Design-build contract award methods for transportation projects

A nationwide survey of state Departments of Transportation (DOTs) found that 15 states are using design-build (DB) to procure highway construction projects. Analysis of their methods yielded three different systems to advertise and award DB highway projects. The methods are low-bid DB, adjusted score DB, and best value DB. The paper details the three methods and compares their strengths and weaknesses. It is concluded that each method is a valid system for procuring highway construction projects and that each method can be matched with certain project characteristics to optimize the project delivery method with respect to the salient aspects of the project.