Construction Law

MCA Takes On University of Washington Emergency Regulations for Renovation of Husky Stadium (February 2008)

By John P. Ahlers

The Mechanical Contractors' Association (MCA), in a strongly worded letter, has taken issue with the University of Washington's (University) decision to declare an emergency and adopt regulations that would permit the Husky Stadium renovation to proceed without the safeguards of competitive bidding.  MCA has asked the University that the emergency regulations be rescinded.  The University is considering significant renovations to Husky Stadium to coincide with Sound Transit's construction of a station on the west end of Husky Stadium.  MCA's concerns are as follows:

• There is no emergency that justifies the abandonment of GC/CM or Design/Build project delivery methods.
• The University already has the procurement tools necessary to meet the challenges of the stadium renovation.
• The University's emergency procurement regulations are susceptible to waste, fraud and abuse.
• The University's reputation may be tarnished if the University implements the emergency regulations.

In sum and substance, MCA believes that the alternative public works delivery systems of GC/CM, Design/Build and Design/Bid/Build have the appropriate safeguards to ensure prevention of fraud, collusion and favoritism, and will ensure an expeditious project at a reasonable price.

Full post as published by Construction Law Blog on March 12, 2008 (boomark / email).