DBIA - Design-Build Institute of America Project Delivery Method Selection 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?

Accepted Answer

Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR)

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

The design and construction phases are sequential, with separate contracts for the designer and contractor.

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

To the single-point-of-responsibility design-build entity.

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Design-Bid-Build (DBB)

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Project Delivery System, Procurement Method, and Contract Format

Answer

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.

DBIA - Design-Build Institute of America Certification Practice Test

DBIA - Design-Build Institute of America Certification Practice Test

DBIA - Design-Build Institute of America Project Delivery Method Selection Questions and Answers