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Would you like some expert assistance in selecting the best contracting method for your project to save time, cost and staff resources, while also addressing risk? FHWA has developed a tool to assist you. The Contractor Alternative Suitability Evaluator (CASE) Webtool, with free workshops is available. If interested, please read on …
The CASE tool was developed based on the successful use of Alternative Contracting Methods (ACMs) in highway construction with the states of California, Florida, Michigan, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Washington. Launched in 2021, the CASE tool allows a user or team to consider a project’s specific goals and evaluate them against the proven strengths of Design Bid Build (DBB), Design Build (DB), Construction Manager / General Contractor (CM/GC), Progressive Design Build (PDB), and long-term Public Private Partnership (P3) contracting.
The potential for substantial savings in time and money are more often realized when the best fit contracting method is used to construct a highway project. FHWA Publication No: FHWA-HRT-17-100, TechBrief Alternative Contracting Method Performance in the U.S. Highway Construction presents some of the measured benefits of different contracting methods. This research report demonstrates that DB, CM/GC, PDB, and P3 contracting methods all can have a 40 to 60 percent savings in time over DBB projects. They are also greatly accelerating an earlier point of cost certainty in the project development process. In essence, agencies are getting more work in place with less disruption to the traveling public.
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A few years ago, the South Carolina DOT (SCDOT) experienced a Legislative Audit that identified a need; that need being a Project Delivery Selection process for alternative contracting methods. SCDOT then adopted a process developed by Dr. Keith Molenaar at the University of Colorado. Soon thereafter, SCDOT was asked to participate in the beta testing of the CASE tool and immediately recognized its benefits. At which time, SCDOT adopted the CASE tool. Mr. Chris Gaskins, Director of Alternative Delivery, SCDOT, says “The CASE tool forces a discussion about goals, constraints, and risks of the project….. The CASE tool has been beneficial for us.”
The CASE tool is available free online for all to use. Resources are also available to assist new users. Virtual training and assistance can be arranged upon request.
If you would like to learn more or request training about FHWA CASE tool please contact Mr. David Unkefer, Construction and Project Management Engineer, FHWA, phone: 404-764-7498.
Developing cost estimates for highway projects is challenging, especially during the early stages of project development with incomplete or changing designs, limited funding, unknown utilities, complexity of construction, dynamic labor availability, and materials costs. Probabilistic Risk-Based Cost Estimation (PRBE) allows estimators to develop contingencies based on a project’s distinctive characteristics including uncertainty and risk. PRBE also provides the project manager critical insights to make more informed, rational decisions, about how to manage risk that directly impact the project’s budget and schedule objectives.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), working with State Department of Transportations, have developed a software tool for estimators and training to implement PRBE concepts and processes. This training will be of interest to estimators, risk managers, project managers, consultants and those who have responsibility developing estimates for highway construction costs.
One training effort that has been developed is a National Highway Institute (NHI) eBook training course on Probabilistic Risk-Based Estimating for Highway Project Cost and Schedule, Course No. 134205. The eBook online format allows the course to be used widely. This course is an interactive eBook and can be downloaded locally to a computer and completed offline. Participants use the eBook to understand basic terminology to guide their implementation of PRBE. Since the NHI eBook course publication in the summer of 2021, over 200 students have registered and completed the training. One can learn more about the NHI Course at https://highways.dot.gov/public-roads/autumn-2021/nhi Registration for the course is available at https://bit.ly/NHI_134205
 In addition to the virtual NHI training, FHWA has developed an in-person PRBE workshop. The pre-requisite to the PRBE workshop is completion of the PRBE eBook NHI course No 134205. The workshop will explain PRBE fundamental concepts, describe the process, and apply the tool to analyze project cost and schedules. Currently, the workshop is limited to up to 12 participants per session. In March and April 2022, two pilot workshops were presented in Denver and Austin. Additional workshops are being scheduled and held at other locations across the nation.
For information or to schedule a PRBE workshop please contact Mr. Michael Smith, Project Management Engineer, Federal Highway Administration, phone: 202-603-7050.
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e-Ticketing Peer-to-Peer Exchanges
Contact Ms. Kathryn Weisner or phone: 202-823-2267
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Digital As-Builts Forum: FHWA Current BIM Research: Identifying Data Frameworks and Governance for Establishing Future BIM Modeling Standards, January 30, 2023 @ 3:30 - 4:30 pm ET
Registration
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e-Construction Peer-to-Peer Exchanges
Contact Ms. Kathryn Weisner or phone: 202-823-2267
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Digital As-Builts Webinar Series: Field Verify Assets, Quantities and Document DAB Model with Attributes, February 9, 2023 @ 1:30 - 3:00 pm ET
Registration
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Probabilistic Risk-Based Cost Estimation Training
Contact Mr. Michael Smith or phone: 202-603-7050
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Digital As-Builts Forum: Colorado DOT, Mr. Rob Martindale, Utilities Program Manager, March 27, 2023 @ 3:30 - 4:30 pm ET
Registration
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NHI 134077, Contract Administration Core Curriculum Course
Contact Ms. Kathryn Weisner or phone: 202-823-2267
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Digital As-Builts Peer-to-Peer Exchanges
Contact Mr. David Unkefer or phone: 404- 764-7498
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FHWA Emergency Relief Overview (Virtual 2-hr Training)
Contact Ms. Megan Hall or phone: 202-923-5282
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Critical Thinking Skills for Managing Contract Changes, Workshop
Contact Mr. Roy Siegel or phone: 404-764-6053
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