Overview of Progressive Design-Build Process for
SFPUC Projects
December 9, 2025
Stephen Robinson, Assistant General Manager, Infrastructure Jignesh Desai, Principal Project Manager, Infrastructure 1 Purpose and Agenda
Purpose: Provide an overview of Progressive Design-Build Process and Implementation
Agenda:
1. Chapter 6 Project Delivery Methods
2. Progressive Design-Build Process and Sequence
3. Commission Authorization Actions
4. Change Management
2 Chapter 6 Project Delivery Methods
3 Design-Bid-Build – SEC. 6.21
Design documents for pricing
are prepared separately from
the construction contract, and
selection of the contractor is
typically based on
responsiveness and the
lowest bid price.
Construction Manager at Risk
(CM/GC) – SEC. 6.68
Contractor is selected primarily
based on qualification and
some cost components, with
the design documents utilized
for pricing prepared separately
from the construction contract,
but involving the CM/GC for
coordination and
constructability as the design
is developed.
Design-Build – SEC. 6.61
Design Builder is selected
primarily qualification and some
cost components. Design
builder assumes responsibility
for both design and
construction, with the trade
work procured in a similar
manner to CM/GC, allowing for
alignment of scope, cost, and
schedule through collaboration
throughout the project phases.
Progressive Design-Build Process
4 Pre-Construction Services
Planning, Design & Procurement of Trades
Construction Services
CEQA
Construction, Startup & Commissioning,
Closeout
PDB Procurement
RFI = Request for Interest
RFQ = Request for Qualification
RFP = Request for Proposal
MND = Mitigated Negative Declaration /
EIR = Environmental Impact Report
Mitigation Measures
5 Progressive Design Build Sequence
6 1. Contract Award – Pre-construction Services
2. Project Approval - CEQA adoption and mitigation measures
3. Contract Modification(s) - Construction Services
4. Final Contract Closeout – completion and final amendment, if any Commission Authorization Actions
7 • Limitation of Contingency Use: Unanticipated scope revisions, unforeseen conditions that could not have been reasonably quantified earlier
• Significant Changes in Scope, Schedule, Budget: Must be approved by the SFPUC Commission through 10-Year Capital Planning Process
Change Management
8 • The SFPUC's Progressive Design-Build Process aims to streamline project delivery and increase efficiency for its capital improvement program by aligning with Chapter 6, outlining the project delivery phases, and establishing clear processes for contract award, authorizations, and contingency management.
• This approach promotes transparency and oversight while expediting the completion of major public works projects.
Progressive Design-Build Process