Alternative Project Delivery Methods in California: The Path Forward

Timespan: June 2024-June 2025
Development Organization: Developed by Calpoly Pomona and California State University, Fresno
Funding Agency: State of California via Senate Bill 1 administered by the Mineta Transportation Institute
Amount: $75,000.00

Background

California transportation agencies are increasingly turning to new ways of delivering projects—such as Design-Build (DB), Progressive Design-Build (PDB), and Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC)—instead of the traditional method Design-Bid-Build (DBB) method where projects are designed first and then sent out for bidding. These Alternative Project Delivery Methods (APDMs) can help projects move faster, reduce costs, and improve collaboration.

Research Objective

This study examines how local transportation agencies across California are using these APDMs by examiningenabling legislation, the pros and cons of each approach, and the challenges agencies face when use them.

Research Methods

This study used a four-pronged mixed-methods approach, including a literature review, content analysis of 30 APDM-related bills (a statewide agency survey, and eight in-depth case studies. Through the literature review, the advantages, disadvantages, opportunities, and challenges of CM/GC, DB, and PDB were identified. This was followed by a content analysis of 30 APDM-related bills from 1999 to 2024.. The bills analysis includedrestrictions on number of projects, procurement methods, cost thresholds, project type, expiration dates, and reporting/approval requirements. This was followed by a survey targetingstate, county andlocal transportation agencies as well as private firms) to gather data on their APDM use, experiences, and challenges. Finally, case studies were conducted on eight public agencies to provide in-depth examples of APDM practices while capturing how their governance structures and legislative authority shape project delivery practice and decisions..

Contributions

Alternative Project Delivery Methods’ Enabling Legislation Trends for California Transportation Agencies
Nacir C., Shrestha R., Leothacue-Liauburindr A.B., Gad G., Calahorra-Jimenez M. ASCE's Journal of Legal Affairs and Dispute Resolution in Engineering and Construction Vol 17, Issue 4, 2025 [DOI]

Alternative Project Delivery Methods’ Enabling Legislation Trends for California Transportation Agencies
Leothacue-Liauburindr A.B., Nacir C., Shrestha R., Gad G., Calahorra-Jimenez M. 2025 Transportation Research Board (TRB) Annual Meeting

Research Team