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Acronymsaka: design-bid-buildaka: hard bidaka: low-bid delivery

DBB (Design-Bid-Build)

In Plain English

The traditional method where design is completed first, then the project is bid and built.

Definition

Design-Bid-Build is the traditional sequential project delivery method in which the owner first engages an architect or engineer to develop complete construction documents, then bids the project to general contractors, and finally awards a construction contract to the lowest responsible bidder. The owner holds separate contracts with the designer and contractor, who have no contractual relationship with each other. DBB remains the most common delivery method for public construction and is often required by state procurement law.

Why It Matters in Bidding

Design-Bid-Build defines the competitive bidding environment most estimators operate in: complete documents, a fixed scope, and award to the lowest responsible, responsive bidder. Because design is finished before pricing, estimators can produce detailed takeoffs but bear full risk for any gaps or errors in the documents they bid. Understanding DBB's sequential structure shapes how contractors handle RFIs, addenda, and clarifications during the bid window.

Example

Responding to a public DBB invitation, a GC completes takeoff from the finished drawings, solicits sub quotes, incorporates two addenda, and submits a lump-sum number competing strictly on lowest responsible price.

Related Terms

DB (Design-Build)CMAR (Construction Manager at Risk)RFP (Request for Proposals)

Frequently Asked Questions

Because design is complete before bidding, contractors price a fixed, fully documented scope and typically compete on lowest price. This gives estimators detailed information for accurate takeoffs but also places document-interpretation risk on the bidder, making careful review of plans, specs, and addenda during the bid window essential.
Many state and local procurement laws favor or require competitive sealed bidding with award to the lowest responsible bidder, which DBB delivers through its clear separation of design and construction. The method provides transparent, defensible price competition that public owners need to justify spending taxpayer funds.
Bidders assume responsibility for the completeness of documents they price, so design errors, omissions, or ambiguities can surface as costly disputes after award. Because the contractor has no role in design, estimators must rely heavily on RFIs and addenda during bidding to resolve gaps before committing to a hard number.

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