RFPs: Selecting the Design-Builder - Design-Build for Water and Wastewater Projects - page 192

prequalified subcontractors are to be used, the proposer must include a description of
its prequalification process. If Minority Business Enterprises (MBE), Disadvantaged
Business Enterprises (DBE), Women's Business Enterprises (WBE), or small business
entities are required to be included on a project team, the RFP should define the goals for
involvement for each type as well as a description of the good-faith effort performed to
engage diverse or small businesses.
Risk management plan. The owner must specify the schedule and cost tracking
reporting approach it requires of the design-builder. In addition, the design-builder must
demonstrate the ability to identify and mange risk throughout the delivery of the project.
For more information on risk management, refer to chapter 9.
Design-builder's approach. Owners should request project-specific information
regarding each design-builder's technical solution, project management approach, and
delivery methodology. These make up the design-builder's approach to the project and
will help owners differentiate the qualifications and capabilities of the proposers.
Technical solution. The technical solution offered by the design-builder will depend
on the owner's technical approach (i.e., prescriptive or performance based). In the
prescriptive-based approach, the design-builder will conform to the specific requirements
and develop a design that meets the prescriptive specifications, design and performance
needs, and any other requirements of the owner. In the performance-based approach,
the design-builder will likely provide an innovative solution that meets the performance
standards set forth in the RFP. The latter approach would likely result in each of the
competing teams offering a unique solution for the project.
Although defining the project's specifications and establishing design constraints
may limit a proposer's innovation, the outcome is often receipt of more predictable pro-
posals with the preferred technology and project approach. When project specifications
are explicitly set and defined early by an owner, proposers will investigate possible cost
savings by unique project delivery, in the absence of an opportunity to innovate.
Owners should know that proposers will offer alternative designs, and owners should
know how much deviation from the RFP will be allowed. Comparing similar technical
solutions is more straightforward and objective than comparing unique technical solu-
tions. Comparing different technical solutions is more complex and subjective, but may
bring more value to the project and owner.
Project management and delivery methodology. In nearly all RFPs, proposers are asked
to provide a description of the philosophy, approach, and methodology for DB delivery
of the project, and to identify key design and construction milestones and submittals for
the project. On all DB projects, the speed with which a project is constructed plays an
important role in achieving the benefits of alternative delivery. The following topics are
usually also requested in the RFP.
1. Design sequence and management: The main issue with design sequence is the
opportunity for owners to provide comments and feedback during the design.
When using the progressive DB approach, design deliverables and reviews
should occur at set dates through the design, as it progresses to the establishment
of the project price (i.e., guaranteed maximum price or lump sum). When using
the BVS with a lump-sum price, the owner can review and comment on design
deliverables but cannot offer or recommend changes to the design unless the
design does not meet the owner's technical requirements.