When Is Design-Build Project Delivery Appropriate for a Project? - Design-Build for Water and Wastewater Projects - page 52

pressure rating, cost, and constructability. The solution provided substantial savings
to the project.
Why the Owner Chose Design-Build
This project began with an article in the Wichita Eagle newspaper dated June 18,
2002:
…the earthy, musty taste in Wichita's water has returned, but
city officials say it is fading fast and should disappear in a few
days. The culprit, once again, is an algae bloom in Cheney Res-
ervoir, brought on by warm weather, sunlight and excessive
farm chemicals. This is a typical summertime bloom.
Based on input from the Wichita Water Department, the article concluded that the
water was safe to drink, but the city recognized the need to provide an engineered
solution to mitigate the problem. A traditional design-bid-build (DBB) process was
considered, but it could not provide a timely solution.
Not wanting to experience another summer with taste-and-odor issues in the
drinking water, the project was scheduled for completion before summertime water
needs increased. Design-build was the delivery mechanism that could meet that
schedule. The design-builder was able to select nontraditional methods of treatment
very quickly. The approach also allowed for city staff involvement with the process
selection, layout, design, and selection of materials.
Lessons Learned
A few lessons were learned with this project. Some delays occurred with acquiring
permitting, thus clarifying the permitting needs at the beginning of the project is
recommended. The corrosive nature of ozone caused some changes in the scope of
design; thus, it is necessary to be flexible in the design of facilities. A contingency is
necessary from 30 percent design completion to final completion to accommodate
such unforeseen changes. Finally, managing such a complex project to the guaran-
teed maximum price and to the owner's satisfaction requires vigilance of experi-
enced staff.
Successful Outcomes
The ozonation process has greatly improved the quality of drinking water for the
residents of Wichita, and the results have far exceeded the expectations of the water
plant operators. The DB approach provided a quality-assured outcome at an eco-
nomical price and allowed the short schedule demands of the project to be met.
The collaborative team efforts throughout the design and construction were
instrumental in the success of this important project.