Massachusetts proposes permanent repair contracts with higher job limits

The administration proposes making job order contracting a permanent program for the state building agency. The proposal applies to the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance, which manages certain state facilities. The legislature must approve the proposal. The report says the agency could begin using the updates at the start of 2027 if the legislature approves them.

The administration proposes raising the maximum estimated cost per job from $150,000 to $250,000 and allowing contracts to last three years instead of two. The limits apply to job order contracts used by the state building agency for maintenance, repair, alteration, or conversion work. The legislature must approve the proposed updates. The report says the updates could take effect at the start of 2027 if approved. Current authority expires January 1, 2027, though contracts awarded before then may continue for up to two years after they are signed and delivered.

The administration proposes publishing a notice in the Central Register when a job order contract is awarded. The notice would cover job order contracts awarded by the state building agency. The legislature must approve the proposed update. The report says the agency could begin using the update at the start of 2027 if approved.