Legislature(2001 - 2002)
04/24/2001 10:05 AM Senate FIN
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
SENATE BILL NO. 83
"An Act relating to construction of highways by the Department
of Transportation and Public Facilities."
SENATOR JOHN COWDERY stated that SB 83 would amend AS 19.10.170(a)
to require that no highway construction project that exceeds
$250,000 may be done in house by force account. Current law would
still require that any project that exceeds $100,000 in value and
proposed to be constructed in house, would require a written
finding of fact.
Senator Hoffman commented that when work done in rural Alaska is
completed by the local residents, there is more pride in the final
product. Many companies use force accounts to provide jobs in the
rural areas. He emphasized that everyone should want to see the
infrastructure in rural Alaska sustained.
Senator Hoffman pointed out that ninety-six percent of the projects
in rural Alaska go to a statewide bid. He asked why should a
contractor be worried about only four percent of the money staying
in rural Alaska areas. Senator Hoffman argued the need for the
proposed legislation.
Senator Cowdery indicated that $33 million dollars had been put out
to a competitive bid process. He believed that contractors would
hire local people when that possible in order that they would not
have to pay per diem costs.
Senator Hoffman claimed that allowing for the four percent often
times provides training that workers need in order to become a part
of a Union.
Senator Cowdery stated that the people living in rural Alaska were
entitled to the same Davis-Bacon wages as all other workers in the
State.
Senator Olson referenced comments made by Senator Cowdery regarding
paying of David-Bacon wages to those employees. He understood that
those employees were not State employees. He questioned if it was
known that any State contracts where competitive bidding had not
been used.
Senator Cowdery explained that SB 83 mainly addresses projects done
by the Department of Transportation & Public Facilities.
Senator Olson noted that he had distributed handouts illustrating
forced accounts to Bush Alaska. [Copy on File]. He claimed that
the proposed legislation addresses force accounts; these accounts
have saved the State a fair amount of money over the years.
MIKE WASSMANN, Engineer, Kawerak Inc., testified via teleconference
from Nome that his agency had just entered into a contract with the
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), the Alaska region office, to
develop a regional transportation program using money from the T-21
fund. Annually, the BIA brings into Alaska about $20 million
dollars. Passing SB 83 would prevent such an opportunity. Mr.
Wassman believed that the bill would have affects on the
Department's ability to manage its' affairs. He maintained that
most contractors bring in their own employees and only hire a few
local residents for laborer positions. The contractors generally
do not have the time and/or money for training the local people.
CHARLES WIEGERS, Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC),
testified via teleconference from Fairbanks to comment that the
intent of the Alaska Statutes over the years has been circumvented
by the Department of Transportation & Public Facilities in various
projects. He claimed that in the St. Mary's road case, the
justification for using funds on that project was that the
Department believed it would be cheaper to pay lower wages than it
would be to hire a contractor. Mr. Wiegers stated that using
economically depressed labor force is inherently wrong. He
testified in favor of the legislation.
DICK CATTANACH, Alaska General Contractors (AGC), testified via
teleconference from Anchorage, and disagreed with the statement
that Alaska contractors do not hire local help. He explained that
the cost of transportation and per diem increases a wage by $10-$15
per hour. SB 83 would sets parameters for using a force account.
A force account is a procurement method available to any public
entity. The bill establishes a limit of $250,000 dollars and
anything above that must go to a competitive bid process. It also
would limit the Department of Transportation & Public Facilities
having the opportunity to use public interest findings.
WALTON SMITH, City Manager, Saint Mary's, testified via
teleconference from Saint Mary's and pointed out that the people in
rural Alaska have the highest unemployment rates in the State of
Alaska. He voiced concern why ninety-six percent was not enough
capital for the contractors of the State. He noted concern with
the word "abuse" being used by the contractors. People in rural
Alaska are being begrudged for a $3 million dollar project. He
maintained that $250,000 dollars was no where near enough to cover
the projects being done under Intermodal Surface Transportation
Efficiency Act (ISTEA) and other funding being combined for public
health work. He stated that AGC is greedy and "mean-spirited". He
stressed that people in rural Alaska need to learn trades and need
to learn how to make a living.
BERT BELL, Alaska General Contractors (AGC), testified via
teleconference from Fairbanks to voice support for SB 83. He
claimed that his firm always hires locally and provides training
locally.
EDEN LARSON, Executive Director, Associated Builders and
Contractors (ABC), testified via teleconference from Anchorage in
support for SB 83. He observed that the use of the force account
has been growing throughout the State. He commented that it does
not make sense that the State should be moving into the
construction business.
KEN EVANS, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTAC),
testified via teleconference Off-Net in opposition to the bill.
SFC 01 # 83, Side B 10:55 AM
Mr. Evans commented on statewide sanitation and construction
programs. Most of the rural projects are funded through multiple
federal and State dollars. Some of the projects include
contributions from the State of Alaska. The local and tribal
governments often choose the force account construction as the
means to construct important facilities. He pointed out that was
one of several construction options available to small communities.
The force construction account empowers the rural communities by
leveraging the traditional benefits of construction, which
strengthens the local economy and enhances the infrastructure
sustainability. He noted that ANTAC strongly recommends that the
alternative of force account construction remain available to the
communities and tribes within Alaska.
Co-Chair Kelly indicated that he had scheduled an evening meeting
for further testimony on SB 83.
TON JOHANSEN testified via teleconference from Fairbanks and
advised that the contracting community was not getting ninety-six
percent of the dollars. He suggested that the legislation goes
beyond urban areas, noting that there will be seven projects in the
Fairbanks area this year on a forced account basis. Those seven
projects have a value of about $800 thousand dollars. Mr. Johansen
supported the idea of a competitive bid process.
APRIL FERGUSON, Bristol Bay Native Corporation, testified via
teleconference from Anchorage against the proposed legislation. She
stated that the bill would begin a process of removing a tool that
local governments could choose to utilize to help maintain a cash
economy in their communities. That option helps to keep those
people in their communities and encourages local hire. Force
accounting allows jobs to stay in the villages and maintains the
rural infrastructure. She reiterated that the legislation would
have a long-term negative impact on rural Alaska.
BILL WATTERSON testified via teleconference from Anchorage and
voiced his support for SB 83. He noted concern with the build-up
of State supervisory forces to manage the work and the special
purchases of equipment. He added that the State does not have a
methodology for accountability to access the overhead to determine
the total cost of a project.
BERNARD RICHARDS, U.S. Development Economic Administration,
testified via teleconference Off-Net and suggested that there are
enough projects, which can serve the need of many different
entities. One of the most effective tools used in Alaska is the
use of force accounts. Force accounts provide training and then
those funds are turned over and spent locally. In general, the
majority of the projects have been cheaper by using the force
accounts than if they had been put out to bid. He urged members to
consider that it will cost the State more using contracting. He
questioned if the State does have that additional money. Mr.
Richards emphasized that force accounts are a valuable tool for
rural Alaska.
Senator Olson asked Mr. Bell about the contradiction regarding
"local hire" with the contractors and village people.
Mr. Bell explained the inventory of projects done in the rural
areas. He reiterated that his company has always hired from the
local communities first. He surmised that local hire was better
for the village relationship. He added that there are fewer
contractors working in the bush because there is less work
available now in those areas.
Senator Olson advised that it had come to his attention that most
contractors have dealt with paying employees in the Bush areas less
than Davis-Bacon wages.
Mr. Bell stated that was not true. He emphasized that all the work
his company does, both private and public, has paid Davis-Bacon
wages. He added that in the North, there are different negotiated
agreements. In those areas, they pay on the maintenance side, 80%
Davis-Bacon wages. The hours offered are usually 7/10's or 7/12's,
making up for the income.
Co-Chair Kelly noted that SB 83 would be HELD in Committee for
further consideration.
Senator Wilken voiced his support for the bill.
SENATE BILL NO. 83
"An Act relating to construction of highways by the Department
of Transportation and Public Facilities."
DENNIS POUCHARD, Legislative Liaison, Special Assistant, Office of
the Commissioner, Department of Transportation and Public
Facilities, introduced Mark O'Brien.
MARK O'BRIEN, Chief Contracts Officer, Contracting, Procurement &
Appeals Division, Department of Transportation and Public
Facilities, stated that the Department was opposed to SB 83. He
discussed that the effect of the bill would prohibit the Department
or any agency that it might transfer projects to, from working on
construction projects force account even if they were in the best
interest of the State. When the Department uses its' employees or
the employees of a local public agency, it is generally referred to
as a force account. Most of the projects which the Department
considers force accounts are federally funded.
In addition to the statutory requirements, the decision must be in
the best interest of the State, the federal government also
requires that it be cost effective. An example of these projects
would be the small community roads and boardwalk projects
accomplished in conjunction with other community projects.
When the Department of Environmental Conservation Village Safe
Water or the Bureau of Indian Affairs or the Indian Health Service
is in a community rebuilding an existing infrastructure, it is
often in the State's best interest for cost effectiveness that the
Department transfers the project to the appropriate agency. If the
Department is prohibited from force account projects in excess of
$250 thousand dollars, the likely result will be an increase to
construction costs. The additional burden will then reduce the
total number of projects that can be funded in the program.
Mr. O'Brien stated that force accounts are a tool available to the
Department to accomplish construction projects and used on a
limited basis. In the past three years, that account accounted for
less than three percent of the Department's annual capital budget.
In response to Senator Olson, Mr. O'Brien explained that the
confusion stated in previous testimony regarding the percentages
lies in that those portions of the capital budget spent for items
other than the construction of the contract itself. That includes
the design of the project and administration fees, which are not
included in the actual construction costs typically handed over to
a contractor. Four percent is the percentage of the total program
that the Department has.
Senator Olson assumed that the architect and engineer firms came
from Anchorage and Fairbanks. He asked if there were any firms
from outside the State of Alaska.
Mr. O'Brien replied not generally and that design consultants used
are primarily from Alaska.
Senator Ward asked if the force accounting were required to pay
Davis-Bacon wages.
Mr. O'Brien replied they were.
Senator Ward asked how it was decided what wage was paid.
Mr. O'Brien explained that the statutory requirements for payment
of Davis-Bacon wage apply only to contractors and sub-contractors.
Local communities that are doing the projects on a force account
basis and that community establishes the wages paid.
Senator Ward asked if the Administration was funding that.
Mr. O'Brien replied that it was.
Senator Ward asked if more work would be accomplished by the
Administration through funding the program.
Mr. O'Brien explained that the communities are able to extend the
money further and realize greater savings.
Senator Ward asked if the Administration supports that throughout
the State.
Mr. O'Brien advised that the Administration determines information
on a project-by-project basis. Each project would have to be in
the State's best interest and cost effective.
Senator Ward suggested that could fit any projects in the State.
Mr. Poshard clarified that one could use the same logic for most
projects. However, the Department uses other criteria. The
Department tries to determine if there is the where-with-all to
handle the project and the size and magnitude of each project
requested. Most of the projects which were done by the agency
other than the Department, were done in cooperation with another
agency. Projects are not indiscriminately handed over just to save
money.
Senator Wilken agreed that there is a need for force accounting and
also that there is a need for flexibility in the field. He stated
that there is a duty to let private industry bid on projects. He
noted that he thought the number should be higher than $250
thousand dollars but lower than $3 million dollars.
Mr. Poshard understood that the bill assumes that projects over
$250 thousand dollars are required to be bid out. He recommended
that the Department of Law provide an interpretation.
Senator Hoffman explained that the way in which he read the bill,
any project over $100 thousand dollars would have to go to bid.
The second paragraph indicates that it must be in the best interest
of the State.
Mr. Poshard clarified that in the existing provision in law, the
Department is required to do a "best interest" determination if the
project is over $100 thousand dollars. However, he noted that
through the bill, anything over $250 thousand dollars would "tie"
the Department's hands.
AT EASE: 6:40 P.M. - 6:45 P.M.
Co-Chair Kelly moved to adopt a conceptual amendment, which would
allow the Department the flexibility to use force accounting when
there is no responsive bidder. The language would be inserted on
Page 1, Line 10, following "less" and would read, "or the
Department has not obtained a responsive bid". There being no
objection, the amendment was ADOPTED.
Senator Austerman asked about the handouts addressing the force
accounts.
Mr. Poshard explained that the labor and other costs were broken
out. The labor costs are the costs that do not go to the
contracting community. The two columns added together equal the
total amount for each project. The combined total would relate to
the $250 thousand dollars limit.
Senator Austerman commented on the handout and pointed out that
most of the figures fall within $500 thousand dollars. He agreed
that the smaller projects should use force account. He voiced
concern with previous testimony indicating that the contractors
would hire local people. He knew that the reality was that the
local people don't always get hired and the contractors bring in
their own employees. He added that the more work that can be
delegated to the villages, the better it would be.
Co-Chair Kelly asked if he supported inserting a new number.
Senator Austerman moved to insert "$500,000" on Page 1, Line 10,
deleting "$250,000".
Senator Ward objected in order to hear from the sponsor.
Senator Wilken agreed that $250 thousand dollars was a little too
restrictive.
Senator Cowdery indicated his support of inserting "$500,000".
SFC 01 # 84, Side A
Senator Ward withdrew his objection.
Mr. Poshard stated that the Department, even with the changes, does
not support the bill. The Department wants to maintain the maximum
amount of flexibility. Even with the $500,000 limit, it will still
have an effect with the Village Safe Water projects. Those
projects are done in conjunction with the Village Safe Water
Program. In that program, a situation is created where the
Department has a fair amount of efficiency in operating the old way
with other agencies. He voiced his appreciation for the changes
made by the Committee, nonetheless.
Senator Olson asked if the cost numbers were available for the
average Village Safe Water project.
Mr. Poshard did not have those numbers, however, the list contained
in the Committee members packets, indicate two water projects done
in 1998 and done through a force account, one of which amounted to
$800,000 and the other amount was $700,000 dollars.
Senator Olson inquired if SB 83 had been in place, could those
projects have been successfully undertaken.
Mr. Poshard responded that the projects would have been done
differently, which would have cost the State more money.
Senator Olson asked if there would have been less quality in the
work.
Mr. Poshard could not comment on the quality of the work. The
State would be required to have two separate projects that would
require two separate bid documents and construction management
personnel. It would have to be done very differently.
Senator Leman believed that the proposed legislation was the wrong
way to get at the problem. He believed that there should be as
much competition as possible. He suggested that the real problem
is that Davis-Bacon wages are not the wages being paid in the
village areas, which creates a disparity between what the
contractors have to pay.
MARTIN B. MOORE testified via teleconference Off-Net that many
communities are in opposition to SB 83. He pointed out that the
village people need force accounting because of the 1998 fisheries
disaster. He added, the year 2000 has been another disaster. The
fishing industry is no longer a mainstay for those remote village
areas. He proposed criteria which are needed:
· Finding ways and means to cheaper energy resources;
· Finding alternatives to welfare institutions;
· Establishing manufacturing sites & home cottage
industries;
· Finding innovative markets for the declining salmon
fishing industry; and
· Construction of the North Slope Natural Gas pipeline to
village communities.
Co-Chair Donley moved to report CS SB 83 (FIN) out of Committee
with individual recommendations and with the accompanying fiscal
note.
Senator Hoffman objected.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Leman, Ward, Wilken, Austerman, Donley, Kelly
OPPOSED: Hoffman, Olson
Senator Green was not present for the vote.
The motion PASSED (6-2).
CS SB 83 (FIN) MOVED from Committee with "individual
recommendations" and with fiscal note #1 by the Department of
Transportation & Public Facilities.
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