Design-Bid-Build

The traditional project delivery system in the United States where the owner contracts with a design entity to provide “complete” design documents and solicits the low bid from general contractors to perform the work. Following award of the project, the general contractor enters into a contract with the owner to construct the project in accordance with the plans and specifications. The general contractor will subcontract all or part of its work to subcontractor specialties.

General contractors are often selected by price only and have little opportunity to offer the owner alternative design options that would improve or add value to the project.