Description

Alternative Project Delivery Methods (APDMs) are increasingly being recognized as effective alternatives to the traditional Design-Bid-Build (DBB) approach for transportation projects. As APDMs gain traction among California’s transportation agencies, understanding the legislative frameworks that enable their use and the characteristics of each method is critical. This study benchmarks the existing use of APDMs in California transportation agencies of varying types and sizes, while considering the characteristics (advantages and barriers/challenges to implementation) of each APDM and the authorizations enabling its implementation. Based on these findings, it also provides recommendations for key factors to consider in APDM selection and implementation. The study used a four-pronged mixed-methods approach, including a literature review, content analysis of 30 APDM-related bills (1999–2024), a statewide agency survey, and eight in-depth case studies. Findings reveal growing legislative support for broader APDM adoption with fewer restrictions than in the past, but findings also highlight disparities in implementation between agencies of different types (e.g., state vs. county agencies). Public and private sectors show differing levels of APDM maturity (experience and readiness) and future adoption plans, with greater interest in the Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC) and Progressive Design-Build (PDB) methods than Design Build (DB). Key barriers include limited internal capacity, legislative constraints, and a lack of staff training, particularly among smaller agencies. The study also identifies a strong need for industry-wide awareness and strategic method selection based on project complexity and agency readiness. This study contributes actionable recommendations for legislators, agencies, and contractors to support effective APDM implementation. It lays the groundwork for future research into the effect of agency governance structures and decision-making cultures on APDM implementation and the development of tools to assess agency readiness and support informed APDM selection. This report supports the California State Transportation Committee (CSTC) and the State Legislature's decisions by providing a state-of-the-art exploration of the APDMs used in California and can help shape future APDM legislative directions. By helping agencies understand different project delivery methods, this research supports faster, more cost-effective, and higher-quality transportation projects that better serve California communities.

Publication Date

2-2026

Publication Type

Report

Topic

Planning and Policy, Transportation Engineering, Workforce and Labor, Transportation Finance

Digital Object Identifier

10.31979/mti.2026.2455

MTI Project

2455

Mineta Transportation Institute URL

https://transweb.sjsu.edu/research/2455-Alternative-Project-Delivery-Methods-California

Keywords

Project delivery, Design-Build, Construction management, Legislation, California transportation agencies

Disciplines

Transportation

Additional Files
2455-RB-Gad-Alternative-Project-Delivery-Methods-California.pdf (250 kB)
Research Brief
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