Design-Build Fundamentals and Principles Flashcards

Which DBIA principle emphasizes that the design-builder should assume responsibility for all design and construction to eliminate the owner's exposure to gaps in responsibility?

Answer: Single point of responsibility

Single point of responsibility is the foundational DBIA principle ensuring the design-builder owns all outcomes without owner-created gaps.

How does the design-build delivery method typically impact the number of change orders related to design errors compared to design-bid-build?

Answer: It reduces design-error change orders because design and construction are integrated under one entity

Integration reduces design-error change orders because the design-builder is incentivized to coordinate design and construction from the start.

Which public law significantly expanded the use of design-build delivery for federal facilities in the United States?

Answer: Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act (FASA) of 1994

FASA of 1994 authorized federal agencies to use design-build delivery, broadening its acceptance across the public sector.

What is the key distinction between 'developer-led design-build' and 'contractor-led design-build'?

Answer: In developer-led, the developer finances and controls the project; in contractor-led, the constructor leads the team

Developer-led design-build involves the developer taking financial and project leadership, while contractor-led has the constructor as the primary contracting entity.

Which design-build project characteristic most directly supports schedule acceleration?

Answer: Early involvement of the constructor allowing construction packages to be released as design progresses

Early constructor involvement enables phased design releases, allowing foundations or site work to begin while building design continues.

In DBIA terminology, what is a 'guaranteed maximum price' (GMP) arrangement within a design-build contract?

Answer: A contract structure where the design-builder bears costs above an agreed maximum price ceiling

Under a GMP, the design-builder absorbs cost overruns beyond the agreed ceiling, protecting the owner from budget uncertainty.

Which of the following is NOT a typical benefit attributed to design-build delivery?

Answer: Greater owner control over detailed design decisions throughout the project

Design-build typically reduces owner control over detailed design decisions, as that authority is delegated to the design-builder within defined parameters.