§ 2252. Project delivery process reforms

• (a) With respect to each qualifying project, the Secretary shall require—
  • (1) for each project manager, that—
    • (A) the project manager have formal project management training and certification; and
    • (B) the project manager be assigned from among personnel certified by the Chief of Engineers; and
  • (2) for an applicable cost estimation, that—
    • (A) the Secretary utilize a risk-based cost estimate with a confidence level of at least 80 percent; and
    • (B) the cost estimate be developed—
      • (i) for a qualifying project that requires an increase in the authorized amount in accordance with section 2280 of this title , during the preparation of a post-authorization change report or other similar decision document;
      • (ii) for a qualifying project for which the first construction contract has not been awarded, prior to the award of the first construction contract;
      • (iii) for a qualifying project without a completed feasibility report in accordance with section 2282 of this title , prior to the completion of such a report; and
      • (iv) for a qualifying project with a completed feasibility report in accordance with section 2282 of this title that has not yet been authorized, during design for the qualifying project.
• (b) Not later than 18 months after June 10, 2014 , the Secretary shall—
  • (1) establish a system to identify and apply on a continuing basis best management practices from prior or ongoing qualifying projects to improve the likelihood of on-time and on-budget completion of qualifying projects;
  • (2) evaluate early contractor involvement acquisition procedures to improve on-time and on-budget project delivery performance; and
  • (3) implement any additional measures that the Secretary determines will achieve the purposes of this subtitle, including—
    • (A) the implementation of applicable practices and procedures developed pursuant to management by the Secretary of an applicable military construction program;
    • (B) the development and use of a portfolio of standard designs for inland navigation locks, incorporating the use of a center of expertise for the design and review of qualifying projects;
    • (C) the use of full-funding contracts or formulation of a revised continuing contracts clause; and
    • (D) the establishment of procedures for recommending new project construction starts using a capital projects business model.
• (c)
  • (1) Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary may carry out pilot projects to evaluate processes and procedures for the study, design, and construction of qualifying projects.
  • (2) At a minimum, the Secretary shall carry out pilot projects under this subsection to evaluate—
    • (A) early contractor involvement in the development of features and components;
    • (B) an appropriate use of continuing contracts for the construction of features and components; and
    • (C) applicable principles, procedures, and processes used for military construction projects.