Public-Sector Design/Build Evolution and Performance

TLDR

Design/build project delivery is expanding in both private and public sectors, driven by owners moving away from traditional design/bid/build and marking a fundamental shift from competitive low‑bid procurement in the public sector. The study aims to investigate and formalize new design/build guidelines and practices prompted by changes in federal procurement laws and the evolving public‑sector design/build landscape. The authors analyze 104 completed public‑sector design/build projects, examining owner experience, design completion level, design/builder selection, contract type, award method, and process variations to trace the rapid evolution of the delivery model. The analysis yields insights for owners, designers, and builders and establishes a design/build benchmark for public‑sector agencies, illustrating the changing procurement system.

Abstract

Design/build project delivery is experiencing expansive growth in both the private and the public sectors. Owners are driving the change away from the traditional design/bid/build method. This change and changes in federal procurement laws necessitate investigation, formalization, and development of new design/build guidelines and practices. Public-sector use of design/build represents a fundamental departure from traditional competitive, low-bid procurement procedures. Understanding the evolution and current trends in public-sector design/build provides a foundation for developing uniform guidelines and practices. This paper describes the rapid evolution of public-sector design/build and analyzes results from 104 completed public-sector design/build projects. The results provide insights for owners, designers, and builders into the changing public-sector procurement system. Items analyzed include owner experience, level of design completion, design/builder selection, contract type, method of award, and design/build process variations. The research conclusions provide a design/build benchmark for public-sector agencies.