Process model for public sector design-build planning

Design-build contracting is becoming an increasingly viable alternative to traditional contracting techniques in the public sector. This interest has led to dialogue among public sector agencies for establishing greater understanding of the design-build process and its implementation. The present paper discusses results of recent research conducted to develop a formalized model for public sector design-build. The model includes identifying (1) Sequential, concurrent, and hierarchical management activities; (2) management decisions required throughout the process; and (3) relationships between activities and decisions required to plan the project. The five phases of design-build planning presented in the model include identifying facilities for design-build, performing project coordination, developing the request for proposal, performing proposal evaluation, and conducting contract administration. Though the scope of the research is primarily design-build contracting for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Military Construction Army program, it can be generalized to other public sector agencies.