Project Delivery - Design-Bid-Build

The Design-Bid-Build (DBB) method of project delivery is easily the most familiar to owners, architects and contractors.

D. Brown Management Profile Picture
Share

No contractor should ever lose their ability to compete, win, and build profitable projects using this method of delivery. It keeps your estimating and operations teams sharp.

CM at Risk: Project Delivery Methods - Definition of Design-Bid-Build and pros and cons.

In this method, the project owner contracts separately with the architect for design and a single prime contractor for construction.  

  • It is the primary procurement method used for public works projects.
      
  • Due to the sequential design followed by the construction workflow, it has the longest timeline.

  • Contractors are typically forced into a competitive bidding situation, resulting in a low initial construction cost.

  • Because the contractors were not involved in the design phase, there are frequently cost and schedule overruns that sometimes end in litigation.  

The negatives must be weighed against the positives for this project delivery method. In many cases this is absolutely the right method for the project.


Project Delivery - Design-Bid-Build
The preferred project delivery method. There is a reason 100 of ENR's Top 400 General Contractors use CMAR as the project delivery method for over 75% of their work. Leverage CMAR as part of your growth strategy....

Project Delivery - Design-Bid-Build
The preferred project delivery method. There is a reason 100 of ENR's Top 400 General Contractors use CMAR as the project delivery method for over 75% of their work. Leverage CMAR as part of your growth strategy....

Talent Development Quote - Jack Welch
From 1981 through 2001 under CEO Jack Welch, GE’s market cap (value) grew 18% compounded annually from $14B to $410B. A large part of this profitable growth was due to the rigor placed on their talent development processes directly from the CEO.
Reasons to Run
Successfully leading in the long-term requires going beyond managing to outcomes. You must dive deeply into the underlying activities, habits, behaviors, and ultimately, to the motivations that lead to those outcomes.
Making a Contractor Less Risky
There are two major things that will control risk and variability for the ownership.