DIR Provides Online Guidance for Public Works Stimulus Dollars

SAN FRANCISCO--(Business Wire)--
The Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) today launched Building Compliance
& Community Alliance, A Public Works Tool Kit to assist public agencies and
contractors to understand and comply with state laws as they put Recovery Act
funding to work in California. As guardians of these dollars, the awarding
public agencies ensure California prevailing wage laws are followed and
employment of apprentices are upheld, maximizing job growth and boosting the
economy.

This fully electronic and fiscally responsible campaign features a free, online
tool kit (www.CalPublicWorks.com) that contains applications to help guide
public agencies on ways to ensure that bidding contractors are aware and
understand the critical requirements to completing projects on time, on budget
and without errors. The kit includes the key provisions of the laws and
regulations that apply to public works projects as well as the benefits public
works offer to local communities.

"Our effort is to help public agencies prepare to award public works contracts
and to understand their responsibilities," said DIR Director John C. Duncan. "In
addition, winning contractors have many responsibilities under California law in
regard to prevailing wages, and this public works tool kit will assist them in
keeping track of the requirements which will result in a project that will be on
time and within budget."

The continuing mission of DIR is to ensure that projects built with public
funds, comply with all laws pertaining to wages as well as safety and health and
to continuously train apprentices who will be the next generation of workers. By
complying with public works laws, California`s infrastructure can be solidly
built and last for generations while enhancing to the local community.

Included in the kit is a special insert for contractors that can be provided in
the pre-bid and pre-job packet. It contains a checklist for contractors, as well
as frequently asked questions and all forms needed to comply with prevailing
wage and apprenticeship laws. The kit also describes compliance benefits such as
the benefit of employing apprentices which provides training opportunities and
creates a skill base for the local community where the public works project is
located.

The laws pertaining to public works projects were written to create a level
playing field. With all things being equal, the law-abiding contractor has an
opportunity to compete, the awarding agency will attract responsible bidders,
and transparency will reduce claims and disputes that lead to extra costs and
delays. As more contractors are educated about public works and lawfully step
into the arena, bidding becomes more competitive and the stimulus dollars will
go further.

For more information about Building Compliance and Community Alliance and public
works requirements, please visit www.CalPublicWorks or www.dir.ca.gov.

California Department of Industrial Relations
Erika Monterroza or Dean Fryer, 415-703-5050
www.dir.ca.gov

Copyright Business Wire 2009