Lessons Learned in Design-Build and Construction-Manager-at-Risk Water and Wastewater Project

Abstract

The use of design-build (DB) and construction-manger-at-risk (CMAR) delivery methods have increased significantly in water and wastewater projects. Water and wastewater owners are at the forefront of using these alternative delivery methods in their projects. These owners have also developed contract documents and owners’ manuals related to the use of these delivery methods in both water and wastewater projects. Therefore, these owners and their staffs are highly experienced in using these alternative delivery methods. For this reason, the authors conducted an interview with 15 project managers (PMs) to identify lessons learned related to the contract procurement, design, construction, operation, and maintenance phases of these projects. The PMs were asked about how DB and CMAR projects can be procured and implemented so that there is a lower probability of disputes or claims on the projects. This study collected lessons learned from each phase of the projects that will be useful for PMs toward implementing these delivery methods in their future projects without having claims and/or disputes. Recommendations regarding key factors to be considered during all phases of the projects, in order to make DB and CMAR projects more successful, will also be discussed.