DBIA - Design-Build Institute of America Design-Build Fundamentals and Principles Questions and Answers

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the fundamental principle of 'single-point responsibility' in the design-build project delivery method?

Accepted Answer

A single entity holds one contract with the owner and assumes sole responsibility for both the design and construction of the project.

Answer

The core of the design-build model is the single contract between the owner and the design-build entity. This single entity is then responsible for all work on the project, eliminating the potential for disputes between a separate designer and builder.

Question 2

An owner is undertaking a complex project with a need for innovation and a desire to fast-track the schedule. They want to select a team based heavily on qualifications and collaborative ability rather than just the lowest price. Which procurement method is most aligned with these goals according to DBIA principles?

Accepted Answer

Best Value Selection

Answer

Best Value Selection is a procurement process used in design-build where the owner evaluates and selects a team based on a combination of factors, including qualifications, technical approach, and price. This method allows for a balanced consideration of cost and quality, fostering innovation and collaboration, which is ideal for complex projects.

Question 3

In a 'Design-Build Done Right®' approach, what is the primary role of the owner during the design development phase?

Accepted Answer

To define the project's performance requirements, goals, and budget, and then actively collaborate with the integrated team.

Answer

In successful design-build projects, the owner plays a crucial, collaborative role. Their responsibility is to clearly define the project's goals and performance criteria (what they want the project to achieve), not to prescribe the specific methods (how to achieve it). This approach empowers the integrated team to innovate and find the best solutions.

Question 4

Which of the following is a key advantage of the integrated nature of design-build that helps to minimize risk for the owner?

Accepted Answer

It fosters collaboration and constructability reviews early in the design phase, reducing errors and omissions.

Answer

Because the designer and contractor work as a team from the start, there is a greater opportunity for collaboration. This allows for continuous constructability reviews, which helps identify potential issues, errors, and omissions before they become costly problems during construction, thereby reducing risk for the owner.

Question 5

A public agency is preparing an RFQ/RFP for a new transit center using design-build. According to DBIA's Universal Best Practices, the procurement documents should primarily focus on:

Accepted Answer

Performance-based requirements that define the desired outcomes, allowing teams to propose innovative solutions.

Answer

DBIA's Best Practices emphasize the use of performance-based requirements over prescriptive ones in design-build procurement. This approach defines the owner's needs and goals for the project, giving the design-build teams the flexibility to innovate and propose the best value solutions to meet those goals.

DBIA - Design-Build Institute of America Certification Practice Test

DBIA - Design-Build Institute of America Certification Practice Test

DBIA - Design-Build Institute of America Design-Build Fundamentals and Principles Questions and Answers