Understanding your options to deliver projects faster, reduce risk, and achieve better outcomes.
No two construction projects are the same. Project complexity, schedule, budget, funding requirements, and stakeholder involvement all influence the best path forward.
Selecting the right project delivery method can significantly impact cost, schedule, collaboration, and overall project success.
At KE&G, we work with public agencies, municipalities, utilities, developers, and private clients using a variety of delivery methods. Whether your priority is speed, budget certainty, design collaboration, or procurement flexibility, we'll help determine the approach that best fits your project.
Comparing Construction Delivery Methods
| Delivery Method | Best For | Owner Involvement | Schedule | Design Collaboration | Budget Certainty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) | Complex projects requiring collaboration | High | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Design-Build | Fast-track projects | Moderate | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Job Order Contracting (JOC) | Small projects, repairs, maintenance | Low | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Negotiated Work | Long-term trusted relationships | High | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Hard Bid (Design-Bid-Build) | Fully designed public projects | Moderate | ★★☆☆☆ | ★☆☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Public-Private Partnership (P3) | Large infrastructure investments | Shared | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR)
Best when collaboration is critical.
CMAR brings the contractor into the project during design rather than after plans are complete. This allows the construction team to provide budgeting, scheduling, constructability reviews, and value engineering throughout the design process.
Choose CMAR if your project:
- Has a complex scope
- Requires phased construction
- Has aggressive schedules
- Needs cost certainty before construction begins
- Benefits from contractor input during design
Ideal Projects
- Water & wastewater facilities
- Municipal infrastructure
- Aviation projects
- Public buildings
- Complex utility improvements
Design-Build
Best when speed matters.
Design-Build combines design and construction under one contract, allowing design and construction activities to overlap.
Instead of managing separate contracts with designers and contractors, owners work with one integrated team from concept through completion.
Choose Design-Build if you:
- Need to accelerate project delivery
- Want a single point of responsibility
- Value innovation
- Need early pricing
- Want fewer change orders
Ideal Projects
- Commercial facilities
- Industrial facilities
- Site development
- Infrastructure improvements
Job Order Contracting (JOC)
Best for ongoing maintenance and smaller projects.
JOC provides owners with a competitively procured contract that allows multiple projects to be completed under one agreement without repeatedly bidding each task.
It streamlines procurement while allowing work to begin quickly.
Choose JOC if you:
- Perform recurring construction work
- Need rapid response
- Have annual capital improvements
- Require emergency repairs
- Want simplified procurement
Ideal Projects
- Facility renovations
- Parks
- Municipal maintenance
- Utility repairs
- ADA improvements
Negotiated Work
Best when partnership drives value.
Negotiated projects allow owners to select a contractor based on qualifications, experience, and trust rather than low bid alone.
The contractor works closely with the owner to establish scope, schedule, and pricing before construction begins.
Choose Negotiated Work if you:
- Have a trusted construction partner
- Need flexibility
- Want collaborative budgeting
- Have evolving project requirements
Ideal Projects
- Private developments
- Industrial clients
- Repeat customers
- Developer projects
Hard Bid (Design-Bid-Build)
Best for clearly defined projects.
Hard Bid remains one of the most common public procurement methods. The owner completes the design before contractors competitively bid the project.
The lowest responsive, responsible bidder is typically awarded the contract.
Choose Hard Bid if you:
- Have completed construction documents
- Require competitive bidding
- Have clearly defined scope
- Are delivering traditional public works projects
Ideal Projects
- Roadways
- Utility infrastructure
- Public improvements
- Standard municipal projects
Public-Private Partnership (P3)
Best for large, long-term infrastructure investments.
Public-Private Partnerships combine public oversight with private-sector expertise, allowing projects to be financed, designed, constructed, operated, or maintained through collaborative agreements.
Choose P3 if you:
- Need innovative financing
- Have complex infrastructure
- Require long-term operations
- Want lifecycle value
Ideal Projects
- Transportation
- Water infrastructure
- Public facilities
- Major civic investments
Which Delivery Method Is Right for You?
The best delivery method depends on your project's goals—not simply the type of project.
- Need the fastest schedule? → Design-Build or JOC
- Want early contractor collaboration? → CMAR
- Need recurring maintenance work? → JOC
- Already have complete plans? → Hard Bid
- Looking for long-term collaboration? → Negotiated Work
- Developing major infrastructure? → P3
At KE&G, we have experience delivering projects through every major procurement method. Our team can help you evaluate the advantages of each approach and recommend the strategy that best aligns with your objectives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between CMAR and Design-Build?
CMAR keeps the owner's architect under a separate contract while bringing the contractor in early for collaboration. Design-Build combines design and construction under a single contract, creating one point of responsibility.
Which delivery method is the fastest?
Design-Build and Job Order Contracting are typically the fastest delivery methods because they streamline procurement and allow work to begin sooner.
When should I use Job Order Contracting?
JOC is ideal for recurring maintenance, facility improvements, emergency repairs, and smaller capital projects where speed and procurement efficiency are priorities.
Is Hard Bid still the right choice?
Yes. Hard Bid is often the best option when designs are complete, scope is well defined, and public procurement laws require competitive bidding.
Can KE&G help determine the right delivery method?
Absolutely. Our preconstruction and operations teams work with owners early in the planning process to evaluate project goals, risk, schedule, funding, and procurement requirements before recommending the best delivery strategy.
Does KE&G have experience with all of these delivery methods?
Yes. KE&G has successfully delivered projects through CMAR, Design-Build, Job Order Contracting, Negotiated Work, Hard Bid, and Public-Private Partnerships across Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.
