Yesterday, the Design Build Institute of America (DBIA) released three position statements that were approved during the April 19, 2010 meeting of its Board of Directors. According to its website, DBIA promotes the value of design-build project delivery systems and teaches the effective integration of design and construction services. DBIA’s position statements on these issues include the following:
Best Value Selection
- DBIA recommends that the basis for evaluating “best value” design-build proposals should be “clearly articulated by the owner in the request for proposals” and “used in making the award.”
- Specific evaluation criteria should allow design-builders who are competing for the award to provide proposals that maximize benefits and optimize solutions to the owner’s needs.
Qualifications in Selection of a Design-Builder
- DBIA recommends that the predominant factor in the selection criteria should be the design-build team’s qualifications rather than the proposed bid, estimate or price charged.
- According to DBIA experiences, the lowest initial contract price does not necessarily equate to the best value to the owner.
Integrated Project Delivery (IDP)
- IDP refers broadly to an approach in which key participants collaborate on the project from inception to completion.
- DBIA “actively” promotes integrated project delivery principles.
- Although the IPD multi-party model seeks to achieve effective project integration, DBIA believes that most owners will find traditional design-build to be a more flexible and practical option.
The full text of the DBIA position statements as approved by its Board can be found on its “Position Statements” website.