The following is a brief overview of the major types of project design and construction delivery options typically used at the University of Nebraska. The choice of which delivery option to use on a particular project depends on many factors, including scope, schedule, budget, funding sources, etc.
Design-Bid-Build (DBB)
This is the traditional and most well-known process, with design, bidding, and construction performed in separate, sequential steps. Construction contract is awarded to the lowest responsive bidder.
Design-Build (DB)
Design and construction services are provided under a single Design-Build (DB) contract. A DB contract is awarded on the basis of price and qualifications, in a two-step selection process.
Construction Manager at Risk (CMR)
This option can be viewed as a combination of DBB and DB methods. Architect and engineering (A/E) services are contracted directly, as with DBB. However, construction is performed through a Construction Manager at Risk (CMR), who generally joins the project team simultaneously with the design team and provides useful design input. The CMR works with Capital Construction and the A/E through design and then bids and manages subcontracts to complete the work.
The CMR must complete the project within an agreed-upon Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) amount, or else is “at risk” to cover the additional costs.
Unit-Price Contracts
This option uses open-end construction contracts with general contractors and/or trade specialists who are pre-selected and qualified, then awarded individual project contracts by a competitive process.
These contractors then perform multiple small to medium projects as necessary over the course of the contract duration.