CONTENT EXPIRES: December 31, 2025

Defining project goals and communicating their importance through a best value selection process and criteria are well known DB best practices but often present challenges for the owner, and design-build proposers, to truly understand and maximize the project goals. Missouri DOT took the time to develop the project scope and selection criteria with the goal of maximizing the number of bridges replaced in northern Missouri. The list of forty bridges was compiled based on common characteristics and conditions that enabled consistent solutions and efficiencies to maximize project outcomes, while limiting the impacts of market volatility. The fixed price-variable scope selection model provided cost certainty during increasing market volatility and the collaborative team approach allowed the project to remain on schedule during unexpected supply chain disruptions. When proposed steel girders were unattainable within the project schedule due to material availability, the strong collaborative efforts of the team overcame the obstacle. The team’s dedication to innovative solutions, further enhanced the project delivery by simultaneously meeting cost and schedule requirements. Without the use of the design-build delivery method, this project almost assuredly would have failed to meet the cost and schedule requirements.