The Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) has updated its Design-Build Done Right® Federal Sector Best Practices, offering a comprehensive guide for teams navigating the intricacies of federal project delivery. For these teams, understanding the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and adhering to the right practices can be the key to a successful design-build project, and the updated Federal Sector Best Practices provides that guidance.
Why Best Practices Matter
The new version of the Design-Build Done Right® Federal Sector Best Practices is based on the recently updated Universal Best Practices, keeping pace with the growth and evolution of design-build.
These best practices are firmly grounded in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Office of Management and Budget and Office of Federal Procurement Policy documents. This means these practices are more than just theoretical ideals; they are actionable steps that can be applied to federal projects. In essence, these best practices act as a roadmap, guiding project teams through the complexities of federal project delivery.
The Role of the Acquisition Team
One core concept that underpins these best practices is the role of each member of the Acquisition Team. According to FAR 1.102(d), every team member is expected to exercise personal initiative and sound business judgment to provide the best value product or service that meets the customer’s needs. This philosophy places a strong emphasis on collaborative decision-making and striving for excellence at every stage of the project.
A Collaborative Effort
The update to the Federal Sector Design-Build Done Right® was no small feat. It was led by a dedicated workgroup within the DBIA Federal Markets Committee, comprising current and former senior executives with decades of experience in leading federal agencies’ design-build programs. The working group actively sought input and comments from agencies across the federal sector and diverse organizations working within the federal arena, covering various disciplines such as contracting professionals, builders, specialty subcontractors, professional architects and engineers, technical representatives and attorneys.
This collaborative revision process was designed to provide essential tools to design-build teams, increasing the likelihood of a successful project that not only meets the federal regulations but also the expectations of all stakeholders involved. In essence, these best practices represent the collective wisdom and expertise of a wide spectrum of professionals deeply entrenched in the federal project delivery landscape.
The world of federal project delivery is intricate and demanding, and adherence to the right practices is crucial for success. DBIA’s updated Design-Build Done Right® Federal Sector Best Practices, firmly grounded in the Federal Acquisition Regulation, reflect the evolving nature of design-build and offer a compass for project teams. These best practices emphasize the importance of each team member’s role and encourage a collaborative approach focused on providing the best value product or service on federal projects.
Download the updated Federal Sector Best Practices for free in the DBIA Bookstore. In addition, the bookstore is home to all your contract documents, insurance exhibits and other items your team needs.