A project delivery method where design and construction phases overlap, with the owner and contractor collaborating before scope is fully defined. Subcontractors are often brought on early, meaning scope, pricing, and schedules can shift as design matures. Contracts may be cost-reimbursable at first, then convert to fixed-price once scope is confirmed.
Progressive Design-Build
Related Terms
Deferred Maintenance
IndustryUpkeep or repair work that has been postponed by an asset owner due to budget constraints or scheduling conflicts. For subcontractors, deferred maintenance often triggers urgent, high-volume scopes when work is finally released. Expect compressed timelines, ageing equipment, and increased safety hazards on these jobs.
Tidal-Water Export Terminal
IndustryA coastal or estuary facility where bulk commodities like LNG or crude oil are loaded onto marine vessels for export. Water depth fluctuates with tides, affecting vessel scheduling and your crew's access windows. Subcontractors must plan shifts and equipment mobilisation around tide tables and vessel berthing schedules.
Mission Critical
IndustryDescribes any task, system, or equipment whose failure would halt operations or create serious safety risks. For subcontractors, mission critical work often carries stricter response times, higher liability, and tighter documentation requirements.
Cm/gc (construction Manager/general Contractor)
IndustryA delivery model where one firm handles both project management and general contracting. For subcontractors, this means a single point of contact manages your scope, schedule, and contract. Expect tighter coordination requirements and change order oversight from the CM/GC.
Switchgear
IndustryElectrical equipment used to control, protect, and isolate power systems on job sites. Subcontractors working near switchgear must follow strict lockout/tagout procedures. Installation and maintenance work often requires certified electricians and site-specific safety permits.
Capital Maintenance Agreement
IndustryA long-term contract where a subcontractor provides scheduled upkeep and repairs on a client's major assets or facilities. Work scopes, pricing, and mobilisation terms are typically locked in advance. These agreements offer subcontractors predictable revenue but may limit flexibility to take on other work.
Latest Industry News
New CCDC Progressive Design-Build Contracts Draw Big Turnout on Cross-Canada Tour
The Daily Commercial News reports CCDC's new PDB and design-build contract standards, released in May, drew over 900 attendees to 24 national roadshow sessions, with key changes to how parties commit to project scope and price.
2 months agoIndustryArmy Corps' $986M San Antonio Cyber Center Signals New Design-Build Path for Subs
The Army Corps of Engineers is advancing a $986 million cyber and intelligence center at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland using progressive design-build under Other Transaction Authority, a model that picks contractor teams on qualifications before locking in price.
1 month agoIndustryWinnipeg's $580M Biosolids Deal Shows Payoff of Procurement Reset
Winnipeg awarded a $580 million biosolids contract to an Aecon-led joint venture after switching from fixed-price design-build to a progressive design-build model, Engineering News-Record reports. The redesigned procurement approach cut costs and revived a stalled wastewater project.
1 month agoIndustryBC Terminates $3B Fraser River Tunnel Contract and Re-bids Under New Model
British Columbia has terminated its progressive design-build contract with Cross Fraser Partnership and will re-bid the Fraser River Tunnel project using a multi-package procurement approach to attract more competition.
2 months agoRelated Guides
How Operator Mergers and Acquisitions Affect Your Subcontract Agreements
When operators merge, get acquired, or sell assets, subcontractor agreements are caught in the middle. Learn how M&A activity affects your MSA, payment terms, vendor status, and what to do before, during, and after a deal closes.
Industry GuideHow Rig Count Trends Affect Subcontractor Demand and What to Do About It
Rig counts are the earliest signal of where field service work is heading. Learn how to read drilling activity trends, anticipate demand shifts, and position your crew before the phone stops ringing.
Industry GuideWhat Is an AFE in Oil and Gas and How Does It Affect Subcontractor Payments?
An AFE (Authorization for Expenditure) controls every dollar spent on an oilfield project. Learn how it affects your billing, change orders, and cash flow as a subcontractor.
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