Construction Project Delivery Methods Comparison 2025: DBB vs DB vs CM
Compare construction project delivery methods. Learn the differences between Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build, CM/GC, and other delivery approaches for government contracts.
Quick Answer: Which Delivery Method is Best?
It depends on your project priorities. Design-Bid-Build offers low price through competition but takes longest. Design-Build is fastest with single-point accountability. CM/GC provides early contractor involvement and flexible pricing. Each has tradeoffs between cost, schedule, risk, and owner control.
Design-Bid-Build (DBB)
The traditional method with sequential design, bidding, and construction:
How DBB Works
Phase 1: Design
Owner hires designer to complete 100% construction documents.
Phase 2: Bid
Competitive bidding among contractors on completed design.
Phase 3: Build
Selected contractor builds per the documents.
Advantages
- ✓ Competitive pricing
- ✓ Clear scope before bidding
- ✓ Owner controls design
- ✓ Well-understood process
- ✓ Easy to compare bids
Disadvantages
- ✗ Longest overall schedule
- ✗ No contractor input in design
- ✗ Change order risk from design issues
- ✗ Adversarial relationships possible
- ✗ Lowest price may not be best value
Design-Build (DB)
Single entity responsible for both design and construction:
How DB Works
Phase 1: RFP
Owner defines requirements and performance criteria.
Phase 2: Selection
Best value selection of design-builder team.
Phase 3: Execute
Design-builder completes design and construction.
Advantages
- ✓ Fastest delivery schedule
- ✓ Single point of accountability
- ✓ Early cost certainty possible
- ✓ Design/construction integration
- ✓ Reduced owner administration
Disadvantages
- ✗ Less owner control of design
- ✗ Price comparison difficult
- ✗ Requires detailed criteria documents
- ✗ Design quality concerns
- ✗ Higher proposal costs
CM/GC and CMAR
Construction Manager/General Contractor brings contractor expertise during design:
How CM/GC Works
Phase 1: Selection
Select CM/GC based on qualifications early in design.
Phase 2: Preconstruction
CM provides estimating, scheduling, and constructability input.
Phase 3: Construction
Convert to GMP or lump sum for construction phase.
Advantages
- ✓ Contractor input improves design
- ✓ Better cost certainty through process
- ✓ Collaborative relationships
- ✓ Owner retains design control
- ✓ Flexible GMP timing
Disadvantages
- ✗ Less price competition
- ✗ GMP negotiation required
- ✗ More complex contracts
- ✗ Higher preconstruction costs
- ✗ Open book pricing concerns
Other Delivery Methods
Integrated Project Delivery (IPD)
Multi-party agreement with shared risk/reward among owner, designer, and contractor from project inception.
- • Highest collaboration
- • Aligned incentives
- • Complex contracting
- • Requires mature partners
Job Order Contracting (JOC)
Indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for repetitive work using pre-priced unit price book.
- • Fast task order execution
- • Pre-negotiated pricing
- • Best for smaller projects
- • Less suited for complex work
Multi-Prime
Owner contracts directly with multiple trade contractors, managing coordination themselves or through CM.
- • Direct trade relationships
- • Eliminates GC markup
- • Higher owner risk
- • Complex coordination
Progressive Design-Build
Hybrid combining early design-builder selection with progressive pricing through design development.
- • Earlier collaboration
- • More owner input than DB
- • Progressive cost refinement
- • Flexible off-ramp options
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | DBB | DB | CM/GC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Schedule | Longest | Fastest | Middle |
| Price Competition | Highest | Limited | Negotiated |
| Design Control | Full | Limited | Full |
| Change Order Risk | Higher | Lower | Lower |
| Collaboration | Lower | Moderate | Highest |
| Owner Expertise Required | Moderate | High | High |
Choosing the Right Method
Match the delivery method to project needs:
Selection Guidance
Choose DBB When:
Clear, well-defined scope; lowest price is priority; schedule is flexible; owner has strong design team; standard construction; budget certainty needed before construction starts.
Choose DB When:
Fast schedule is critical; single point of accountability desired; performance criteria are clear; owner comfortable with less design control; innovative solutions welcome.
Choose CM/GC When:
Complex project benefits from contractor input; owner wants design control; budget needs refinement through design; collaboration valued; phased construction may be needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which method is cheapest?
DBB typically yields lowest bid price due to competitive bidding. However, total project cost including change orders may favor DB or CM/GC for complex projects.
Can federal agencies use all these methods?
Yes. Federal agencies have authority to use DBB, DB, and CM at-Risk delivery methods. Selection should be based on project needs and documented rationale.
How do I bid on different delivery methods?
DBB: Compete on price with completed design. DB: Propose design concept and price, often best value. CM/GC: Compete on qualifications and fee, then negotiate GMP.
Which method has the most opportunities?
DBB remains most common, especially for public projects. DB is growing rapidly. CM/GC usage varies by region and owner. Diversify your capabilities to pursue all methods.
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