As design-build (DB) becomes more common for the development and construction of long-term infrastructure, the engagement of the owner’s operations and maintenance (O&M) team becomes significantly more important to project success. For some projects, the traditional design-bid-build process may not have taken advantage of the institutional knowledge available from the owner’s O&M teams as facilities and systems were designed, constructed, and commissioned. When projects are implemented without O&M team input, the O&M function can be “stuck” with facilities that do not work as well as they could have if there had been more O&M input into the entire project development process.

The opportunity to meaningfully increase O&M engagement in a DB project can be leveraged through collaborative delivery in a variety of ways. These opportunities are based on the key concept that a dedicated O&M team should become engaged EARLY in a project. In fact, the optimum time to engage an O&M team is immediately following the selection of the DB team. Once engaged, the O&M team should be available to actively participate in the following tasks:

  • Participate in the development of the design concepts
    • Participate in basis of design and treatment process optimization
    • Provide lifecycle-focused analysis and equipment selection support
    • Provide input and support the development of performance parameters for the treatment process, including collaborating with the DB team to estimate power and chemical demand over various operating scenarios
    • Participate in the development of operational protocols, instrumentation, and automation strategies
  • Review the operability of the DB’s design and layout
  • Actively participate in the development of the O&M staffing level requirements and qualifications parameters for staff:
    • Provide significant input into the development of the operations plan, O&M manuals, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and standard maintenance procedures (SMPs)
    • Actively participate in the development and testing of training materials so that these materials will be appropriate and useful for training staff when the project is complete
  • Provide input into DB cost development so that it includes true and realistic lifecycle costs as a decision tool, including:
    • Develop a repair and replacement plan and schedule aligned with the DB’s process design, operational assumptions, and equipment selections, including OEM guarantees, if any
  • Support the design-builder’s development of a commissioning plan and tie-in process
    • Assist the DB in developing acceptance criteria that will meet regulatory responsibilities and project objectives
    • Actively participate in the planning of commissioning, startup, and acceptance testing, including scope for O&M team observation and engagement

Early engagement and tapping into the institutional knowledge and memory of the O&M staff increases the likelihood of success for DB projects. It is a “WIN-WIN” for all parties!