For Design-Bid-Build projects, the three phases of planning, design, and construction of a project run sequentially. Following the initial planning phase the design team prepares a fully detailed, 100 percent complete, set of design documents for bidding the project. Lump sum competitive construction bids are solicited and received and the contract is awarded to the lowest responsible bidder. Contractors have no involvement in the process until the bidding stage. Public works projects often times employ multiple prime contractors, including a prime general contractor and separate prime plumbing, fire protection, HVAC and electrical contractors.
