Page 338 - TCDB combined Book

Chapter 6 MANAGEMENT 317

Design Build for Public Funded Projects:

Although Design-Build has been used for many public funded projects, and there appears to be an
increasing trend in this direction, we offer the following points to be considered.

There should be an accurate and realistic preliminary budget cost established for the project. In
some instances, consideration should be given to revealing this target dollar volume amount to the
Proponents.

Is the project to complex or special, requiring considerable non-refundable expense by the
Proponents to prepare a cost effective competitive bid. An honorarium could be offered to cover
some of the Proponents proposal costs, thus generating serious interest from qualified companies.

Will there be a professionally prepared, detailed “end-use” requirement and performance
specification with concept drawings and a “Tender Call” or; simply an outline and “shopping list”
of the project needs and stated end-use, with a “Request For Proposals” that allows Proponents to
submit innovative and cost-effective solutions.

Depending on the project specifics there may be a need for a pre-qualification phase to establish the
Proponents capabilities as Design-Builders, including past experience, track record, testimonials,
work on hand and financials. Are the capability, system and method in place to receive, review,
analyze and award a contract?

As the professionals on Design-Build projects are usually under the direction of the successful
Proponents a method or system of “independently” testing reporting and monitoring the design and
construction process must be considered.