Project Delivery Method ComparisonProject Delivery MethodDescriptionStructure / ScheduleAdvantagesDisadvantages / RiskDesign-Bid-BuildDesign-BuildConstruction Manager at Risk (CM@Risk)Design-AssistJob Order ContractingOften referred to as the traditional contracting method, this is the approach that most public project owners are familiar with. This is a linear process in which one task follows another with no overlap whatsoever. Plans are developed to 100% completion and the project is advertised for bid. Contractors bid the project exactly as designed and the work is awarded to the lowest bidder.Under the Design-Build method a single entity provides for both the design and construction of the project (the owner contracts the architect/engineering frm at the same time as the contractor, as a team). This usually requires plans to be at 25-30% completion, and is a non-linear process in which design and construction overlap. This usually employes a two-phase qualifcations based procurement (RFQ/RFP). The Design-builder provides a lump sum bid.Construction Manager at Risk allows the owner to select the contractor to manage the construction of the project prior to completion of the design - and based on qualifca-tions. The contractor works with the owners previously-chosen engineer to complete the design and provide realistic cost estimates. The contractor is paid a fee for its services during the design phase of the project, and pro-vides the owner with a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) and a date-certain schedule. The CM@Risk then solicits proposals from subcontractors in much the same manner (see Design-Assist below). Budget savings are usually shared between the owner and CM@Risk.Project OwnerStructureEngineerSubcontractorsScheduleDesign Bid ConstructContractorProject OwnerStructureSubcontractorsScheduleSelect Design ConstructEngineer / ContractorProject OwnerStructureSubcontractorsScheduleSelect DesignEngineer CM@RiskConstructProject OwnerStructureSubcontractorsScheduleDesignEngineer ContractorConstructJob Order Contracting is best suited when the project owner has a need for multiple projects (schedule sensi-tive, repairs, alterations, renovations, expansions, etc.) to be performed in a specifc project area or specifc project atmosphere that would beneft from specifc project or project management expertise. The Job Order Contractor (JOC) becomes a partner to the project owner, is respon-sive and basically on-call for project needs within the defned contract scope.Traditional, well-known delivery methodSimple procurement process to manageDefned scopeLowest price acceptedGood for simple, uncomplicated projectsthat are not schedule-driven and notsubject to changeSelect DesignConstructLinear process equals longer scheduleNo control over contractor selectionNo control over subcontractor selectionNo design or cost input from contractorLack of fexibility for changeCan create adversarial relationshipsNot very well suited for complicatedprojects that are sequence, schedule orchange-sensitiveSingle point of accountability for designand constructionEnables fast-track delivery becauseconstruction begins before design iscompleteProject cost defned early in the processDesign-Build frm controls contingencyNot suited for small projectsRequires additional design effortChange management may be expensiveContractor (CM@Risk) is selected on qualifcationsEarly CM@Risk involvement in designCollaborative approach, partnershipGMP early in the projectCM@Risk responsible for delivery of theproject on time and within budgetEnables fast track deliveryGood for large, complex, schedule-drivenprojectsOwner and CM@Risk control contingency jointlyNot suited for small projectsOwner / owner representative mustactively participate in contingencymanagementContractor is selected on qualifcationsEnables fast track deliveryReduced up front cost and timeLess expensiveFewer changesIncentive for higher qualityTrade subcontractor may perform as JOCPerception of threat to in-house staffRequires teamwork to reach potentialNeed trained owner personnel to bestadminister contractDesign Assist is a collaborative team-oriented project delivery method that capitalizes on the ben-efts of early engagement of Design-Assist subcontractors. Using this process the project team is able to utilize the specialty expertise of subcontractors in both the design and construction phases to optimize project cost, value and constructability effciency.Enables fast track deliveryReduced design errors and omissionsBetter control of design creepBest value options and systems analysisRequires teamwork to reach potentialRequires implementation of qualifcation- based subcontractor selection process