ABSTRACT
Seawater desalination projects can be implemented using a number of contracting methods, which can be summarized into three key categories design-bid-build, design-build-operate, and build-own-operate-transfer. The project delivery method is most suitable for owners that have prior experience with the permitting and implementation of seawater desalination projects and operation of desalination plants. The type of selected project delivery method often has a significant influence on project costs and therefore deserves considerable attention. For project areas where the actual performance and costs are lower than the initially set targets, both parties share the monetary benefits. The construction contractor procurement process under the Construction Manager at Risk method of project delivery. The design-build (DB) contractor procurement process includes the development of performance specifications by the owner’s engineer followed by preparation of procurement documents and bid advertisement. The contractor bids are opened and the DB contractor is selected based on the lowest cost bid.
