Determining an appropriate delivery method for highway projects is a complex decision. Thispaper presents a decision support approach to assist highway agencies in evaluating and selectingthe most suitable delivery method for their projects. The approach uses a matrix to considerthree fundamental delivery methods currently in use by the highway industry: design-bid-build(DBB), design-build (DB), and construction manager/general contractor (CM/GC). Theapproach, which is in use by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), includes fourprimary selection factors (delivery schedule, complexity and innovation, level of design, andinitial project risk assessment) and four secondary selection factors (cost, staffexperience/availability, level of oversight and control, and competition and contractorexperience) in the delivery decision. The research identified these eight selection factors, alongwith opportunities and challenges for each delivery method, through literature and tested throughdiscussions and workshops with innovative contracting leaders from the CDOT, the FederalHighway Administration (FHWA), the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC),Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), and the University of Colorado. Theapproach enables an initial risk assessment to occur early in the project development process andprior to the project delivery decision. The project delivery selection matrix promotes a betterunderstanding of project goals, risks, opportunities, and enhances alignment among projectparticipants. The approach has been successfully tested and implemented through eight projectsof varying scope throughout Colorado. This paper presents the project delivery selection matrixalong with an illustrative case study to demonstrate the results. The research provides adefensible and repeatable process for highway agencies to select an appropriate delivery methodfor their projects.
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