Local Agency Program (LAP)
Local Agency Program (LAP) is a program developed by the Federal Highway Administration and administered by the FDOT in an effort to allow local agencies the option of managing local initiatives. Thus, allowing the local agency to capitalize on Federal Funding.  Typically these local initiative projects are incorporated into the FDOT work program. The LAP provides the opportunity for Local Agencies to develop and administer projects at the local level which allows greater flexibility in meeting the needs of the communities they serve. This program allows the local community to make all project improvements during one construction cycle. For instance, local utility improvements, landscaping and other aesthetic treatments can all be administered through the local agency while capitalizing on Federal Funds.

American can help agencies become certified as a local agency provider, monitor projects to ensure federal requirements are being met, assist in the development of a local agency program, certify LAP projects, monitor invoice processing to ensure timely reimbursement, and provide staff training in the use and conduct of the local agency program. 

  • Local Agency Certification
  • Project Certification
  • State DOT Coordination
Alternative/Innovative Contracting Techniques

FHWA and FDOT have implemented Regulations and Statutes that provide flexibility in the delivery of transportation projects. Many of the concepts have now become standard practice due to the significant experience gained through pilot testing. State and Local Agencies continue to express interest in piloting new and innovative concepts in the delivery of transportation projects. The Federal Programs of SEP-14 and SEP-15 coupled with the Florida Program of Innovative Contracting SS 337.025, offer flexibility beyond standard delivery practices. Some of the innovative techniques that can provide local benefits which require special approvals are:

CM@Risk (Construction Management at Risk): This technique combines some of the project delivery acceleration benefits of design build with the cost savings capability of value engineering while maintaining local agency control over the project. The concept provides procurement of the constructor during the time of initial design thus allowing construction, cost and conflict saving input during the pre-construction phase of a project. Construction may occur prior to completion of design, thus saving substantial time savings by overlapping the phases of procurement, design and construction. American has experience in the use of CM@Risk and can help develop scope, documents, boiler plate documents, staff training and guidance.

Design Build allows for accelerated project delivery, innovative designs and reduced exposure to claims. A study conducted by the FDOT identified a 36% reduction in time on design build projects.

American’s professional staff have developed FDOT programs of Alternative and Innovative Contracting and provided technical assistance to the districts, development of project specific specifications, staff training, development of boiler plate documents and development of innovative strategies to capitalize on construction techniques. We can assist local agencies in development strategies intended to deliver projects on time, on budget and meet customer requirements. We can also assist local agencies in processing requests when state and federal funding require special approval. There are quite a number of differing techniques that can be used based on local needs.

The following is a list of some of the more popular techniques which may be blended together to meet a specific need.

  • CM@Risk
  • Design Build
  • Contractor Qualification/Procurement Initiatives
  • Bonuses
  • Incentive/Disincentives
  • A+B Bidding
  • Lump Sum
  • Development of Other Innovative Techniques

State and Federal Transportation Coordination

Local Agencies many times struggle with the complex organizational processes and practices required to plan, develop and deliver transportation projects. American has experience working in all areas within the FDOT and working closely with FHWA-Florida Division and Washington, American brings a wealth of knowledge to assist agencies in their coordination efforts.

Applicability to Local Markets: Many times Local Agencies struggle with coordination of projects through the project initiation, MPO, FDOT and FHWA processes. This lack of coordination can result in loss of funds and project delays. FDOT and FHWA funding cycles can cause problems in project delivery during the early phases and close out phases of project delivery.

FHWA and FDOT have developed working relationships over many years of working together where each organization’s project cycles and funding cycles align. They have worked out agreements that ensure smooth delivery of projects and project funding. Difference in Local Agency, State and Federal terminology, definitions, processes and understandings create problems in the delivery of projects, on time, on budget and meeting State, Federal and Local requirements. This divergence can cause schedule and funding related project delivery problems.

Typically, the engineering and construction of a project do not pose a problem for the Local Agencies. Rather it is the project coordination through the Early Coordination Phase, Project Delivery Phase and Close Out Phase of a project that cause the problems. American can assist in these coordination activities.

The Early Coordination Phase includes the following activities:

  • Securing the local, state and federal funds
  • Ensuring the work program phase aligns with the city or county funding cycles, that is, are local funds available at the time the state and federal funds are available
  • Coordinating a project through the approval process for local, state and federal agencies. Many times misunderstandings and misaligned schedules result in project delays (i.e. moving a project into outer years of the work program)
  • Consider all funding sources using applicable Public Private Partnership regulations and requirements.

Coordination during the Project Delivery Phases includes the following activities:

  • Ensuring that state and federal regulations and requirements are being met
  • Project expenditures are documented to ensure reimbursement from FDOT and FHWA
  • Process progress payments to ensure timely reimbursement