The Alternative Delivery Unit oversees the administration of the Design-Build, Construction Manager/General Contractor (CMGC), Progressive Design-Build (PDB), and Express Design-Build (EDB) project delivery methods. These innovative approaches enable the Department to accelerate project completion and reduce costs to taxpayers by integrating design and construction activities more efficiently. Under the Alternative Delivery framework, design, environmental permitting, right of way acquisition, utility coordination, and construction are combined into a single contract. This streamlined structure shortens overall project duration, mitigates cost escalation, minimizes environmental impacts, and reduces travel disruptions for motorists.
The Design-Build process utilizes a two-phase evaluation that includes the shortlisting of qualified teams followed by a best-value selection based on proposed design solutions. The Express Design-Build Program follows a similar two-phase structure but is reserved for bridge replacements and smaller-scale projects, with final selection based on the lowest responsive bid.
The CMGC and PDB methods involve shortlisting contractors through their Letters of Interest (LOIs) and ranking them according to the quality of their Statements of Qualifications (SOQs). Additional obligations or conditions may be required based on the current status and progression of the applicable permits.
The Alternative Delivery Unit is staffed by engineers representing multiple technical disciplines, enabling the efficient development of contracts, thorough review of design plans, and consistent application of fair and objective evaluation criteria.
