Learn About Design-Build

Design-build is an alternative construction delivery system 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 – e.g., a design-build firm, joint venture, or contractor that subcontracts with a designer – 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 Projects

Since 2005, the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) has approved procedures of the exempt agencies. The OIG has also approved six applications from non-exempt agencies to use design-build and issued a "Notice to Proceed to Use Design-Build" letter. This includes the MBTA, which was previously non-exempt.

The six projects total approximately $222,399,840 in project costs.

Design Build Project List (non-exempt entities)

Application Date	Design Build Applicant	Project Description	Total Estimated Project Cost	Size	Estimated Completion Date
6/22/2020	Springfield Water and Sewer Commission	New Water Infrastructure, Westfield, MA	$21,750,000	Clearwell and Backwash Pumping Station	10/1/2023
10/11/2013	MBTA	Rehabilitation of the Merrimack River Bridge Substructure, Haverhill, MA	$45,600,000	Three bridges, (12 spans), two tracks for commuter railroad over the Merrimack River	7/31/2017
11/10/2010	MBTA	Revere Transit Facility and Streetscape Project	$20,000,000	Public Plaza and Footbridge	6/30/2012
10/12/2010	Mass Technology Park Corp/Mass Broadband Institute	MassBroadband 123	$71,600,000	Broadband infrastructure in western MA	6/30/2013
8/10/2010	Cape and Vineyard Electric Cooperative, Inc.	Land Based Wind Turbine Development in Brewster	$10,417,000	Two 1.5-2.0 MW-class turbines	9/1/2012
5/28/2010	Revere, City of, on behalf of the MBTA	Combined Garage/Busway at Wonderland Station	$53,032,840	1900 parking space garage	12/31/2011
Grand Total			$222,399,840

Note: The information presented is from the application. Actual project data will vary.

Design-Build Application

To use design-build on a public works project of $5 million or more, an awarding authority must submit an application the OIG. The application has been prepared pursuant to Chapter 149A.

The following awarding authorities do not need to apply: 

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

Date published:	April 20, 2023
Last updated:	August 7, 2024