DBIA - Design-Build Institute of America Project Delivery Method Selection Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An owner is planning a complex project with a tight schedule and a need for early cost certainty. The owner wants to be actively involved in the design process and foster a collaborative environment. Which project delivery method is most suitable for this scenario?
- Design-Bid-Build (DBB)
- Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) (Correct answer)
- Multi-Prime Contracting
- Public-Private Partnership (P3)
Correct answer: Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR)
CMAR is ideal for this scenario because it involves the construction manager early in the design phase. This early involvement allows for valuable constructability reviews, cost estimating, and scheduling input, leading to greater cost control and the ability to fast-track the project. The collaborative nature of CMAR aligns with the owner's desire for active involvement.
Question 2: Which of the following is a primary characteristic of the Design-Bid-Build (DBB) project delivery method?
- The owner holds a single contract with a design-build entity.
- Construction begins before the design is fully complete to fast-track the schedule.
- The design and construction phases are sequential, with separate contracts for the designer and contractor. (Correct answer)
- The contractor provides significant pre-construction services, including cost estimating and scheduling.
Correct answer: The design and construction phases are sequential, with separate contracts for the designer and contractor.
The defining feature of Design-Bid-Build is its linear, sequential process. The owner first hires a designer to complete 100% of the design documents. Then, the project is put out for bid, and a contractor is selected, typically based on the lowest price. The owner holds two separate contracts.
Question 3: In a Design-Build project, how is risk for design errors and omissions typically allocated?
- Solely to the owner, who provides the initial project criteria.
- Solely to the architect/engineer of record.
- To the single-point-of-responsibility design-build entity. (Correct answer)
- Shared equally between the owner and the design-build entity through a contingency fund.
Correct answer: To the single-point-of-responsibility design-build entity.
A key advantage of the Design-Build delivery method is the single point of responsibility. The design-build entity holds the contract with the owner and is responsible for both design and construction. This means the design-builder assumes the risk for design errors and omissions, eliminating the potential for disputes between a separate designer and builder.
Question 4: An owner's primary driver for selecting a project delivery method is achieving the absolute lowest construction cost through open market competition, and the project design is straightforward and completely defined. Which delivery method aligns best with this priority?
- Design-Build (DB)
- Integrated Project Delivery (IPD)
- Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR)
- Design-Bid-Build (DBB) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Design-Bid-Build (DBB)
Design-Bid-Build is structured to achieve the lowest construction cost through a competitive bidding process after the design is 100% complete. When the design is straightforward and fully detailed, it allows contractors to bid on a fixed scope of work, promoting price competition.
Question 5: According to DBIA's Project Delivery Primer, what are the three key components of an owner's Strategic Acquisition Plan that are fundamentally linked?
- Budget, Schedule, and Quality
- Project Delivery System, Procurement Method, and Contract Format (Correct answer)
- Risk Assessment, Stakeholder Management, and Communication Plan
- Site Selection, Permitting, and Financing
Correct answer: Project Delivery System, Procurement Method, and Contract Format
DBIA emphasizes that an owner's acquisition strategy is built upon three interconnected decisions: the project delivery system (e.g., DB, CMAR, DBB), the procurement method (e.g., best-value, qualifications-based), and the contract format (e.g., lump sum, GMP). These choices are foundational and dictate how the project team is formed and operates.
Question 6: A public agency is undertaking a large, complex infrastructure project and wishes to transfer significant long-term risks, including financing, operations, and maintenance, to a private sector partner. Which project delivery method would be the most appropriate choice?
- Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR)
- Design-Bid-Build (DBB)
- Public-Private Partnership (P3) (Correct answer)
- Design-Build (DB)
Correct answer: Public-Private Partnership (P3)
Public-Private Partnerships (P3) are specifically structured to allocate a broader range of risks to the private entity, which can include financing, design, construction, long-term operations, and maintenance. This method is often used for large-scale, complex public projects where leveraging private sector expertise and capital is beneficial.
DBIA - Design-Build Institute of America Project Delivery Method Selection Questions and Answers
An owner is planning a complex project with a tight schedule and a need for early cost certainty.
The owner wants to be actively involved in the design process and foster a collaborative environment.
Which project delivery method is most suitable for this scenario?