DBIA Dispute Resolution and Claims Management

Question 1

What is the preferred first step in the DBIA dispute escalation process when a disagreement arises on a design-build project?

Accepted Answer

Direct negotiation between the parties' senior representatives

Answer

Filing for arbitration

Answer

Submitting to litigation in a court of law

Answer

Requesting a Dispute Review Board hearing

Question 2

Which alternative dispute resolution (ADR) method results in a binding decision made by a neutral third party without court involvement?

Accepted Answer

Arbitration

Answer

Mediation

Answer

Partnering

Answer

Conciliation

Question 3

What is a Dispute Review Board (DRB) in the context of design-build projects?

Accepted Answer

A panel of neutrals that reviews disputes and issues recommendations or decisions during project execution

Answer

A government agency that oversees construction disputes

Answer

An internal team within the design-build entity that handles claims

Answer

A court-appointed mediator for construction projects

Question 4

In a design-build project, who typically bears the risk of design deficiencies that result in construction cost overruns?

Accepted Answer

The design-build entity

Answer

The owner

Answer

The subcontractors

Answer

The project lender

Question 5

What does 'partnering' refer to in the context of dispute prevention on design-build projects?

Accepted Answer

A structured process to build collaborative relationships and shared goals among project stakeholders

Answer

A legal agreement requiring joint venture formation

Answer

A financial arrangement where profits are shared equally

Answer

A procurement method for selecting subcontractors

Question 6

Under DBIA standard contract documents, what is the typical timeframe within which a design-build entity must provide written notice of a claim for additional compensation or time?

Accepted Answer

Within 21 days of the event giving rise to the claim

Answer

Immediately upon discovery

Answer

Within 90 days of project completion

Answer

Within 7 days of the event giving rise to the claim

Question 7

What is mediation in the context of construction dispute resolution?

Accepted Answer

A non-binding process where a neutral facilitator helps parties reach a voluntary settlement

Answer

A binding process where an arbitrator issues a final decision

Answer

A government-mandated review of construction disputes

Answer

A contractual provision that waives the right to litigation