With billions of dollars in public-sector construction under way, the San Francisco Bay area is an epicenter of activity for design and construction firms that build government-funded facilities. But working with public agencies can be a challenge for firms with little-to-no experience in government contracting.
The San Francisco Dept. of Public Works, which oversees design and construction for numerous city agencies, has been seeking to improve and expand its relationships with the construction industry. It has adopted new measures to streamline its internal structure, open lines of communication and speed payments. DPW also is promoting building-team integration and embracing innovative techniques to meet its aggressive goals. For its efforts to innovate and change its construction program, ENR California has named the City and County of San Francisco its 2013 Owner of the Year.