Contracting for Design and Construction Services in the Public Sector

What makes procurement of design and construction services different from procurement of goods and services? Construction projects tend to be bigger, more expensive, more complex, and often more challenging than other procurements. In this timely new book, author John Adler outlines the design and construction procurement process step-by-step. He captures the many changes that have evolved in the industry over the last two decades, including Progressive Design-Build, Construction Manager/General Contractor (CMGC) approaches, and Public Private Partnerships (P3). These and other novel approaches are explored from practical and public procurement best practice perspectives, examining the inherent advantages and disadvantages. This book addresses procurement of design and construction services from a practitioner perspective, capturing specific policies, procedures, and best practices, such as:

• The most common project risks and how responsibility for those risks is allocated through design and construction contracts
• Steps in the project planning process, including capital planning, project management, budgeting processes, and financing tools for construction projects
• Construction project delivery methods, including the traditional design-bid-build, design-build, Construction Manager at Risk, Job Order Contracting, and Public-Private Partnerships
• Qualifications-based selection for design and architectural services and the administration of design contracts
• Selecting a construction contractor
• Contract administration for construction projects
• An overview of social, environmental, and economic issues.

A brief Instructor Guide and PowerPoint slides are included online for those who wish to teach from the book. Contracting for Design and Construction Services is an easy and entertaining read for public procurement practitioners, ranging from entry-level practitioners to seasoned professionals and managers. It's also an important book for public sector project management, construction, and design professionals, as well as businesses wishing to market construction and design services to state and local governments. The text may also serve as a supplemental resource for undergraduate public procurement and supply chain students.