Engineering, Procurement, and Construction

A turnkey approach where a single contractor, known as the EPC contractor, is responsible for the entire project, including engineering, procurement of materials and equipment, and construction.

Design-Build

A construction project in which the design and construction services are contracted by a single entity known as the design–builder or design–build (DB) contractor. The DB contractor provides the project design with an in-house Design Engineering (DE) or a hired Consulting Engineering (CE) firm to provide construction drawings and specification documentation from which the building will be constructed or altered. Specific to HVAC equipment and controls, the DE or CE typically calls out specific equipment and controls manufacturers on both construction drawings and specification documentation to be installed on the project.

Design-Assist

A construction project in which, before design completion, a construction contract may be awarded on a best-value basis under which a contractor provides design assistance to the architect or engineer of record through a design professional separately retained by the contractor. Specific to HVAC equipment and controls, typically engineer of record notes equipment and controls manufacturers for dimensional fit and efficiency and/or quality assurance. The contractor may or may not utilize the manufacturer(s) originally noted by the engineer of record.

Plan and Specification Projects

A construction project that typically goes to bid to multiple contractors. A Consulting Engineer (CE), typically hired by an Architectural Firm or Building Owner designs and provides construction drawings and specification documentation from which the building is to be constructed or altered. Specific to HVAC equipment and controls, CE typically calls out on both construction drawings and specification documents a basis-of-design equipment and controls manufacturers and approved alternate manufacturers.

Construction Management

A construction project approach where a specialized contractor, known as the construction manager, oversees and coordinates the entire construction project. They work closely with the owner, architects, and subcontractors to ensure efficient execution, cost control, and timely completion. The construction manager acts as the project’s facilitator, ensuring all stakeholders collaborate effectively and manages various aspects, including scheduling, budgeting, and quality control.

General Contracting

A traditional construction method where the project owner contracts with a single entity, the general contractor, responsible for managing the entire construction process. The general contractor takes charge of hiring subcontractors, purchasing materials, and coordinating all construction activities to deliver the completed project according to the owner’s requirements and specifications.

Design-Bid-Build

DBB is a conventional sequential approach to construction projects. The owner first hires an architect or engineer to design the project. Once the design is complete, the project is put out to bid, and contractors submit proposals. The owner then selects the winning bid and hires the contractor separately for construction. This method follows a linear progression of design, bidding, and building.

Integrated Project Delivery

A collaborative approach where the project’s key stakeholders, including the owner, architects, engineers, contractors, and sometimes even suppliers, work together from the project’s inception. They share responsibilities, risks, and rewards, promoting effective communication and decision-making. IPD fosters a team-oriented environment, aiming for better project outcomes, reduced conflicts, and improved overall efficiency.

Public-Private Partnerships

Involves a collaboration between a government or public entity and a private company to jointly undertake a construction project. This partnership combines the resources, expertise, and financial capabilities of both sectors to deliver public infrastructure or services. P3 projects typically involve long-term contracts and risk-sharing between the public and private entities, enabling the development of large-scale projects that might otherwise be challenging for the government alone.

Front-End Engineering and Design

FEED is not a project delivery method but rather a phase within a project’s development. It occurs before the detailed design and construction phases. During the FEED phase, preliminary engineering and design work is carried out to define the project scope, budget, and schedule. It involves conceptual planning, cost estimation, risk assessment, and feasibility studies. The objective is to develop a clear project concept before proceeding to detailed design and construction.