Applying the Work Zone Rule to Design-Build Projects: Key Considerations

Design-Bid-Build v. Design-Build

One of the major differences between the DBB and DB project delivery methods is who assumes the risk during the project. Because of this, the key aspects of the Rule apply to a DBB project differently than they do a DB project. This is due to the different way the roles and responsibilities are handled in the two different delivery methods. Table 1 illustrates the different roles and responsibilities for the Owner/Agency and the Contractor (contractor and consultant - DB team) in both project delivery methods.

Table 1. Comparison of Roles and Responsibilities in Project Delivery Methods

Design-Bid-Build Method	Design-Build Method
Owner/Agency Develop plans and specifications Identify and estimate work zone impacts Identify appropriate transportation management strategies: Temporary traffic control Traffic operations Public information Identify coordination issues (e.g., utilities, enforcement, emergency response, community) and conduct unfront coordination Develop TMP, including Traffic Control Plan (TCP) Include in the PS&E those TMP items that will be implemented by the Contractor Develop and implement public information plan Implement TMP, except those components included in the contract Perform quality assurance, control, and verification, including for maintenance of traffic Monitor and manage work zone impacts during construction - has greater ownership than does the Contractor	Owner/Agency Define requirements for work zone impacts assessment and allowable impacts during construction Define requirements for transportation management strategies: Temporary traffic control Traffic operations Public information Identify coordination issues (e.g., utilities, enforcement, emergency response, community) Develop a Request for Proposal (RFP) that outlines project requirements Assist with public outreach and interagency coordination Perform quality verification, including for maintenance of traffic Provide oversight over monitoring and management of work zone impacts during construction
Contractor Construct the project in accordance with the Owner/Agency plans and specifications Implement the components of the TMP that were included in the contract Coordinate with utilities on field work Provide a safe worksite Monitor and manage work zone impacts during construction, if included in the contract	Contractor Design plans Assess work zone impacts per contract requirements Develop the TMP (including TCP) Construct the project based on the Contractor completed design and TMP Implement TMP Develop and implement public information plan - may share responsibility for public outreach with the Owner/Agency Coordinate with utilities both upfront and during field work Provide a safe worksite Monitor and manage work zone impacts during construction Perform quality control and quality assurance, including for maintenance of traffic

Another major difference between the DBB and DB project delivery methods is how the Agency's requirements are presented to the Contractor. In a DBB project, the construction documents (PS&Es) specifically identify what the contractor is supposed to build, where they should build it, what they should build it with, and what phasing, staging, and traffic control are to be used while constructing the project. In a DB project, the Agency identifies the overall project requirements in the RFP, and the Contractor has the ability to choose the methods to create the construction plans and build the project. This allows the Contractor much greater flexibility to use its own innovations and efficiencies in building the job. For a DB project, the Agency must make sure that it produces an RFP that is very clear and insistent on non-negotiable items, milestones, and safety, quality, and mobility elements, but leaves enough room for the proposer to create a solid proposal with value-added elements and innovative ideas. This balance is generally easier to achieve in a performance-based RFP that focuses on outcomes rather than methods.

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