“Design-Bid-Build vs. Design-Build: Choosing the Right Procurement Route”
- Gaurav Bhadani
- Sep 8
- 2 min read
Design-Bid-Build (DBB)
What it is:DBB is the traditional “three-step” process:
Design by the architect/engineer
Bid by contractors (based on that completed design)
Build by the winning bidder
Why you’d pick it:
Clear scope and pricing: Because the design is 100% finished before bids go out, you know exactly what you’re buying.
Competitive pricing: Multiple contractors bid on the same set of documents, so you can compare apples to apples.
Checks and balances: The separation between design and construction can reduce conflicts of interest.
Gulf-to-U.S. tip: If you’ve managed government or public-sector projects back home—where rigid scopes and detailed bills of quantities are the norm—DBB will feel familiar. You’ll be comfortable preparing the schedules of quantities, issuing tender documents, and evaluating bids against a fixed design.
Watch-out:
Longer overall timeline: You can’t start construction until design is fully complete.
Risk of change orders: If design details miss something, you’ll pay later to fix it.
Design-Build (DB)
What it is:Under DB, a single entity (the “design-builder”) handles both design and construction, often under a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) or lump-sum arrangement.
Why you’d pick it:
Faster delivery: Overlap design and construction phases to accelerate schedule.
Single point of responsibility: One contract means fewer disputes over who’s at fault.
Innovation and value: The contractor can propose alternative materials or methods from day one.
Gulf-to-U.S. tip: Many Gulf projects already leverage turn-key or integrated delivery models. In the U.S., DB is especially popular for fast-track commercial developments, hospitals, or aviation terminals. If you’re used to working closely with builders on constructability and value engineering, DB can unlock those synergies.
Watch-out:
Less competitive pricing: Fewer contractors offer full design-build services—so you might not get as many bids.
Scope clarity: Early design decisions lock in major costs; make sure you’re comfortable with the design-builder’s proposed approach.
How to Choose?
Project complexity & risk: For highly technical or heavily regulated works (like healthcare or education), DBB’s clarity may outweigh time savings.
Speed requirements: If schedule is king—think tight market windows—DB could be a game-changer.
Owner expertise: If your client can manage design and construction separately, DBB gives more control. Otherwise, DB’s single point of contact reduces owner workload.
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