Innovative Contracting Methods

Design-build
Design-build brings designers and contractors together early in the detail design portion of a project. It can significantly deliver projects faster than traditional methods.

A + B Bidding
Cost plus time (A + B) bidding factors cost and time to determine the low bid.

Lane Rental

Lane rental encourages contractors to minimize road-user impacts. Contractors pay a rental fee for closing lanes and shoulders to do work.

Incentives/Liquidated Savings

Using incentives or liquidated savings can accelerate contract time.

Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity Contracts

Mn/DOT's pilot project involves building demolition on a highway project.  Contractors provide a lump sum bid for each property;  Mn/DOT awards the contract to the lowest bidder for the whole project.  When a structure is ready for demolition, Mn/DOT notifies the contractor and pays for that bid item.

Warranties

Warranties guarantee quality and durability for selected work items for a specific time period after construction.

Pay for Performance

Pay for performance specifications rely on final outcomes measured against performance criteria in the contract. 

New Technology

Technology advances in the field help Mn/DOT reduce construction time.

• Precast concrete pavements
• Precast slab span bridges
• Intelligent compaction
• Machine control