The MWRA’s construction management model is distinguished by the following features:
- The CM was selected prior to the selection of the Lead Design Engineer. Immediately after assembling a core in-house team (PMD), the MWRA began the selection process for a CM. The CM was selected prior to the hiring of the design team because it was to have day-to-day management responsibility for the project. The CM would be responsible for construction planning and sequencing which would guide the design schedule and early input from the CM was essential to ensure that Constructibility and operability concerns were included in the design.
- The MWRA Procured the LDE separately from the CM. The CM and LDE were procured separately by the MWRA to ensure that the most qualified design and CM firms were selected in independent procurements. A joint selection would have left the MWRA subject to the uncertainty of the marketplace as to teaming of design and construction management firms. The MWRA was concerned that a joint selection could likely result in a situation where a single proposal did not contain both the most qualified CM and LDE.
- The LDE has ultimate responsibility for coordinating the work of all designers. In its design role, the LDE reported directly to the MWRA’s Program Management Division.
- Used multiple design firms. The MWRA separately contracted with individual design firms to developed detailed design of various project components and provide engineering services during construction.
- The CM performed value engineering and reviewed designs for Constructibility and operability. This involvement brought an added dimension of quality control to the design and utilized the construction and plant operations knowledge of the CM at key points in the design process.
- The CM is responsible for managing the overall program for schedule and budget control. All design consultants and construction contractors submit their schedule and cost information to the CM for analysis and monitoring.
- The CM was created to be the “Owner’s Representative”. Except for a clearly defined role in value engineering and constructibility review, the CM had no responsibility for design. The CM, therefore, provided resident engineering and inspection and oversaw start-up of the new facilities without having a vested interest in the performance of the design, equipment or construction.