Design-build project delivery forum debuts in New England

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Pannone Lopes Devereaux & West LLC (PLDW) will host the third in its 2010 series on design-build alternative project delivery methods with the Design-Build Institute of America, New England Chapter, on Nov. 9 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Bar Louie, located at 232 Patriot Place, Foxborough, Mass. The forum topic is titled, “Unlocking the Possibilities: Implementing Design-Build in the Commonwealth.” The event is free and open to anyone interested in design-build project delivery methods.

PLDW Partner Teno A. West, chair of the DBIA Rhode Island Committee and leader of the firm’s Municipal Infrastructure Team, will present opening remarks. He will be joined by Steven Torres, corporation counsel for the city of Fall River, Mass., to lead a discussion on the necessary steps needed to overcome legislative challenges to using design-build as an alternative project delivery method in the commonwealth.

“As design-build gains traction in New England and across the nation, it is imperative to have the appropriate legislation in place prior to commencing a project in order to reduce risk and provide a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities between these collaborative public-private partnerships,” West said. “We are pleased to have the opportunity to share our experience and insight with attendees of this upcoming forum.”

West is a national authority on public-private partnerships and design-build-operate initiatives, in addition to water and wastewater law, solid waste management alternative energy projects, and procurement law. He represents government agencies across the country in his practice area and in that position, frequently drafts legislation required for undertaking alternative procurements and design-build and design-build-operate projects. West was the lead legal representative for Rockland County, N.Y. and its development of the first-of-its-kind design-build-operate water reuse project in the state of New York, and has represented municipalities and agencies throughout the commonwealth on design-build projects. West currently represents Braintree, Mass., Fall River, Mass., Taunton, Mass., and Newport, R.I. on several design-build infrastructure projects being developed.

For more information about the forum, contact PLDW Attorney Robert S. Knychalski at 401-824-5100 or RSVP to Beth Phillips at 401-824-5132 or bphillips@pldw.com.