Project Delivery Systems

Public works construction projects in Washington state are procured through a variety of project delivery systems. Not all public agencies in the state are authorized to use all of the methods listed below. If you would like more information about any of these contracting mechanisms, please let me know and I would be glad to either talk with you or write more information about it on this blog.

Design/Bid/Build: The traditional method of contracting for public works project is often referred to as "Design/Bid/Build." The agency hires a separate firm to design the project (usually an architect or engineer). The agency then publicly bids the project, and contracts with the contractor submitting the low responsive bid to build the project. RCW 39.04. Small Works Rosters are a subset of Design/Bid/Build as are Limited Public Works projects (39.04.155).

Design/Build: The agency hires one firm to design and build the project. RCW 39.10.

General Contractor/Construction Manager (GC/CM): The agency hires a contractor early in the design phase to help with constructability reviews, estimating, and value engineering, based on qualifications and some bid prices with the bulk of the contract amount being negotiated. RCW 39.10.340 through 39.10.410.

Job Order Contracting: This method involves hiring a contractor to do work orders based on pricing in a unit price book. RCW 39.10.

Energy Service Companies (ESCO): This method involves hiring a contractor to propose energy savings equipment in public buildings that the contractor guarantees will save energy costs over a specific period of time. RCW 39.35.

Building Engineering Systems: Limited design/build types of projects are permitted for certain work under this law. RCW 39.04.290.