Contracting resources on LRRB site
The LRRB Web site has several helpful resources about innovative contracting methods.
Best-Value Based on Performance (2008-40) is a report of research sponsored by Mn/DOT and conducted by researchers at North Dakota State University. It is intended to help users move from contractor selection solely based on minimum qualifications and low bids to a new system of best-value based on performance. The new system rewards contractors for the quality of their work; public safety; compliance with contract requirements, business and employment requirements, and environmental requirements; and for coordination with other elements of the construction process. The report includes a manual and installation instructions for software (named MnCAST) that was developed as part of this project to ease real-life implementation.
A project sponsored by the LRRB’s Research Implementation Committee (RIC) is analyzing which innovative contracting methods work best for local agencies. Although some state DOTs have already implemented innovative methods, there is some question about how they apply to smaller projects at the local level. Previous reports—Performance Effectiveness of Design-Build, Lane Rental, and A + B Contracting Techniques (2006-09) and Best Practices for Project Construction Streamlining (2005-34)—provide information about several of these methods and their performance. In the new RIC project, a group of stakeholders is reviewing these methods to select those suitable for use on local projects in Minnesota. A final report will summarize the findings and recommend next steps. For more information, contact Tom Behm, District 8 State Aid Engineer, 507-537-2044.