Alternative Project Delivery - Texas Water Development Board

ISSUES CHECKLIST
Introduction
The delivery of water and wastewater treatment facilities has historically been based
on the concept of Design-Bid-Build (DBB). As the water market changes (i.e., stricter
regulations; water industry globalization and privatization; and aging facilities needing
major capital investments), increased interest in public/private partnerships within the
industry has resulted in the use of alternative project delivery methods. Provided
below is a list of the benefits and concerns of the traditional DBB approach and two
alternative delivery methods that are increasingly being used to deliver services:
Design-Build (DB) and Design-Build-Operate (DBO). In addition, we have provided
a description, including diagrams, to illustrate the differences between the traditional
and alternative delivery methods.
"What You Should Know"
Design-Bid-Build (DBB)
Benefits:
• This method has been accepted, tested and is well understood by stakeholders;
• Sequential project phasing provides significant opportunities for public
review/consideration; and
• The owner usually relies on the engineer to review the contractor's compliance
with the design requirements. This check and balance approach helps to protect
the owner's interest.
Areas of Concern:
• Sequential project phasing typically results in a longer project schedule than other
alternative project delivery approaches;
• The design engineer has few incentives to promote innovative technologies; and
• Risks associated with the failure of a facility to perform in accordance with the
owner's needs reside primarily with the owner.
Design-Build (DB)
Benefits:
• Single point of accountability for design and construction;
Issues Checklist