Frequently Asked Questions

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Construction Section

DBA Construction Section
Rockefeller Building
501 Woodlane Street, 101N Suite
Little Rock, AR 72201

Staff Members:
Doran White, Construction Administrator
Robert Morehead, Construction Document Analyst
Steffan Baginski, Construction Inspector (in the field)
Derek Leverton, Construction Inspector (in the field)

Construction is the primary mission of our division. The Construction Section is responsible for contracting capital improvements. Staff works to provide guidance and assistance to state agencies, design professionals, contractors, and the public. We provide the steps involved in the capital improvement process from the preparation of contracting documents until completion through the one-year project warranty period.

The most common Frequently Asked Questions of our Section:

If needing assistance with understanding bidding requirements.

Robert Morehead, the Construction Document Analyst, is responsible for the bidding process and is the appropriate contact for any bid inquiries.
Robert Morehead can be reached at 501-682-6831.

If needing assistance with understanding contracting requirements

Doran White, Construction Section Administrator, is responsible for the contracting process.
Doran can respond to any contracting inquiries.
Doran can be reached at 501-682-5577.

If needing assistance with understanding capital improvement requirements in Arkansas

Doran White, the Section Administrator, is responsible for general questions regarding Arkansas Codes and the bidding and contracting processes.
Doran can be reached at 501-682-5577.

Where can I find projects waiting for bid?

Projects are advertised in statewide newspapers and sometimes in local newspapers at the request of the owner/agency. You can also find bid announcements at the following web link: Bid Announcements – Arkansas Department of Transformation and Shared Services or forward the call to Robert Morehead at 501-682-6831.

How do I obtain bid results for a project?

The quickest and easiest way is to visit DBA’s website at the following link: Bid Announcements – Arkansas Department of Transformation and Shared Services . Once the list of advertised projects appears, bid results will appear on the right side. Bid results will be placed on the website at the conclusion of the bid review period.
Robert Morehead at 501-682-6831 is available to respond to any questions.

Which department construction projects would not be within DBA jurisdiction?

The Arkansas Highway Department, Public Schools K-12, AR Game and Fish Commission, Secretary of State (State Capitol), and the Higher Education Institutions (colleges & universities). You may contact any office staff member in the DBA Construction Section for verification.

Where can I file a complaint against a contractor who has failed to perform in accordance with their contract, whether in terms of performance or financial responsibility?

The Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board governs Contractors in the State; this is the appropriate place to file complaints. The board can also field questions regarding the contractor’s license and its validity. Contractors Licensing Board can be contacted at 501-372-4661 or at the following link: Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board » Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing

I have questions about licensing of home inspectors?

The DBA Construction Section has no oversight of the home inspection industry. The Department of Labor and Licensing has the Home Inspector Registration Board. The board has the governing responsibilities of the home inspector industry. The board’s contact number is 501-296-1843, and additional information can be found at the following link: Home Inspector Registration Board » Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing

Design Review Section

DBA Design Review Section
Rockefeller Building
501 Woodlane Street, Suite G-01
Little Rock, AR 72201

Staff Members:

Nathan K. Alderson, AIA, DBA State Architect
Leland Dyson, P.E., DBA State Engineer
Darryl Laws, P.E., DBA Professional Engineer
Frank Barksdale, AIA, DBA Staff Architect
William (Bill) Hall, DBA Landscape Architect
Daniel Hutchison, DBA Staff Engineer
John Reeves, DBA Staff Engineer
George Henderson, DBA Engineer
Charles Thomas, DBA Maintenance Manager
Design Review Section Front Desk

501-682-5546
501-682-2509
501-682-5563
501-682-2045
501-682-5549
501-682-5537
501-682-5564
501-682-5548
501-682-4344
501-682-5544

The Design Review Section exists to promote quality design standards in all areas of capital improvements for state agencies. The Section is responsible for reviewing and approving architectural and engineering plans for compliance with the Codified Law and for ensuring that state agencies engage properly licensed Architects and Engineers. The Section is responsible for reviewing and approving permit applications for developments within established floodplains.

The Design Review Section is responsible for establishing procedures for state agencies regarding the selection of design professional services and ensuring an equitable opportunity is provided to all. The Section encourages timely and expedient commitment and expenditure of appropriations for construction. The Section is responsible for establishing the standard fee schedule for design professional services. The Section reviews and approves the design professional contracts.

How to submit a project for review?

Please see our website at https://transform.ar.gov/building-authority/forms-resources/ where you can scroll down to Design Review Section Forms to find that information. All additional questions can be forwarded to 501-682-5544.

Questions Concerning if the Project is Required to be Reviewed and Bid through DBA:

Please see our website at DESIGN REVIEW SECTION for a list of frequently asked questions.

Where are the bid results for “named construction project?”

Please contact Robert Morehead in DBA Construction at 501-682-6831.

Where can I get copies of “named construction project?”

Robert Morehead, DBA Construction, 501-682-6831.

Questions Regarding RFQs (Request for Qualifications) or any part of the Process:

All inquiries regarding submittals, follow-up, or procedures should be forwarded to Nathan K. Alderson at 501-682-5546 or Leland Dyson at 501-682-2509.

Questions Regarding Professional Service Contracts

All inquiries regarding submittals, follow-ups, or procedures should be forwarded to Nathan K. Alderson at 501-682-5546 or Leland Dyson at 501-682-2509.

Where can I report my landlord (or building code violations) or apply for a building permit?

DBA only has oversight of State-owned properties or construction projects utilizing State Funds. Please contact your local Codes office or the Arkansas State Fire Marshal. (The Fire Marshal’s Office: 501-618-8624) We do not maintain a working list of local codes offices.

Real Estate Section

DBA Real Estate Section
Rockefeller Building
501 Woodlane Street, 101N Suite
Little Rock, AR 72201

Staff Members:
Chris Bell, Deputy Director/Real Estate Administrator
Pat James, DBA Real Estate Property Manager
Jasmin Tuzon, Real Estate Analyst

The Real Estate Section acts as the real estate agent for state agencies. Staff works closely with state agency contacts, landlords, and other stakeholders to make sure state agency space and real estate needs are met. The real estate section manages a lease portfolio of around 850 active commercial leases statewide.

The section leases space in state-owned buildings to other agencies, facilitates public/private lease negotiations for all state agencies in offices in all 75 counties, and is involved in the public bidding and purchase approval process for the buying and selling of the State’s real estate.

The most common Frequently Asked Questions of our Section:

1 . If you are with a State agency and need assistance with leasing or lease renewals, who do I contact?

Any of our Real Estate Section staff can assist with this. If you need a new lease, you can start the process by filling out the Request for Lease Action (RFLA) form on our website. Our office will contact you with paperwork regarding leases coming up for renewal prior to lease expirations. There is nothing you need to do until you hear from us.

2. Can a State agency negotiate and sign its own lease?

No. All real estate lease agreements must be coordinated, prepared and approved by DBA’s Real Estate Section. Agencies are not authorized to independently negotiate or discuss lease terms, or to enter into real estate leases, with DBA. Please contact the Real Estate Services Section at 501-682-1833 if you have questions, or feel free to email one of our staff.

3. Can a State agency negotiate the sale or purchase of real estate without DBA?

No. State agencies must coordinate with and receive approval from DBA to sell or purchase real estate. The process for real estate transactions between public and private entities must follow the outline in DBA’s rules (Minimum Standards and Criteria). Transactions between two public entities such as counties, or municipalities and the state have a different process but must also be coordinated through DBA.

4. Can State agency staff search for spaces to lease and contact real estate brokers and landlords for new locations?

Yes. As long as staff is not negotiating the terms of the lease, they can contact and coordinate with real estate agents and property owners to find space that meets their needs, BUT they cannot enter into any negotiations for leasing the premises. It is recommended that you contact the DBA Real Estate Services team for assistance and complete a “Request for Lease Action” form as a first step.

5. What types of real estate transactions are outside DBA jurisdiction?

The following entities generally manage their own real estate transactions, but DBA will work with them at their request:

Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT)

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

Higher Education Institutions (most still do leasing through DBA)

Public K–12 Schools

Constitutional, Judicial and Legislative branches of the State, i.e., Secretary of State, Commissioner of State Lands, Attorney General, etc.

6. I have a question about a private real estate matter or a local zoning issue, can DBA assist?

No. DBA only oversees state-owned or state-leased properties. For personal real estate matters, you should contact an Arkansas-licensed real estate agent or broker or the Arkansas Real Estate Commission at the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing. For zoning and use issues, it’s best to contact your city or county government.

7. I’m a property owner and I want to lease space to the State. Where do I start and who do I contact?

Please contact any staff member in the DBA Real Estate Section with details about your property. At your request, we can add you to our distribution list to receive notifications when a public bid or Request for Proposal (RFP) for real estate is issued. You can also send your Property Information Bulletin (PIB) to the Real Estate Services office at: [email protected].

8. I’m a landlord or property manager for a state tenant, and I need proof of insurance from the state tenant. Can the State send me a certificate of insurance like any other tenant?

No. State agencies are covered by sovereign immunity for liabilities such as torts, breach of contract, personal injuries, etc., and by the state risk management division for other losses to contents, facilities, etc. The terms of the State lease agreement also align with and mention the state’s sovereign immunity. Here are the specifics: Article 5 § 20 of the Arkansas Constitution establishes sovereign immunity for the state of Arkansas. Arkansas Code § 19-10-201 through § 19-10-223 establishes the Arkansas State Claims Commission as the forum for claims against the state and its various agencies and institutions.

The code can be accessed online here: Code of Arkansas Public Access Main Page

Operations Section

DBA Operations Section
2200 W. 7^th Street
Little Rock, AR 72201
501-324-9291 (used for after-hours also)

Managing Staff Members:
Nathan Boozer, Deputy Operations Administrator
Chris Burks, Skilled Trades Manager
Nathaniel Binnall, Maintenance Program Supervisor
Allen Langhorn, Maintenance Program Supervisor

DBA Building Operations Section provides maintenance and operation of buildings, structures, and grounds that are owned, leased, or managed by the DBA. DBA’s building portfolio currently consists of approximately 1.6 million square feet of office and laboratory facilities in Little Rock and Fort Smith, Arkansas.

The most common Frequently Asked Questions of our Section:

How do I make maintenance requests or report a building issue?

If you are a tenant in one of our managed facilities, you can submit a maintenance work order request or report a complaint through this link: [email protected] or by calling 501-324-9291 (outside of central Arkansas, call 800-303-1953).

Who do I call if I have an urgent need outside normal building hours?

If it is an after-hours emergency, please call 501-324-9291. Calls are directed to an answering service that will contact the on-call staff to respond to the need.

What do I do if I want to have changes or alterations made to our office that we lease from DBA?

First, email DBA Building Operations at: [email protected] and explain what you would like to have done. You will be forwarded an Alteration Request form for completion and return to DBA to begin the process for the requested alteration. Alteration Request forms are also available on our website.

Our staff will reach out and schedule an appointment to go over the project with you and will provide you with a proposal with a cost not to exceed the established amount. Labor, materials, and subcontracted amounts are reimbursed at cost!

What do I do if I want to have changes or alterations made to our office that we lease from DBA?

What are the building’s emergency/fire safety procedures?

Each DBA building has an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) that covers a variety of topics including but not limited to recommendations for fire safety, shelter-in-place procedures, and emergency evacuation procedures. The EAP is provided to agencies when they take occupancy of a suite leased from DBA. DBA also collects emergency contact information for the lease and any staff special needs that should be known in advance of an evacuation.

If you are not aware of the Emergency Plan for your building, please contact your agency’s safety person or email DBA at [email protected], and we will provide a copy and schedule a time to come visit with your staff to review and answer any questions.

Does DBA manage all the State Buildings?

No, DBA manages a total of 13 properties in Little Rock and 1 in Fort Smith

Winthrop Rockefeller Building
Building Operations/Shop
DFA/1509 Building
1515 Building
MAC Building
Justice Building
900 West Capitol Building
Public Service Commission
Workers Compensation Comm.
Main Street Mall
Commerce Building
Dept of Agriculture
AR Crime Lab
BG Hendrix Building

501 Woodlane
2200 West 7^th Street
1509 West 7^th Street
1515 West 7^th Street
1 Capitol Mall
612 Marshall Street
900 West Capitol
1000 Center Street
324 Spring Street
101 East Capitol
1 Commerce Way
#1 Natural Resources
#3 Natural Resources
616 Garrison Ave

Little Rock
Little Rock
Little Rock
Little Rock
Little Rock
Little Rock
Little Rock
Little Rock
Little Rock
Little Rock
Little Rock
Little Rock
Little Rock
Fort Smith

Capitol Area
Capitol Area
Capitol Area
Capitol Area
Capitol Area
Capitol Area
Downtown
Downtown
Downtown
Downtown
Riverdale
West LR
West LR
Sebastian

Who do I call if DBA does not manage my building and have a problem?

You may call DBA Real Estate Services Section at 501-682-1833 and tell them which building your office is located in and they can help to connect you with the responsible party or Lessor.

Cabinet Secretary
Leslie Fisken