Design-Build (DB)
Under the DB delivery method, the owner enters into a single agreement with the DB contractor to provide both the design and the construction. The owner will outline the project criteria and identify the project requirements. The owner can also either negotiate a design build contract amount with a pre-selected contractor or get proposals from multiple contractors.
Design-Bid-Build (DBB)
A traditional project delivery method with two separate contracts: one between the owner and design firm, and another with the contractor. The process has three phases: design by an architect or engineer, selecting a contractor through bidding, and construction by the chosen contractor.
Since the contractor isn’t involved in the design phase, input on construction may be limited. However, DBB can be customized or negotiated to fit specific project needs.
Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR)
In the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) method, the owner selects a construction manager based on experience and past project performance. The initial agreement is for pre-construction services, where the CMAR helps with budgeting, scheduling, phasing, constructability reviews, value engineering, and preparing a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) proposal. The CMAR charges a negotiated fee, added to the cost of work, to determine the final contract amount.
Construction Manager as Agent (CMA)
The CMA is hired as a consultant to the owner and provides contract administration as well as oversight of construction activities. Multiple bid package contractors are hired directly by the owner to perform all direct construction activities.
