Status of Design-Build in the US Water and Wastewater Sectors - Design-Build for Water and Wastewater Projects - page 34

evaluation initially resulted in some initial progress delay and costs, they ultimately
allowed the design-builder to control acquisitions and reduce overall schedule. This
approach allowed the design-builder to negotiate and acquire 17 easements, includ-
ing federal and state land parcels, in a timely manner.
To meet the budget, schedule, and quality goals, bids for the long lead items
were obtained prior to completion of the project's design. There were three pipe-
line alternatives, and valves were needed for pipeline isolation. Plug valves are typi-
cally considered too expensive; however, the design-builder prepared a technical
and monetary analysis comparing plug valves against conventional gate or butterfly
valves, and the plug valves proved to have lower long-term maintenance and the best
reliability.
In addition to these technical approaches, the design-builder prepared early
designs to obtain approval for the jack-and-bore operation under the Union Pacific
Railroad. This allowed construction to begin before the entire pipeline was designed.
Why the Owner Chose Design-Build
The TOG and COC are both experienced in the use of alternative project delivery
methods, including both DB and construction management at risk (CMAR). They
identified the various project risks, which included a fixed completion date, and
determined that these risks could be best managed by a DB approach.
Lessons Learned
The design-builder enlisted the services of an area public communications special-
ist to help facilitate the innovative processes that were used for the acquisition of
easements for the pipeline. This specialist helped minimize any miscommunications
about the project. A team-building approach was also used to establish the relation-
ship between the owner and design-builder. A strong working relationship was valu-
able when working through very complicated and sometimes emotional issues. This
collaborative relationship served as the “glue” to achieving the fast-track easement
acquisitions and phased construction schedule.
Success Outcomes
This project's success, including on-time and on-budget completion, is a tribute to
the DB contractual framework and its flexibility in assigning and managing risks.
It is also a tribute to the owner and design-builder collaborative relationship, which
led to an innovative approach to managing and sharing in the risk that is unique to
pipeline projects.