Act 61 Taskforce Moves Closer to Recommendations

December 22, 2008

The Act 61 Taskforce charged with studying the Department of Education’s Mandate Waiver Program met for the fourth time on December 22. As a part of the analysis required by Act 61, the Department conducted a case study of three school districts that have successfully completed projects utilizing the single prime contracting method – Central Bucks, Great Valley and Kiski Area. On hand for the December 22 meeting to personally brief the Taskforce on the specifics of their case study reports were Representatives from the Great Valley and Central Bucks School Districts. In making their case for the benefits of a single prime, they echoed GCAP’s position that school districts must have the option to pursue the contracting method that works best for them.

Prior to the meeting, GCAP partnered with American Council of Engineering Companies of Pennsylvania, the American Institute of Architects of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials and the Pennsylvania School Boards Association to submit a letter outlining our joint support for the Mandate Waiver program. Enclosed with the letter was a fact sheet debunking the myth that bidding a project both ways will ensure cost savings. To view the letter and fact sheet, please click the link below.

The Taskforce intends to work on draft recommendations in the next few weeks and issue a final report to the Governor on January 23.