Is it Time for New Alternative Public Works Contracting Methods?

In the State of Washington, there are three project delivery methods for public works construction contracts that are officially designated as “alternative public works” contracting procedures (chapter 39.10 RCW).

• General Contractor/Construction Manager (GC/CM)
• Design-Build
• Job Order Contracting
  

They are viewed as “alternatives” to the traditional “Design-Bid-Build” of government agencies in the State to procure construction services – where the public agency hires a designer (architect or engineer) to “design” the project by developing detailed design specifications and drawings. Then the public agency advertises and “bids” the project to contractors. The responsible contractor submitting the low responsive bid is awarded the contract and they then “build” the project.

While Design-Bid-Build has been around a long time in the State, it has its inherent problems – always awarding to the low bidder doesn’t always serve the public’s interests. Recognizing this concern, the State Legislature has authorized these three “alternative” project delivery methods for public works construction projects.

But beyond these three alternative project delivery methods, there are other tools that are used in other parts of the country and in the private sector, some of which are getting attention in Washington State. These include the following:

• Best Value Procurement
• Integrated Project Delivery
• Public-Private Partnerships

I will write about each of these other methods in subsequent postings to this blog.