The Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) traditional method of building transportation projects is known as Design-Bid-Build where the project is designed and then put up for bid by contractors. The firm that provides the lowest reasonable bid is selected to construct the project.

In addition, TxDOT has had two other forms of project procurement available. These contracting methods are awarded based on a best-value approach (price, qualifications of firm and project approach) and combine various components of a project’s implementation into one contract. Design-Build (DB) Contracts and Comprehensive Development Agreements (CDAs) allow for the expedited project delivery through the concurrent design and construction of a project.

Comprehensive Development Agreements

CDAs allow for design, construction, utility relocation and maintenance to occur simultaneously under a single contract and may include financial participation from the private sector and a long-term lease or operation of the facility. CDAs can be Concessions or DBs. TxDOT has five such projects in operation or under construction but the broad authority to enter into additional CDAs expired in 2017.

Design-Build

DB Contracts allow for design, construction, utility relocation and maintenance to occur simultaneously under a single contract but do not include financial participation from the private sector, a long-term lease or operation of the facility.

Learn more about DB Contracts and CDAs.

Alternative Delivery Projects (CDAs & DBs) (Executed)