Engaging a DB Consultant for Design-Build Projects - Design-Build for Water and Wastewater Projects - page 127

processes are optimized around producing process, civil, mechanical, and electrical engi-
neering designs, technical specifications, CAD or BIM drawings, and special and general
contract terms and conditions. For DB projects, these engineering tasks are replaced or
augmented by other tasks associated with risk allocation and performance-based specifi-
cations. Outlining these risk and performance specifications requires a special skill-set to
achieve the necessary tasks (Table 10-1). Owners pursuing a DB process should consider
the range of skills needed to obtain the full benefits of a DB project delivery and deter-
mine who is best able to provide those competencies.
Construction. Construction of a DB project can be by constructor-led teams,
designer-led teams, or integrated DB firms. For DBO projects, operator-led teams are
sometimes formed. Each of these contractor arrangements have characteristics that could
compliment an owner's culture and project needs. As with any project, it is critical to
evaluate the relevant experience of the design-builder, including that of the individual
firms, and of the people who will perform the work. Additionally, owners should know
if the individual firms of a design-builder team have any experience working together on
similar projects. Owners have many options to consider regarding the construction of a
DB project, and they should educate themselves about the features of the various options
and solicit input from other owners who have performed DB.
Management. The owner's management will need to champion the DB process, and
this begins by identifying what they want to accomplish through the use of DB project
delivery. It will be necessary for the management to build consensus internally within
the agency and with policy makers, and externally in the community. Also, management
should recognize the need to be open and transparent and to be prepared to allocate
resources and time to understanding and addressing risk allocation for the project. It
is highly recommended that management contact other agencies that have used the DB
process to build an adequate knowledge foundation upon which to achieve project success.
Table 10-1. Tasks of DB procurement preparation
Development of risk matrices and risk management approach
Defining owner's critical project requirements in the absence of a detailed design
Defining risk allocation
Understanding relevant DB qualifications
Development of performance specifications
Development and alignment of technical performance requirements with draft contract
language
Development of appropriate design criteria
Development of RFQs and RFPs that maintain a fair and competitive environment for
design-builders