Completing transportation projects on time and within budget has been a chronic problem for the Florida Department of Transportation. Although all cost overruns cannot realistically be eliminated, last year's performance improved in these areas. Cost overruns are down from 12.8% to 12.3% and time overruns are down from 34.5% to 30.6%. However, it is too early to say that this trend of reduced cost overruns and delays will continue.
The department has initiated steps to implement all our recommendations for improving the quality of transportation construction design plans prior to letting contracts for bid and in the performance evaluation and consultant selection processes. But monetary recovery of overruns that do not add value remains problematic.
The Legislature needs to monitor the department's initiatives to assess the impact on reducing cost overruns and time delays and hold responsible parties accountable for costs that do not add value.

Assessing Privatization in State Agency Programs
Report 98-64 February 1999
Follow-Up Report on the Florida Department of Transportation's Performance In Controlling Cost Overruns When Building Roads and Bridges
Report 97-22 December 1997
Review of the Florida Department of Transportation Construction Bid and Contract Administration Process
Report 96-85 May 1997

Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.