Procurement methods for US infrastructure: historical perspectives and recent trends

This guidebook describes various project delivery methods for major airport capital projects. The guidebook also evaluates the impacts, advantages, and disadvantages of these various project delivery methods. The project delivery methods discussed include design-bid-build (DBB), construction manager at risk (CMR), and design-build (DB). The guidebook offers a two-tiered project delivery selection framework that may be used by owners of airport projects to evaluate the pros and cons of each delivery method and select the most appropriate method for their project. Tier 1 is an analytical delivery decision approach that is designed to help the user understand the attributes of each project delivery method and whether the delivery method is appropriate for their specific circumstance. Tier 2 uses a weighted-matrix delivery decision approach that allows users to prioritize their objectives and, based on the prioritized objectives, select the delivery method that is best suited for their project. The report will be helpful to airports with determining the most appropriate project delivery methods (e.g., DBB, DB, or CMR) for various types of airport capital projects.

The province of Quebec, Canada, seeks to implement relational alternate project delivery methods to achieve sustainability and energy efficiency in public construction. However, the relational differences between the formal written parts of different delivery methods have yet to be analyzed and understood, as is the case with the relational aspects of contracts and the achievement of sustainable and energy-efficient infrastructure. Using a hermeneutic interpretation of Macneil’s relational contract norms and grounded theory, 26 contracts involving Quebec’s largest public client of vertical infrastructure and representing three different types of project delivery methods (design–bid–build (DBB), design–Build (DB), and construction manager–general contractor/integrated project delivery (CMGC/IPD)) were analyzed using NVivo. It was found that CMGC/IPD is the most relational project delivery method available to Quebec’s public clients, namely because of the public client’s active involvement in the realization process, the increasing complexity of roles, the multitude of common management structures, and the internalization of sustainability measures and conflict resolution. Furthermore, Quebec’s CMGC/IPD was found to be an IPD-ish delivery method, lacking the early involvement of the construction manager and the risk/reward sharing mechanisms necessary to achieve pure IPD status. The findings and theoretical considerations discussed here will help policymakers, contract drafters, and public clients interested in implementing relational contracting practices in public construction projects.

Airport projects are sensitive in terms of security and control over operations. They are usually complex undertakings and require a comprehensive risk analysis. Many airport projects have a phased plan for expansion which equates to simultaneous operation and construction. These distinguishing characteristics affect the choice of project delivery method (PDM) as each PDM provides the airport with its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of risk, control and security. This paper studies the interactions of risk, control and security in airport projects and discusses these interactions in the context of major available PDMs, namely design-bid-build (DBB), design-build (DB) and construction manager at risk (CMR). Several interviews with airport authorities were conducted to ensure the validity of findings. This paper shows that there is no ideal delivery method that can facilitate risk transfer and security measures implementation while giving the owner a high level of control over the project with the lowest possible contract price. The trade-off between risk and control in airport projects is the main focus of the paper.

The demand for commercial interior design and fit-out projects has been increasing steadily, with the Architectural, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry paying more attention to this area due to the demand for commercial sectors such as offices, retail, and hospitality. Limited research is available on commercial interior design and fit-out practices, particularly on the effectiveness of the design-build (DB) project delivery method in dealing with the project objectives, such as timeline, cost, quality, and client satisfaction. This research aims to identify the significance of commercial interior design and fit-out (CIDFO) in the AEC industry in Auckland, New Zealand. It further evaluates the interior design and fit-out processes and the role and effectiveness of the design-build (DB) project delivery method used by companies in delivering fit-out projects, as compared to traditional project delivery methods. This research engages interpretative and social constructionist perspectives to enrich qualitative data analysis by shedding light on the practitioner’s interplay between social context and individual experiences. Data is integrated through semi-structured interviews with practitioners who work within Auckland's CIDFO industry. The findings of this research captured the practitioner's perception of their understanding of the CIDFO in Auckland and the effectiveness of DB on project timeline, cost, quality and client satisfaction. This was based on their project role and experiences. In narrating the meanings and processes of commercial interior design and fit-out, the practitioners drew on their own real-world experiences of situations and the characteristics of the companies they work in. In doing so, this study fills the research gap on commercial interior fit-out practices and processes. It provides insights into why the design-build project delivery method is perceived to be effective and widely used by commercial interior design companies in delivering fit-out projects. The study will be important for interior designers, architects, builders, and project managers in evaluating the effectiveness of the design-build project delivery method in delivering commercial interior design and fit-out projects.

The purpose of this paper is to outline strategies of sustainable stormwater management design and innovation for private developments and public infrastructure projects in urban areas. This paper will focus on urban stormwater management, with several examples of private and public projects recently completed that implement sustainable stormwater management design. Through examination of specific projects this paper will assist the audience in understanding current local trends for sustainable stormwater management, provide information on local agency requirements for their implementation, and foster a discussion of techniques to change the current way of thinking in their application in public and private infrastructure projects. This paper is based on the authors’ experience as an engineer and designer of sustainable stormwater management systems as well as review of current literature addressing sustainable stormwater management. I. Introduction Managing stormwater has been part of human’s interaction with their environment for millennia. Humans have used numerous methods to prevent damage from flooding and erosion caused by stormwater during rainfall events. Typical stormwater management controls consist of structural and non-structural elements that contain and convey stormwater during a rain event. These typical stormwater management controls can consist of wet and dry detention basins, large pipes, and concrete structures. Recently, new practices of managing stormwater have begun to develop that place the focus on preserving and maintaining the natural hydrology within a watershed. Maintaining and replicating natural hydrology provides sustainable benefits that include reductions in pollutant and nutrient loading to existing watersheds, groundwater recharge, decreasing erosion, and lowering the burden on existing sewer and stormwater management infrastructure. The new practice and understanding of stormwater management can be seen in large metropolitan areas in the United States such as Chicago, Los Angeles, and Seattle, as well as smaller municipalities and local communities (Newell, et al. 2012). In particular, the City of Chicago and surrounding area have recently developed codes and requirements that promote sustainable stormwater management for new developments within their jurisdiction. Examining the current trend in Chicago will

Appropriate project delivery method (PDM) is vital to ensure good performance of construction project. For decades, numerous researches have been conducted to develop a structured and descriptive decision-making framework for selecting an appropriate PDM. However, the adoption of structured and descriptive decision-making in selecting PDM in the construction industry is still understudied, especially in the Malaysian public sector. Thus, this paper attempts to investigate the practices and constraints of the Malaysian public sector in PDM selection for construction projects. This paper adopts an interpretive approach by conducting in-depth literature reviews of the numerous related researches, government policy and guidelines of PDM selection. This paper also assesses the effectiveness of the current PDM selection practices based on previous study findings and reports on PDM performance. Findings indicate that the traditional delivery method is prevalent PDM in most Malaysian public-funded construction projects. The Malaysian public sector has practised authoritarian and prescriptive decision-making governed by the government procurement guidelines in selecting PDM, which intentionally preserves political interests. Inappropriate PDM selection in project execution has produced an unconvincing performance by showing optimism bias on the expected outcome. The Malaysian public sector needs to improve the decision-making process by introducing a structured and descriptive PDM selection framework to derive better outcomes and convincing results. Thus, this paper is significant in improvising the decision-making mechanism in selecting appropriate PDM for the Malaysian public construction project.

The project delivery method has a great impact on project performance and construction quality. The numerous studies on the project performance of the two project delivery methods, design-bid-build (DBB) and design-build (DB), have found differing results depending on the project locations, the project types, and the project sizes. Since no previous studies have been conducted with regard to large-sized apartment housing projects, this paper presents the comparative analysis results for the project performance of the DB and DBB methods, focusing on the large-sized public apartment housing projects built in Korea. The project performances considered include cost, cost growth, construction duration, construction duration growth, and quality performance. The cost and schedule performance analysis results show that the cost growth of the DB method is about 5% lower than that of the DBB method and the construction duration is shortened by twelve days per floor. The quality performance analysis results demonstrate that the satisfaction with the DB method is higher in terms of the construction quality and efficiency of the DB method. This paper contributes to the growing body of research into the efficiency of project delivery methods, expanding the body of knowledge for large-sized public apartment housing projects.

Even though the design-build (DB) delivery method has become a popular construction project delivery method in many countries, it is relatively rare in Taiwan. This study investigates the problems and difficulties that Taiwanese owners may encounter during using DB delivery methods. Twenty six problems over the four key stages of the DB process were first identified based on previous studies and expert interviews. A questionnaire survey was then conducted to determine the most pressing problems for Taiwan. The results of statistical analyses show that Taiwanese owners face key problems at all stages of the DB delivery method, especially during the tender preparation and valuation stages. These findings can be used by Taiwanese owners for successfully executing DB projects.

Design build (DB) is a construction project delivery system which has become one of the favored ones and the growth of DB by the public agencies has been steadily increasing. DB can be viewed as an evolutionary project delivery system, since DB project team members collaborate on work with each other, keep seeking cost effective and innovative alternatives that meet the construction needs of the project. Thus DB outperformed others in delivery speed, cost saving, and turnover quality. In Korea, DB projects likewise have steadily increased that it is needed to analyze characteristics of DB delivery system in Korea. For that purpose, this research would offer an analysis of characteristics of DB delivery system in Korea by investigating the public market trend, comparing DB performance to DBB, and analyzing questionnaire survey.

Alternative Project Delivery Methods (APDMs) are increasingly being recognized as effective alternatives to the traditional Design-Bid-Build (DBB) approach for transportation projects. As APDMs gain traction among California’s transportation agencies, understanding the legislative frameworks that enable their use and the characteristics of each method is critical. This study benchmarks the existing use of APDMs in California transportation agencies of varying types and sizes, while considering the characteristics (advantages and barriers/challenges to implementation) of each APDM and the authorizations enabling its implementation. Based on these findings, it also provides recommendations for key factors to consider in APDM selection and implementation. The study used a four-pronged mixed-methods approach, including a literature review, content analysis of 30 APDM-related bills (1999–2024), a statewide agency survey, and eight in-depth case studies. Findings reveal growing legislative support for broader APDM adoption with fewer restrictions than in the past, but findings also highlight disparities in implementation between agencies of different types (e.g., state vs. county agencies). Public and private sectors show differing levels of APDM maturity (experience and readiness) and future adoption plans, with greater interest in the Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC) and Progressive Design-Build (PDB) methods than Design Build (DB). Key barriers include limited internal capacity, legislative constraints, and a lack of staff training, particularly among smaller agencies. The study also identifies a strong need for industry-wide awareness and strategic method selection based on project complexity and agency readiness. This study contributes actionable recommendations for legislators, agencies, and contractors to support effective APDM implementation. It lays the groundwork for future research into the effect of agency governance structures and decision-making cultures on APDM implementation and the development of tools to assess agency readiness and support informed APDM selection. This report supports the California State Transportation Committee (CSTC) and the State Legislature's decisions by providing a state-of-the-art exploration of the APDMs used in California and can help shape future APDM legislative directions. By helping agencies understand different project delivery methods, this research supports faster, more cost-effective, and higher-quality transportation projects that better serve California communities.

Integrating Research Findings into Sustainable Building Delivery Teaching

This report documents the results of the second Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP 2) R07 project to develop and implement performance specifications for rapid highway renewal. The project adopted a broad definition of performance specifications to address not only the performance of the physical products of construction (including pavements, bridges, and earthwork) but also contractor performance in terms of time, safety, work zone traffic control, and other important project parameters. Performance specifications were considered in the context of different project delivery methods— including design-bid-build and design-build—and other innovative contracting variations involving warranties or maintenance and operation agreements. The products of the research include guide performance specifications for different application areas and delivery methods that users may tailor to address project-specific goals and conditions. Implementation guidelines were also prepared to accompany the guide specifications. To validate these materials, demonstration projects were conducted for geotechnical and bridge deck applications. The findings of the study generally support the use of performance specifications as a viable option for agencies interested in empowering the private sector to provide creative solutions to save time, minimize disruption, and enhance durability in the interest of rapid renewal.

The construction industry is evolving in how it incorporates construction teams into the planning and design phases, where integrated delivery methods have attracted recent interest due to their various advantages. This paper introduces a new integrated delivery approach, referred to as integrated trade delivery (ITD), that further expands the principles of integrated project delivery (IPD). The ITD model goes beyond IPD by mandating the integration of major trade partners and/or subcontractors to the multiparty agreement and as part of the shared risk and reward framework. Although existing research provided valuable insights into IPD, this paper proposes and explores ITD as a new project delivery method. First, 20 drivers and 20 barriers of ITD were identified. Second, a survey was distributed to assess the likelihood of occurrence and the relative impact of the drivers and barriers. Third, the criticality of each driver and barrier was quantified. Fourth, a statistical analysis was conducted to compare the alignments among various project participant groups. The results showed that the top five drivers to ITD are (1) competent project participants through qualification-based selection; (2) expertise, knowledge, and skill sharing; (3) improved constructability; (4) early involvement of key project participants; and (5) positive working environment and team behavior. The findings also indicated that the top five barriers to ITD are: (1) opposing goals and interests between project participants; (2) uncertainty in project planning and design; (3) financial and cash flow risks due to huge investments and late profits; (4) lack of appropriate distribution of incentive and compensation plans; and (5) involvement of several participants. This study adds to the body of knowledge by being the first research to propose and explore the ITD concept and analyze its drivers and barriers. The findings are expected to inspire further research and practice in this novel area of ITD.

This paper discusses the contradiction between the growing demand for power and the decreasing availability of land for energy infrastructure in India. While energy developers are heavily investing in the construction of new power plants and transmission lines, land acquisition procedures have encountered strong opposition from farmers, leading to a rise in litigation. Drawing on data from Land Conflict Watch, I conducted a comparative case analysis of 67 land conflicts in the power sector and proposed a conceptual definition of energy enclosures, which captures the multi-faceted nature of anti-dispossession struggles. In response to widespread peasant resistance and the emergence of “land wars” against land grabs for both public and private infrastructure projects, the Government of India enacted more “humane, transparent, and participatory” legislation in 2006, 2008, and 2013. These reforms offered a potential opening for more inclusive energy governance. However, the analysis of farmers’ demands, negotiation strategies, and protest repertoires reveals that land acquisition for energy infrastructure still falls short of meeting the procedural, restorative, and redistributive criteria for a just energy transition. Findings suggest that affected communities are increasingly aware that legal advocacy may lead to higher compensation and some protection against harassment and other human rights violations. Nevertheless, the data also show that magistrates often interpret the law based on pre-2013 frameworks, share the developmentalist outlook of project developers, and therefore rarely rule in favor of those harmed by energy enclosures.

Bridges are important links in the US infrastructure system, and various inspection activities at different frequencies are needed to maintain and preserve bridges at an acceptable level of service. Recent guidelines by Federal highway administration (FHWA) have mandated state agencies to inspect and manage bridges at an element level. To obtain element-level inspection data, different resources are needed for mobilizing, cleaning, and accessing all elements of a bridge, creating complication in optimizing resource allocation for inspection activities. This study proposes a simulation-based, easy-to-use planning tool for bridge inspection to effectively estimate the minimum resources required to complete all the FHWA mandated inspections using four attributes (deck area, inspection frequency, structure type and scour critical) from bridge inventory database. The results of the simulation model can show resource utilization under different scenarios, which supports the planning of element-level bridge inspection to ensure optimum resource allocation.