Use of Best Value Selection Process: Utah Department of Transportation I-15 Design-Build Project

Carter and Burgess, Inc., was selected by the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) to evaluate several aspects of the I-15 design-build reconstruction project under way in Salt Lake City. The evaluations are being completed in part to fulfill commitments made to FHWA, which granted a Special Experimental Project 14 status to the I-15 project, permitting design-build contracting methods. Information is presented about the selection process used by UDOT to hire a design-build team to work on the project. UDOT decided to use a “best value” selection process instead of low cost to select a contractor. Comparisons are made between the design-bid-build and design-build processes. Described is the “best value” selection process used by UDOT to evaluate and select a contractor, using the detailed selection process. A description of the organizational structure required to prepare and review the proposals is presented. Unique features of the UDOT process are discussed, including use of stipend, risk sharing, ISO 9000 certification, design life, performance specifications, best and final offer, award fees, and use of CD-ROMs to distribute the proposal information. Lessons learned in the process also are presented.