DBIA - Design-Build Institute of America Progressive Design-Build Process Questions and Answers

Question 1

An owner selects the Progressive Design-Build (PDB) delivery method.
A primary reason for this choice is the ability to defer the final price commitment.
At what point in the PDB process is the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) or Lump Sum price typically established?

Accepted Answer

After the design-build team is selected and the design has progressed significantly.

Answer

During the initial RFQ/RFP submission phase.

Answer

Immediately upon contract award for Phase 1 services.

Answer

Once the project reaches 100% construction completion.

Question 2

A key feature of the Progressive Design-Build process is the contractual provision that allows the owner to end the agreement with the design-builder if they cannot mutually agree on the commercial terms for the construction phase. What is this provision commonly called?

Accepted Answer

An 'off-ramp' option.

Answer

A termination for convenience clause.

Answer

A scope validation checkpoint.

Answer

A collaborative design review gate.

Question 3

A public agency is using Progressive Design-Build for a complex wastewater treatment plant. They have selected a design-build team and are currently in Phase 1. Which of the following activities is the primary focus for the integrated owner and design-build team during this phase?

Accepted Answer

Collaboratively advancing the design, defining scope, and performing value engineering.

Answer

Finalizing subcontractor agreements for all major trades.

Answer

Mobilizing construction equipment and beginning site excavation.

Answer

Submitting a firm, fixed price for the entire project.

Question 4

How does the selection process in Progressive Design-Build (PDB) primarily differ from a traditional fixed-price (lump sum) Design-Build procurement?

Accepted Answer

PDB selection is based primarily on the design-builder's qualifications, experience, and team culture.

Answer

PDB selection is based solely on the lowest responsive bid price.

Answer

In PDB, the owner provides a 100% complete design before selecting the builder.

Answer

Traditional Design-Build selection ignores qualifications and focuses only on price.

Question 5

An owner wants to maintain a high degree of involvement and control over design decisions for a new, highly specialized laboratory facility. The project has many unknowns that make it difficult to define the full scope upfront. Why would Progressive Design-Build be a more suitable approach than traditional Design-Build for this owner?

Accepted Answer

It allows the owner to collaborate with the design-builder throughout design development to refine the scope and make key decisions.

Answer

It guarantees the lowest possible construction cost through hard-bid competition.

Answer

It transfers all design and construction risk to the design-builder before design begins.

Answer

It mandates that the owner manages separate contracts for the designer and the contractor.

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the contractual structure of a Progressive Design-Build project?

Accepted Answer

A single contract between the owner and design-builder, often executed in two distinct phases or with two separate, consecutive agreements.

Answer

A multi-party integrated project delivery (IPD) agreement signed by all stakeholders.

Answer

Separate contracts between the owner, architect, and contractor managed by a construction manager.

Answer

A series of lump-sum contracts awarded to the lowest bidder for each phase of construction.