Design-Build | Office of the Inspector General (OIG)

About Design-Build

Design-build is an alternative construction delivery system for public works projects over $5 million that provides responsibility for the delivery of design services and construction services within a single contract.

On a design-build project, the owner selects and executes a single contract with a single entity to design and construct the project. Design and construction are combined into a single stage, with no separate bid for construction based on complete plans and specifications. Instead, design-build contracts are procured based on a scope of work statement and performance requirements.

Design-Build Project List (non-exempt entities)

Application Date	Design Build Applicant	Project Description	Total Estimated Project Cost	Estimated Completion Date
6/22/20	Springfield Water and Sewer Commission	New Water Infrastructure, Westfield, MA	$21,750,000	10/1/23
10/11/13	MBTA	Rehabilitation of the Merrimack River Bridge Substructure, Haverhill, MA	$45,600,000	7/31/17
11/10/10	MBTA	Revere Transit Facility and Streetscape Project	$20,000,000	6/30/12
10/12/10	Mass Technology Park Corp/Mass Broadband Institute	MassBroadband 123	$71,600,000	6/30/13
8/10/10	Cape and Vineyard Electric Cooperative, Inc.	Land Based Wind Turbine Development in Brewster	$10,417,000	9/1/12
5/28/10	Revere, City of, on behalf of the MBTA	Combined Garage/Busway at Wonderland Station	$53,032,840	12/31/11

Design-Build Application and Exemptions

An awarding authority must submit an application to the OIG to use design-build on a public works project of $5 million or more. The OIG has prepared this application pursuant to Chapter 149A, and uses it to assess the qualifications and commitments of the project team. The OIG will review an awarding authority’s complete application within 60 days.

Download Application: Apply to Use Design-Build

The law requires the following awarding authorities only to submit their Design-Build procedures to the OIG for review and approval:

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT)
The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport)
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) since July 2015
The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA)

What You Need

Under M.G.L. c. 149A, § 16, the OIG issues a Notice to Proceed when the awarding authority demonstrates:

Authorization from its governing body to enter a design-build contract, including any public vote results.
Capacity, an approved plan, and procedures to procure and manage a design-build entity.
Procedures ensuring fair competition, evaluation, and reporting throughout procurement.
A public works project with an estimated construction value of at least $5 million.
A written determination that design-build is appropriate for the project.

How to Apply

Email one copy of the application to Use Design-Build to: [email protected].