California Uniform Construction Cost Accounting Commission

California’s Public Contract Code, in Division 2, Part 3, Chapter 2, Article 2, provides for the California Uniform Construction Cost Accounting Commission. Section 22010 created the California Uniform Construction Cost Accounting Commission, which is comprised of 14 members, thirteen of whom are appointed by the State Controller in a specified manner. A member of the Contractors’ State License Board serves as an ex officio voting member.

Section 22011 requires the Controller, in an effort to select highly qualified commission members, to solicit from organized representatives of the construction industry and public agencies recommendations for appointments to the commission.

Section 22012 requires at least one commission member of the seven representing the construction industry and at least one of the seven representing public agencies to have previous accounting experience.

Section 22013 requires the commission members to select a chairperson from among its membership, who serves as chair for 2 years. However, two chairs in a row cannot be appointees representing either the construction industry or public agencies.

Section 22014 requires the commissioners to hold office for terms of three years, and until their successors are appointed. Also, members may be reappointed, by the Controller, for subsequent terms of three years. The Controller is required, within 120 days, to appoint a replacement to fill any vacancy on the commission.

Section 22015 requires the Controller to make available for the conduct of the commission’s business staff and other support as does not conflict with the accomplishment of the other business of the office of the Controller. Commissioners are only reimbursed for travel expenses. The commission may accept grants from federal, state, or local public agencies, or from private foundations or individuals, in order to assist it in carrying out its duties, functions, and powers under this chapter.

Section 22016 requires the commission to at least once a year at a time and place chosen by its membership.

Section 22017 requires the commission to recommend for adoption by the Controller (a) uniform construction cost accounting procedures for implementation by public agencies in the performance of, or in contracting for, construction on public projects; (b) cost accounting procedures designed especially for implementation by California cities with a population of less than 75,000; and, (c) procedures and standards for the periodic evaluation and adjustment, as necessary, of the monetary limits specified in law. And, the commission must report annually to the Legislature.

Section 22018 requires the Controller, upon receipt of the commission’s recommendations, to review and evaluate the recommended procedures and either formally adopt or reject the recommended procedures within 90 days of submission by the commission.

Section 22019 specifies that, upon determining that the recommended uniform construction cost accounting procedures will serve the best interests of the state and public agencies, and upon formal adoption by the Controller, the Controller is required to promulgate the uniform procedure for all public agencies electing to participate, together with instructions for their adoption and implementation by any public agency.

Section 22020 requires the commission, every five years, to consider whether there have been material changes in public construction costs and make recommendations to the Controller regarding adjustments in the monetary limits prescribed by law. The Controller must notify all participating public agencies of the adjustment prior to the effective date.