01677274

Monograph

http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/177927.aspx

State departments of transportation (DOTs) are facing greater challenges today to develop and maintain adequate levels of qualified staff to meet the stewardship requirements for delivering transportation construction projects. One factor contributing to this challenge involves the greater use of alternative contracting methods (ACMs), such as design–build, construction manager/general contractor, public–private partnerships, and other innovative contracting techniques. ACMs shift more responsibility to industry for delivering and managing construction projects than traditional design-bid-build projects. As a result, DOTs must make decisions regarding the appropriate levels and mix of staffing for their ACM projects. This synthesis documents current practices in DOT staffing and organizational structure for ACMs. Information for this study was gathered through a literature review, a survey of state DOTs, a content analysis of manuals, guidelines, and templates at 21 agencies that have mature ACM programs, and structured interviews with eight selected DOTs. The synthesis found three general ACM staffing approaches: centralized ACM delivery with separate “innovative contracting” divisions that centrally manage ACM projects; decentralized ACM delivery where DOT districts/divisions deliver ACM projects; and centralized project development at the DOT level and decentralized project execution by districts/divisions. The synthesis results indicate that staff competency required for the traditional design-bid-build approach does not directly apply to the implementation of ACMs. The successful implementation of ACM projects often requires staff with different skill sets, knowledge domain, and competencies. The top five foremost knowledge domain and skill sets found to be critical for implementing ACM projects are summarized as follows: leadership and ability to coordinate other staff, risk identification and analysis skills, strong partnering and team-building skills, knowledge of project delivery and procurement procedure, and ability to analyze constructability reviews and project phasing.

Project 20-05, Topic 48-04

English

127p

2018

NCHRP Synthesis of Highway Practice

9780309390491

Digital/other

Appendices; Figures; Photos; References; Tables

Construction projects; Contracting; Knowledge; Organizational factors; Project delivery; Selection and appointment

Job skills

Administration and Management; Construction; Highways

TRIS, TRB, ATRI

Aug 1 2018 8:52AM