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Contracting and Contract Administration

Aerial view of Rouge River highway section.
Department of Transportation

Contracting and Contract Administration

Innovative Contracting Best Practices


Project Number: SPR-1694

Contract Number: 2020-0222

Status: Complete

Start Date: 02/01/2020

End Date 03/31/2021

Summary:

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has been using innovative contracting methods to deliver projects for several years. While these innovative delivery practices save time and reduce costs, the potential benefits of alternative delivery have not been fully realized. This research focuses on identifying best practices from owners across the country, evaluating the effectiveness of the best practices and determining barriers and solutions to successfully incorporate the best practices into MDOT's program. The research included conducting a literature review of published academic research and other Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) publications, hosting a peer exchange event, conducting a survey of other owners regarding their innovative contracting programs, and conducting an industry outreach effort to obtain open feedback from contractors and engineers who have participated in MDOT's program. The data collected from the research are used to conduct a gap analysis comparing the existing state of MDOT's program to the identified best practices. The analysis determined what MDOT is currently doing well, identified areas that could be enhanced and highlighted best practices to include in MDOT's program. The results of the gap analysis are used to make programmatic updates to MDOT's Innovative Construction Contracting Guide and Design-Build and Construction Manager/General Contractor manuals. 

 

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Research Manager Project Manager Performing Organization
 Staff photo of Michael Townley    WSP logo
 Michael Townley  Ryan Mitchell  WSP Inc.