CONTENT EXPIRES: December 31, 2025

Progressive Design-Build (PDB) has many advantages as a collaborative project delivery alternative. Many believe that design-build is best for large projects for utilities with large staff who can help oversee the project and not “lose control” of the project. However, despite that common perspective, two smaller utilities in Virginia, each with limited staff, both undertook projects to develop a new intake, raw water pumping station, water treatment plant and finished water piping to connect to their respective distribution systems. Both utilities looked to deliver their projects using the PDB delivery model. Unfortunately, shortly after procuring their respective Design-Builders, both realized that their initial project budgets ($20 to $25 million) were 30 to 50% lower than required to meet their intended scopes of work. Through the course of the preconstruction effort, one Owner moved forward with the GMP that was prepared by the Design-Builder and the other Owner took the off-ramp. This will be a panel discussion with both Owners on the “how” and “why” each project took a different path at the GMP. Owners will discuss what went well, what didn't and what they might do different the next time.