Project Delivery Method Selection Flashcards

In the DBIA best-practices framework, what is the primary purpose of issuing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) before a Request for Proposals (RFP) on a design-build project?

Answer: To shortlist the most capable teams before investing in detailed proposal preparation

A two-step RFQ/RFP process narrows competition to qualified teams, reducing the cost and burden of proposal development for both owners and proposers.

Which delivery method creates the most direct owner involvement in subcontractor selection and procurement?

Answer: Design-bid-build with multiple prime contracts

Multiple prime contracting gives the owner direct contracts with each trade, maximizing oversight of subcontractor selection and procurement.

A private developer wants to transfer maximum project risk to a single contractor and receive a fixed price before breaking ground. Which delivery method best meets this need?

Answer: Fixed-price design-build (lump sum)

A fixed-price design-build contract transfers both design and construction risk to the design-builder and gives the owner price certainty before construction starts.

How does the bridging method differ from traditional design-build project delivery?

Answer: An owner's criteria architect develops partial design documents before the design-builder takes over

In bridging, the owner retains a criteria architect to develop design to a defined level, then the design-builder completes design and builds to those documents.

Which statement best describes the role of the 'criteria professional' on a design-build project?

Answer: The criteria professional is an owner's representative who defines performance requirements and reviews design-builder submittals

A criteria professional works for the owner to translate the owner's needs into performance criteria and to evaluate whether the design-builder's design meets those criteria.

Which project characteristic is most likely to make design-bid-build more appropriate than design-build?

Answer: Owner has extensive in-house design expertise and desires significant design involvement

Owners with strong design expertise who want to direct design details benefit from retaining a separate designer under design-bid-build.

Under DBIA guidelines, what is the recommended maximum number of teams typically invited to submit full design-build proposals on a competitive project?

Answer: Three to five teams

DBIA recommends limiting competition to three to five shortlisted teams to keep proposal costs reasonable while maintaining meaningful competition.