ABSTRACT
Before beginning to draft either the design agreement or the construction contract, the owner should carefully consider its project delivery method. Each method offers certain advantages and challenges to the owner relative to other methods. This chapter briefly summarizes the major attributes of procurement methods. The major focus is on the extent to which each method benefits the owner. The chapter includes a discussion of project delivery methods that aim at enhanced collaboration between project participants. It discusses one of the most important elements in determining whether an owner-designer and an owner-contractor relationship will work productively. This element is closely associated with the procurement process. There are six common project delivery methods: design-bid-build, design-build, construction manager at risk, fast track, methods seeking enhanced collaboration, and project management consultants. The advantage for the owner of a hiring a project management consultant is it increases the owner's capacity to manage the project.
