for facilities construction contracts exceeding $2 million, thereby giving WSSC broader authority to use design/build arrangements for projects of any size.
The bill also authorizes WSSC to adopt regulations establishing alternative project delivery and solicitation methods, in addition to a prequalification process for bidders or offerors. It retains existing rules allowing the Commission to advertise for bids or proposals, use day labor in limited circumstances, reject bids or proposals, and prohibit cost-plus-percentage-of-cost contracts, while directing the Commission to regulate discussions with offerors under the relevant procurement statute. The act takes effect October 1, 2025.
Impact
HB1063 updates Section 20-104 of the Public Utilities Article, expanding WSSC’s procurement flexibility for water supply and sanitary sewer design and construction projects. By removing the $2 million threshold for design/build contracts and expressly permitting regulations for alternative project delivery and solicitation methods, the bill broadens the Commission’s contracting tools and may affect how WSSC procures and manages capital projects in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have been broadly supported. It received a favorable committee report, was adopted by the House, and later passed the Senate third reading with amendments by a 41-0 vote, indicating strong bipartisan agreement and little visible opposition in the available record.
Contention
No committee testimony or detailed floor debate is provided, and the voting record suggests minimal controversy. The main policy issue implicit in the bill is whether WSSC should have greater discretion to use design/build and other alternative delivery methods for smaller projects, but the available materials do not identify any organized opposition or specific objections from legislators, agencies, or stakeholders.