Practices

Design-Build Contracting

Our Firm regularly advises clients when adapting design-build programs for the first time, updating tested models, or focusing on the delivery of complex, high-value projects.  We have experience with various forms of design-build contracting, including design-build-operate-maintain and progressive design build structures. 

Representative Experience

  • Advised the Chicago Transit Authority on the development of a new model design-build contract for the $2.1 billion Red-Purple Line Modernization project to redevelop four stations and improve two lines.  The resulting contract was the largest in CTA history.
  • Advised New York’s MTA Construction & Development (MTA C&D) on the procurement of a multi-station, all-borough package of Americans with Disabilities (ADA) accessibility upgrades using a design-build-maintain model. 
  • Represented the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority on a procurement to replace the Mount Vernon Viaduct using a design-build approach.  The existing viaduct spans the largest intermodal rail yard in California’s Inland Empire. 
  • Advised the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) in connection with its Ultimate Urban Circulator (U2C) program.  The U2C program will covert and expand an existing automated people mover system known as the Skyway into a city-wide autonomous vehicle public transportation network.  As part of this, we advised JTA on procurement of Phase 1 of the U2C, the Bay Street Innovation Corridor, as a progressive design-build-operate-maintain plus autonomous vehicle supply structure.
  • Advised the City of Wichita on the procurement of a new water treatment facility through a progressive design-build-operate-maintain project delivery structure, including the negotiation of an EPA WIFIA loan to finance the project.  This was the second largest progressive design-build water project in the U.S.
  • Advised New York’s MTA Construction & Development (MTA C&D) in connection with standardization of documentation and approaches for design-build procurements.  Recognizing that the MTA has not historically used design-build contracting in the manner in which it is undertaken in other jurisdictions, this work involves advising MTA C&D on approaches to integrate appropriate standard practice with legacy approaches and documentation.