DBIA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield DBIA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is DBIA's recommended approach to risk allocation in design-build contracts? → Allocate each risk to the party best able to manage, mitigate, or absorb that risk
2. What does 'schedule float' (also called slack) represent in a project schedule? → The amount of time an activity can be delayed without delaying the project completion date
3. Which contract type places the most financial risk on the design-builder? → Lump sum/fixed price
4. In design-build dispute resolution, what is the typical hierarchy of escalation in DBIA standard documents? → Direct negotiation → Mediation → Arbitration or Litigation
5. What is a 'not-to-exceed' (NTE) price in design-build contracting? → A preliminary price ceiling established early in the project before a formal GMP is set
6. What is a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) in the context of design-build delivery? → A contract ceiling beyond which the owner does not pay cost overruns
7. In which construction sector has design-build seen the most rapid growth in recent years? → Water and wastewater infrastructure
8. In design-build, a Quality Management Plan (QMP) typically includes which of the following? → Roles, responsibilities, inspection checkpoints, and documentation procedures
9. In design-build, 'design reviews' at milestone stages primarily serve to: → Confirm that evolving design meets the owner's requirements and project budget
10. What is the preferred first step in the DBIA dispute escalation process when a disagreement arises on a design-build project? → Direct negotiation between the parties' senior representatives
11. Which of the following is a common challenge owner face in design-build projects? → Lack of understanding of the design-build process
12. According to DBIA principles, which element is most critical to a successful design-build project? → Early and continuous collaboration between design and construction team members
13. In DBIA best practices, how should an owner approach team selection for a design-build project? → Use a qualifications-based or best-value selection process
14. What is the role of the owner during the design phase of a design-build project? → Approving key design decisions to ensure they meet project goals
15. In a design-build project, who typically bears the risk of design deficiencies that result in construction cost overruns? → The design-build entity
16. How does the design-build delivery method benefit the healthcare sector? → By streamlining the process to meet tight timelines and patient safety standards
17. What is a design-build contingency fund primarily used for? → Covering unforeseen scope changes and unknown site conditions
18. In a Design-Build project, how is risk for design errors and omissions typically allocated? → To the single-point-of-responsibility design-build entity.
19. What is the primary responsibility of owners in a design-build project? → Defining clear project goals and priorities upfront
20. Which contract type places the greatest cost risk on the design-builder in a design-build project? → Lump sum fixed-price contract
21. Which of the following is a primary responsibility under the DBIA Code of Professional Conduct? → Ensuring open and honest communication among all parties
22. How does DBIA promote fair procurement for design-build project? → By encouraging qualifications-based and best-value selection methods
23. What are the three primary project delivery methods that owners typically evaluate? → Design-bid-build (DBB), design-build (DB), and construction manager at-risk (CMAR)
24. Why is design-build gaining popularity in the transportation sector? → It accelerates project timelines and minimizes disruptions
25. Which standard is most commonly referenced for quality management systems in US design-build construction? → ISO 9001
26. In which sector is the design-build method particularly beneficial due to its ability to meet strict regulatory and environmental standards? → Water/Wastewater
27. How does an 'allowance' differ from a 'contingency' in a design-build contract? → An allowance is for a known but undefined scope item; a contingency covers unknown risks
28. Which of the following is a common legislative barrier to implementing design-build? → State-imposed restrictions on the use of design-build
29. Which factor most favors selecting design-build over design-bid-build? → The project requires an accelerated schedule and the owner values early cost certainty
30. What is one significant benefit of DBIA's legislative advocacy for public owners? → Public owners gain access to faster and more efficient project delivery methods