What best describes the difference between design-bid-build and design-build project delivery methods?

• A. In Design-Bid-Build, design and construction occur sequentially with separate contracts; In Design-Build, one entity handles both design and construction, overlapping phases
• B. In Design-Bid-Build, design and construction are overlapped under a single contract
• C. Both methods involve overlapping design and construction with a single contract
• D. Design-Bid-Build eliminates bidding and uses internal teams only

Answer: (A)

The difference hinges on how design and construction are organized and contracted. In design-bid-build, design is completed first with separate contracts for designers and then a contractor is chosen to build once the design is finished. That means the process is sequential and two distinct entities handle different parts of the project. In design-build, a single entity is responsible for both design and construction under one contract, and phases can overlap as design decisions are made with construction realities in mind. This combination often speeds up delivery and reduces the risk of finger-pointing between design and construction.

So, the best description is that design-bid-build uses sequential design and construction with separate contracts, while design-build uses a single entity covering both design and construction with overlapping phases.