Exploring a Progressive Design-Build Best-Value Delivery Method in Highway Construction

Abstract

Progressive design-build (PDB) is being successfully executed in water and wastewater and airport construction projects. Building on the success in these sectors, highway agencies are judiciously utilizing PDB on a case-by-case basis. Existing best practices suggest qualifications-based selection (QBS) to be the only workable solution, limiting PDB’s use to the five agencies that support PDB with a QBS (PDB/QBS) procurement. Alternatively, 32 states allow for PDB with best-value (PDB/BV) procurement. To broaden PDB’s use, this study presents a detailed case study of the successful execution of PDB/BV Maryland’s $100 million Interstate 270 Innovative Congestion Management (I-270) project. The authors collected pertinent preconstruction documentation and interviewed the I-270 team leaders, including agency representatives, independent estimators, and contractor and designer representatives. In comparing the I-270 PDB/BV process with cited PDB/QBS benefits and challenges, this paper finds that PDB/BV (1) has greater contractor buy-in and collaboration and (2) maximizes project value for money, but (3) requires a more significant proposal development, and (4) potentially reduces innovation and flexibility. The findings from this study may help agencies better understand PDB/BV, increasing the quantity and quality of PDB use nationwide. With PDB being in its infancy in the transportation sector, any ineffective or inadequate execution of PDB may have national ramifications in the form of agencies’ hesitation to use it.