Design/Build Project Delivery …. Who's on First?

Do you remember that infamous Abbott & Costello "Who's on first" comedy routine? The lesson learned there was simple: using terminology without regard to the listener's understanding is like speaking in a foreign language. So, when you receive an offer to design/build your plant expansion or upgrade, do you really know what you're getting? Is design/build the right approach for your needs? Furthermore, is the offeror the right firm to complete your design/build assignment?

IES' Design/Build Approach
Under our design/build approach, IES takes single-source responsibility to design and build your project. No excuses. We complete the preliminary engineering, prepare the final design documents, obtain permits and licenses, procure the equipment and contractors, manage the construction, and start-up the facility, demonstrating or exceeding the performance you expected.

In addition, by using our Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) approach, your upside exposure is protected. We prepare the GMP for your approval at the completion of preliminary engineering and share all financial data with you using our "open book" policy.

Is Design/Build Right for you?
"Do it Faster-Cheaper-Better!" Behind these familiar "buzzwords" and a plethora of associated clichés lies a harsh business reality. Speed, cost-effectiveness, and quality are inter-related issues that drive competition and define success and survival in today's markets. If design/build can satisfy these imperatives better than traditional methods such as design-bid-build, then the decision is clear.

Speed
According to researchers from the Pennsylvania State University, design/build construction speed is 12% faster than design-bid-build and overall project delivery is 33% faster. Other sources suggest design/build is generally 10-15% faster. This speed is desirable not only for its own sake, but also because of the positive effect it has on corporate profits: faster product roll-out to market, improved cash flow, reduced management costs and penalties on compliance projects, and so on.

Cost-effectiveness
The GMP approach to design/build facilitates financial planning, controls capital cost creep and, most importantly, helps ensure the financial soundness of the manufacturing process prior to the first spadeful of dirt. And regarding internal costs, traditional project delivery methods require a diverse talent pool to execute and manage the project; few companies can afford to maintain that in-house luxury.

Quality
How often do you build? The success of a plant expansion or upgrade rests on the hard-fought experiences of the design and construction team. Companies often lack the internal resources to get the job done. A quality installation translates into improved product quality, reduced downtime, and lower maintenance costs. Our approach lets you set the project objectives and contract with a professional to meet those objectives, while you focus on your core competencies.

Why is IES the right firm?
Historically, design/build has been contractor-led, with the design engineer being a member of the team. However, at IES, we lead the effort. Our design leadership approach provides the motivation to keep construction costs in line with estimates, enhances decision making, insulates you, the owner, from serving as an unwilling arbiter in disputes and promotes their prompt resolution, and ensures that your design intent is constantly at the forefront of the project.

Even more importantly, each project incorporates IES' emphasis on safety and prudent environmental management. Our staff is trained to recognize facility problems and resolve them early in the design phase, and to ensure that construction safety practices are adhered to. Design/build transfers accountability for cost, schedule, quality, and overall performance to a professional design/builder like IES. Of course, not every project is a candidate for design/build. But where it works, it produces a tremendous financial benefit by reducing construction costs and shortening the project schedule.

Need More Information?

E-Mail:
Ashok K. Soni, P.E. (asoni@iesengineers.com), or
Jim Rutenbar, P.E.(jrutenbar@iesengineers.com)

Call:
610-828-3078 (PA) or 732-748-1990 (NJ)

Web Site:
www.iesengineers.com