Step 7: Select Delivery Method/Project Implementation

Comparison tables of project delivery and procurement methods

There is no “right” procurement method for Bridge Bundling projects. The exact method chosen will depend on several factors, most notably: (I) State and local legislation, (II) the number and complexity of bridges included in the project, and (III) the amount of risk that each party is willing to accept to complete the project. The following table, adapted from the FHWA’s Bridge Bundling Guidebook, compares the main procurement methods used in the past to deliver Bridge Bundling projects: Design-Bid-Build (DBB), Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC), Design-Build (D-B), and Public-Private Partnerships (P3):

CATEGORIES D-B-B CM/GC D-B

P3
Program Goals
  • Agency retains design risk
  • Traditional delivery
  • Maintain control of final product
  • Risk allocation to party best equipped to handle
  • Contractor innovation
  • Bundle bridges with complex components
  • Transfer risks to contractor
  • Increase capacity of bridge program
  • Contractor Innovation
  • Transfer risk to private developer
  • Operations, long-term maintenance
  • Contractor Innovation
Project Characteristics
  • Similar bridge types
  • Simple designs
  • Third-party issues resolved before advertisement
  • Bridges that owners might avoid in a bridge bundle due to complexities
  • Significant third-party involvement
  • “Out of the box” thinking required
  • Simple bridges for time savings
  • Complex bridges for innovation
  • At least some third-party involvement (ROW, Environmental, Utilities, Railroads, etc.)
  • Simple bridges for time savings
  • Complex bridges for innovation
  • At least some third-party involvement (ROW, Utilities, Environmental, Railroads, etc.)
  • Bridge maintenance
  • Variety of work types
Procurement Methods
  • Low Bid
  • Best Value
  • QBS
  • GMP
  • Best Value
  • QBS
  • Low Bid
  • Best Value
  • QBS

QBS = Qualification-Based Selection
GMP = Guaranteed Maximum Price

Design-Bid-Build

The following section provides a higher-level overview of the process and common documents used in two delivery methods for Bridge Bundling projects: (I) Design-Bid-Build, and (II) Design-Build.

Design Build Approach

Sample Documents

The RFP is a document that outlines the scope of work, requirements, and expectations for the project. It includes information such as the project schedule, budget, design standards, and evaluation criteria.

The bridge design documents include the detailed engineering plans and specifications for the bridge. These documents should conform to applicable design standards and regulations.

The bid documents include the RFP, bridge design documents, and any additional information needed for bidders to prepare a proposal, such as geotechnical reports or environmental impact assessments.

This document outlines the requirements for bidders to qualify for the project, such as financial stability, experience, and past performance.

The contract documents specify the terms and conditions of the contract between the owner and the successful bidder. These documents typically include the contract agreement, general conditions, special provisions, and any other relevant documents.

The construction drawings provide detailed instructions for the construction of the bridge. These drawings should be based on the approved bridge design and include information such as materials, dimensions, and construction details.

The project schedule outlines the timeline for the project, including key milestones and deadlines for completion.

The Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) plan outlines the processes and procedures that will be used to ensure the quality of the construction work. This includes inspections, testing, and other quality control measures.

The safety plan outlines the procedures and protocols that will be used to ensure the safety of workers and the public during construction.

Example of RFQ for Boone – McHenry County Bridge Bundling RFQ Project

Example of RFQ for Boone – McHenry County Bridge Bundling Project

Design-Build Approach

design-build approach

Sample Procurement Documents

The RFQ document outlines a Proposer’s qualifications. RFQs typically evaluate the following criteria:

  • Experience and Qualifications: The RFQ will likely ask for information about the Design-Build team’s experience and qualifications, including their past projects, their team’s credentials, and their ability to deliver the project on time and within budget.
  • Technical Expertise: The RFQ will likely ask for a detailed description of the Design-Build team’s technical expertise and their proposed technical approach to the project, including their methodology, materials and equipment selection, and any innovative solutions they propose.
  • Project Management: The RFQ will likely ask for information about the Design-Build team’s project management capabilities, including their ability to coordinate and manage subcontractors, mitigate risk, and ensure quality control.
  • Financial Stability: The RFQ will likely require the Design-Build team to provide financial information that demonstrates their financial stability and their ability to meet the project’s budget and financing requirements.
  • Safety and Environmental Considerations: The RFQ will likely ask for information about the Design-Build team’s plans for ensuring safety and minimizing environmental impacts during the construction process.
  • References and Past Performance: The RFQ will likely require the Design-Build team to provide references and information about their past performance on similar projects.

The RFQ will likely ask for information about the Design-Build team’s experience and qualifications, including their past projects, their team’s credentials, and their ability to deliver the project on time and within budget.

Sugar Creek Relief Bridge (Logan County, IL)

For proposers that are successfully shortlisted after submitting an RFQ, the next step of the procurement will be to submit an RFP document. The RFP is a detailed document that describes the project requirements in greater detail and provides instructions and guidelines for the preparation and submission of a Design-Build proposal. The RFP will typically evaluate: the proposed solution and approach to deliver the project, including:

    1. Technical approach
    2. Project management
    3. Schedule
    4. Budget
    5. Safety
    6. Environmental considerations
    7. Other factors

Cascade Road Bridge, Sangamon County

Cascade Road Bridge, Sangamon County

The Design-Build Agreement (DBA) outlines the roles, rights and responsibilities between the project’s owner and the successful proposer (who will be referred to as the “Design-Build Team” or “DBT”) upon project award. The DBA may include the following topics:

    1. Definitions, Contract Documents, Interpretation of Contract Documents
    2. General Obligations of DBT; Representations and Warranties
    3. Management Systems and Oversight
    4. Project Planning, Governmental Approvals; Environmental Compliance; Public Information
    5. Right of Way; Utility Adjustments; Use of Owner Property
    6. Design and Construction
    7. Time; Notice to Proceed; Baseline Schedule and Progress
    8. Subcontracting and Labor Practices
    9. Performance and Payment Bonds; Guarantees
    10. Insurance; Risk of Loss; Claims against Third Parties
    11. Assignment of Warranties
    12. Payment for Services
    13. Relief Events
    14. Owner-Directed Changes; DBT Changes; Directive Letters
    15. Third Party Agreements
    16. Suspension
    17. Default; Remedies
    18. Liquidated Damages and Limitation of Liability
    19. Indemnification
    20. Partnering and Dispute Resolution Procedures
    21. Records and Audits; Ownership of Documents and Intellectual Property
    22. Early Termination of Agreement
    23. Miscellaneous Provisions

Technical Provisions

    1. The Technical Provisions outline the project’s technical aspects, specifically:
    2. Description of the Work
    3. Project Management Requirements
    4. Design Requirements
    5. Construction Requirements
    6. Environmental and Hazardous Materials
    7. Right of Way (ROW)
    8. Roadway Location and Design
    9.  Drainage
    10. Maintenance of Traffic (MOT)
    11. Permanent Traffic Control Structures
    12. Geotechnical and Pavement
    13.  Utilities
    14. Aesthetics and Landscaping

Additional Resources

IDOT Innovative Project Delivery Methods