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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.

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