Architects Praise Passage of Design-Build Reform

WASHINGTON (Dec. 15, 2014)—The American Institute of Architects (AIA) today praised congressional passage of the National Defense Authorization Act.

The language reforms military procurement rules so that design and construction firms can deliver projects that are safe, productive and sustainable—without fear of losing money in the process. The bill now goes to President Obama for his expected signature.

“This legislation provides more certainty and opportunities for design firms of all sizes who wish to enter the federal marketplace. It will ensure that military agencies have the ability to select the most qualified design-build teams who will deliver the best buildings for agencies and taxpayers,” said Elizabeth Chu Richter, president of AIA. “We would like to express our thanks again to members of Congress on both sides of the aisle who worked to advance this important legislation, and we all owe a deep debt of gratitude to the AIA members who made our views on design-build reform known with their congressional delegations. It shows what the AIA can accomplish on any issue as long as we speak with a strong, unified voice.”