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Crooked Creek WRF Improvements - Design-Build Project Delivery Method Authorization
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INFORMATION CONTACT:
John Shutak, Union County Water, Engineering Director, 704-283-3651
ACTION REQUESTED:
1) Authorize design-build as the alternative delivery method for the Crooked Creek Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) Operation Improvements project, having concluded that design-build is the best option for completing the project, and 2) establish the criteria for determining the circumstances under which the design-build method is appropriate for the Crooked Creek WRF Operation Improvements project.
PRIOR BOARD ACTIONS:
None.
BACKGROUND:
The Capital Improvement Program, as adopted by the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), includes an allocation for improvements at the Crooked Creek WRF that are necessary for the long-term maintenance and operation of the facility.
The purpose of the Crooked Creek WRF Improvements project is to allow for continued reliable operation with appropriate equipment and redundancy for at least the next twenty years. Improvements considered for the project include those identified in the Crooked Creek WRF Continued Operation Assessment dated August 29, 2025.
In accordance with G.S. 143-128.1A, design-build delivery services may be used by the public entity only after the public entity has concluded that design-build delivery is in the best interest of the project, and the public entity has established the criteria used for determining the circumstances under which the design-build method is appropriate for the project. The criteria shall address, at a minimum, all of the following:
1) The extent to which the governmental entity can adequately and thoroughly define the project requirements prior to the issuance of the request for qualifications for a design-builder.
2) The time constraints for the delivery of the project.
3) The ability to ensure that a quality project can be delivered.
4) The capability of the governmental entity to manage and oversee the project, including the availability of experienced staff or outside consultants who are experienced with the design-build method of project delivery.
5) A good-faith effort to recruit and select small business entities. The governmental entity shall not limit or otherwise preclude any respondent from submitting a response so long as the respondent, itself or through its proposed team, is properly licensed and qualified to perform the work defined by the public notice issued under G.S. § 143-128.1A(c).
6) The criteria utilized by the governmental entity, including a comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of using the design-build delivery method for a given project in lieu of the delivery methods identified in subdivisions (1), (2), and (4) of G.S. § 143-128(a1).
Based on the delivery methods described in the attached establishment and application of criteria, the design-build project delivery gives a clear benefit to the County for this project because its main advantages are greater participation from the building construction industry, a shorter project timeframe, and greater cost certainty while still in the design phase of the project. Given the need for the project to be completed in a timely manner within a fixed project budget, the design-build project delivery method advantages best align with the core needs and risks of this project.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None. The design-build construction services contract will be brought to the Board at a later date for consideration before any design or work can begin.