Methods of Accomplishing Design
Methods of accomplishing design projects
There are three methods of accomplishing design projects addressed in the Federal Acquisition Regulation.
Design-Bid-Build
"Design-bid-Build" means the traditional delivery method where design and construction are sequential and contracted for separately with two contracts and two contractors (see FAR 36.102). In Design-Bid-Build an architect-engineer (A-E) firm is selected to design a project and a design contract is awarded to a firm after successful negotiations. The design, provided by the A-E firm, is then incorporated into a solicitation package (normally an Invitation for Bids) and a construction contract is awarded as a result of that solicitation. The design contract and the construction contract are two distinct contracts awarded separately and independently of one another.
Design-Build
"Design-build" means combining design and construction in a single contract with one contractor (see FAR 36.102). In the Design-Build process one firm is selected and is responsible for both the design and construction of the project. The firm that is awarded the contract will be responsible for both the design and the construction. Only one contract is awarded for the project. (In the Design-Bid-Build process, two contracts are awarded to accomplish the project, the design and then the construction contract). Design-Build contracts are awarded as a result of FAR Part 15 source selection procedures and not the Brooks Act FAR Part 36 procedures.
Design competition
Design competition is a type of Design-Bid-Build; however, it is addressed separately in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR 36.602-1(b)). Design competition is a process which is normally only used in unique situations involving prestigious projects, such as the design of memorials and structures of unusual national significance. In design competition firms and/or individuals are invited to submit an actual concept of what the project will look like and the selection is made based upon those submitted concepts. The agency head or a designee must approve the use of the design competition process.