Project Delivery Method Guide
Reading Time:15 minutes
Selecting the right project delivery method is one of the earliest and most important decisions a government can make when planning a capital project. The delivery method affects cost, schedule, risk allocation, staff capacity, vendor participation, and how much flexibility the project team will have as design and construction move forward.
This Quick Read helps project planners understand the tradeoffs between three common project delivery methods: Design-Bid-Build (DBB), Design-Build (DB), and Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR). It offers clear definitions and practical questions to help project teams choose the method that best fits their goals.
Inside, readers will find:
- An overview of DBB, DB, and CMAR, including how each method structures design, construction, risk, and accountability.
- A decision-making framework to help governments assess legal feasibility, schedule constraints, opportunities to phase or parcel work, scope definition, cost certainty, design collaboration, owner engagement, and staff capacity.
Whether your government is planning a new building, transportation improvement, facility upgrade, or other public infrastructure investment, this resource can help your team ask the right questions to make a well-informed decision.