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Design-Bid-Build tops the list. It is practically useless as a procurement tool and is the most outdated, antiquated, and inefficient procurement model in existence. Governmental entities interested in improving the efficiency with which they procure, operate, and maintain infrastructure—whether sustainable and BIM-enabled or not—should abandon DesignBid-Build as quickly as possible. If that requires legislation, so be it. Meanwhile, those really interested in IPD and BIM seem to find ways around the restrictions imposed by antiquated procurement laws and regulations every year. Design-Build works well for public owners with zero appetite for risk and those with no interests in participating in the planning or design process. P3, while initially effective and easy on the budget, likely entails significant long-term risks and costs. But neither of these methods offers the flexibility and ownership advantages of IPD and neither leverages BIM on behalf of the owner the way IPD can. For all the excitement and hubris displayed toward IPD and BIM in this article, public entities interested in procuring planning, design and construction services under an IPD model must not get too far ahead of their industry partners in the adoption process. IPD is an integrated team process
March 2012
that cannot succeed without the support of key stakeholders. Thus, public owners must involve the BUILT industry in the effort to deploy IPD as a procurement model. In addition, it is critical that BIM be utilized throughout the process and that a fully functional digital asset (aka, an integrated BIM) be delivered to the public owner at the end of the project.
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Based on the foregoing figures and analysis, IPD, especially if combined with BIM and certain lean business processes, deserves careful consideration in the public arena. The BUILT industry, which prides itself on a can-do spirit of innovation, enjoys a challenge. Green buildings, bridges, skyscrapers, giant ships, and complex infrastructure of all kinds exist around the globe as a result of the BUILT industry’s commitment to getting the job done. Inclement weather, maddening government regulations and red tape, recalcitrant teammates, and a wide range of similar obstacles are overcome every year to bring new infrastructure online. Convincing planners, designers, and constructors to adopt and implement IPD and BIM will be easy if those procuring their services insist on doing things better. But old habits die hard and there are some processes and tools that need to be set aside or modified to move forward.
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CONCLUSION There is nothing simple about adopting a new procurement model, especially one as revolutionary as IPD. Combining IPD with BIM, while necessary, does complicate the process. The value to be derived from these innovative new processes is so high though, only the most timid will shy away. Leaders in the BUILT industry stand ready to pursue IPD and BIM on behalf of owners—public and private—that demand it. Let’s roll! 1 http://collaborativeconstruction.blogspot.com/2012/02/round-greenpeg-in-square-brown-hole.html 2 http://collaborativeconstruction.blogspot.com/2010/03/bim-as-digitalasset.html 3 http://collaborativeconstruction.blogspot.com/2012/02/humpty-dumpty-information.html
James L. Salmon, Esq., President, Collaborative Construction Resources, LLC, is a collaborative consultant and the creator of these IPD in 3D™ concepts. Salmon advocates the use of advanced BIM technologies, Lean Construction methods, Collaborative Agreements, and other IPD in 3D™ processes. His Collaborative BIM Advocates group provides free membership, national networking opportunities, custom symposiums, and online webinars.
www.augi.com
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