CEMP-E
TI 800-03
1 July 1998
CHAPTER 1
GENERAL
1-1. PURPOSE. The primary intent of this document is to provide instructions for preparing
technical specifications contained in a Request for Proposal (RFP).
a. Specifically, this Architectural and Engineering Instructions (AEI) will:
(1) Ensure that RFP technical specifications for Design-Build (D-B) construction
projects clearly define program/project requirements, performance attributes, performance
factors, submittal procedures, as well as other mandatory requirements such as building
envelopes. The Design-Build process can be applied to all types, sizes, and complexities of
projects. This instruction focuses on the technical preparation of RFP's issued for D-B projects
such as barracks, administration facilities, hangers, pavement, site preparation, and similar
projects. The AEI, "Army Family Housing," provides instructions for family housing projects.
(2) Ensure Corps of Engineers' districts using D-B contracting methods have
instituted good requirements in their Design-Build process so that D-B contractors incorporate
public laws, executive orders, and mandatory design inputs into the final constructed product.
These requirements should ensure all facilities are designed and constructed with the
equivalent quality of traditional Corps of Engineers' constructed facilities.
(3) Identify mandatory Federal, technical, regulatory, fire protection, life safety code,
and quality requirements that must be included in the RFP technical specifications.
(4) Establish a consistency in Corps of Engineers' prepared Design-Build RFP's.
(5) Provide the Corps of Engineers' designers with an understanding of their
involvement in the D-B process so they can contribute to the corporate approach for D-B
acquisition.
1-2. WHAT IS A DESIGN-BUILD ACQUISITION PROCESS?
a. In contrast to the traditional method of design-bid-build where one contractor is
selected for design and one contractor for construction of a project, Design-Build combines
design and construction within a single contract. The D-B method uses competitive evaluation
of technical proposals to select a contractor to design and build the project. For a contract
award, the selection decision may be based on the best value to the Government from the
combination of quality, management expertise, and price, but not necessarily the lowest price.
Another selection method may be based on the lowest priced, technically acceptable proposal.
This second method often is used for smaller scale or less complex projects that do not require
a detailed technical proposal. See ER 1180-1-9, "Design-Build Contracting" for additional
information.
b. Design by the D-B contractor usually takes place before and sometimes during
construction activities in the D-B contract. When a design is being developed concurrent with
1-1
Previous Page
