While cost-savings and faster completion are highly desired across any industry, such benefits are particularly important in the public sector. Projects completed for governments, schools, parks and the like are always under close scrutiny, which can make any delay or overrun a public drama. Here's how Design/Build can be used in public construction projects.
More states open to using Design/Build
The draw of Design/Build to public projects hasn't gone unnoticed by local governments, which usually have strict standards and guidelines for contracting purposes. Indeed, as recently as 2016, Missouri officially became the 25th state to pass legislation that would allow for Design/Build firms to be used on public projects. According to Building Design + Construction, The Show-Me State passed Missouri House Bill 2376, which gave authorization for any municipality or school district to contract a single provider for design and construction services. Before, only the largest cities and counties could use Design/Build, but now any public project can seek such partners.
Design/Build reduces costs, schedules and risks
There are several reasons why the tide of support for Design/Build among states has grown, as working with a single contractor can bring a range of benefits to the table, including:
● Better collaboration and coordination:
Planning is easier when there's only one contractor — and that value is amplified by the often high number of stakeholders involved with public projects. The chances of something slipping through the cracks or being misunderstood are greatly reduced when there's only one contractor.
● Cost containment:
As mentioned, project cost is under a microscope in public settings. And when clients are surrounded by multiple design and construction groups, errors and plan tweaks can add up quickly and strain public resources. Having a unified provider, however, means greater attention to expenses.
● Strategic focus:
In design-bid-build, it can seem like one contractor just wants to finish their piece and get out as soon as they can. Comparatively, Design/Build contractors are there for the long haul and can serve in a greater strategic capacity.
As a Design/Build firm with over 30 years of experience, Keystone knows just how beneficial the single contractor framework can be to any project type including public projects. All of the benefits of Design/Build carry over across all project types, making the process a clear fit for public sector clients. Contact us today to learn more about our services and history of work.