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. In design-build contracts following DBIA model language, the contractual warranty period for the completed work typically begins at: → Substantial completion
2. 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
3. A university campus renovation using design-build would most likely establish the Owner's Project Requirements (OPR) to address which unique need? → Phasing to maintain campus operations and academic calendar
4. In a progressive design-build delivery, when is the contract price typically finalized? → After the design reaches a defined milestone sufficient for accurate pricing
5. Which of the following is NOT a typical benefit attributed to design-build delivery? → Greater owner control over detailed design decisions throughout the project
6. In the correctional facilities sector, which design-build delivery challenge is most unique compared to other building types? → Coordinating with security and operational staff during programming
7. Which technique BEST reduces design-to-construction coordination errors on complex design-build projects? → Using Building Information Modeling (BIM) with clash detection across disciplines
8. Under a Cost-Plus-Fee design-build contract, the owner's primary financial protection mechanism is typically: → A Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) provision
9. In a design-build project, the owner withholds a higher-than-typical retainage percentage. What risk does this primarily impose on the design-builder? → Cash flow risk and working capital strain
10. In design-build contracting, a 'risk-adjusted contingency' differs from a standard contingency in that it: → Is calculated based on probability and impact analysis of specific identified risks
11. 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
12. Which contract type places the most financial risk on the design-builder? → Lump sum/fixed price
13. In a military design-build project, which document typically defines the owner's requirements and serves as the basis for DB team proposals? → Request for Proposal with Performance Work Statement (PWS)
14. How does the DBIA Code address a member's obligation to report suspected violations of the Code by other DBIA members? → Members are encouraged to report credible violations through appropriate DBIA channels
15. When scoring design-build proposals, weighting technical factors more heavily than price is most appropriate when: → The project is complex, innovative, or involves significant technical risk
16. Which of the following RFP evaluation criteria directly assesses a proposer's ability to complete a project on time? → Schedule approach and critical path methodology
17. In design-build dispute resolution, what is the typical hierarchy of escalation in DBIA standard documents? → Direct negotiation → Mediation → Arbitration or Litigation
18. A design-build team discovers previously unknown underground utilities during excavation. Under a well-drafted contract, this risk is most likely classified as: → An owner-retained subsurface risk eligible for a contract adjustment
19. 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
20. 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
21. A design-build contract's 'warranty' provision most commonly requires the design-builder to: → Correct defective work discovered within a specified period after substantial completion
22. The Design-Build Institute of America's Political Action Committee (PAC) is primarily used for which purpose? → Supporting candidates and elected officials who champion design-build-friendly legislation
23. In federal design-build procurement under FAR Part 36, the two-phase selection process Phase 1 is used to: → Shortlist qualified offerors before requesting full technical proposals in Phase 2
24. Under the DBIA Code of Professional Conduct, which statement best describes a member's duty regarding sustainability and environmental responsibility? → Members should consider environmental impacts and promote sustainable practices
25. In the public sector, which procurement method is most compatible with design-build when the owner wants to consider both qualifications and price? → Best-value selection
26. What is the role of the stipend in a competitive design-build procurement? → Partial compensation paid to unsuccessful proposers for their proposal costs
27. Which document, issued after a design-build project is awarded, formally authorizes the design-builder to begin work? → Notice to Proceed (NTP)
28. A state legislature is considering a sunset provision in a design-build enabling statute. What does a sunset provision mean in this context? → The enabling authority automatically expires after a specified period unless renewed
29. In a design-build competition, a proposal that is deemed 'non-responsive' will: → Be disqualified from consideration without further evaluation
30. In which construction sector has design-build seen the most rapid growth in recent years? → Water and wastewater infrastructure