The Federal Highway Administration published a rule on Aug. 14 spelling out changes SAFETEA-LU directed in design-build requirements. SAFETEA-LU says state agencies may take some steps, such as requesting design-build proposals, before the National Environmental Policy Act process is complete. FHWA says its rule, which takes effect Sept. 13, clarifies that "only project agreements for final design and physical construction must wait" until NEPA's process is done.