NYC Deserves Design-Build

Design-build is a proven way to save big on major public-construction projects — so it’s just nuts for the state to deny the city the right to use it.

Under DB, an agency can put both design and construction of a given project up for bid in a single contract, instead of bidding each phase out separately — which routinely leads to delays and cost overruns.

It has saved the state billions, notably on the new Mario Cuomo Bridge, which also opened months ahead of schedule.

Which is why the city’s been asking for design-build authority for three years for various specific projects — without luck.

Now Mayor de Blasio is making an all-out push to get some DB authority this year. The wish list includes the reconstruction of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway and the NYPD training facility at Rodman’s Neck, as well as work for NYCHA and on Rikers Island.

The city estimates saving nearly $450 million on DB projects totaling $7.3 billion. On the BQE job alone, it should save taxpayers tens of millions of dollars and commuters years of traffic. Only state law that mandates outdated two-step bidding stands in the way.

Design-build is widely used by the private sector, the federal government and in all 50 states. The Port Authority has been doing successful DB for more than a decade, including for the JFK AirTrain.

Last year, the Assembly voted to give the city DB power on several projects, but the state Senate declined. And Gov. Cuomo has yet to go along: He pointedly hasn’t included it in his budget.

Denying it again would be taking the de Blasio-Cuomo feud obscenely far — imposing needless pain on regular New Yorkers out of personal pique.

Beyond that, lawmakers should look at giving local governments the right to use DB without running to Albany every time. To avoid abuse, just require the state comptroller or other watchdogs to OK the contracts before they’re finalized.

By fully unleashing DB power, Cuomo can cement his legacy as a fiscally responsible manager and master builder.