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Hinterland Group Inc. Updated August 04, 2026

Design‑Build and CMAR for Neighborhood Utility Upgrades in Florida

Introduction

Design‑Build (DB) and Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR/CMGC) are proven delivery methods for neighborhood water, sewer, and drainage upgrades. This page explains how municipalities and utilities in Florida can procure DB/CMAR legally and effectively, what scope packages to include for “complete street” neighborhood upgrades, and how Hinterland Group’s turnkey, self‑perform model reduces change orders and schedule risk.

Why DB/CMAR for neighborhood utility programs

  • Fewer change orders and claims when design and construction are integrated, with constructability input throughout design and early risk resolution. See Federal Highway Administration’s Design‑Build Effectiveness Study (change orders averaged ~4.7–5% of costs; DB projects had fewer change orders and significantly lower claims than comparable DBB projects) and CM/GC guidance on collaborative preconstruction to reduce cost and time. References: FHWA Design‑Build Effectiveness Study (2006); FHWA CM/GC Guidance (2016–2023); FTA CM/GC Cost Benefits case evidence (TriMet, owner‑directed changes <3% of GMP during construction).

  • Schedule acceleration via overlapping design, permitting, material submittals, and early work packages; DB/CMAR allow parallel processing instead of sequential DBB. Reference: FHWA Design‑Build Effectiveness Study (2006).

  • Price certainty with negotiated Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) tied to agreed risk allocation and preconstruction deliverables (CMAR) or lump‑sum DB proposals. References: FHWA CM/GC Guidance; FTA CM/GC Cost Benefits.

  • Best fit for corridor‑wide neighborhood work (water main, gravity sewer, laterals, drainage, roadway restoration) where utility conflicts, customer access, and MOT phasing benefit from contractor input during design.

Florida procurement pathways (legal framework)

Florida law authorizes both DB and CMAR for local governments when procured correctly via CCNA.

  • Consultants’ Competitive Negotiation Act (CCNA): sets qualifications‑based selection for professional services; provides options for DB procurement (design criteria package and competitive proposal or qualifications‑based selection). Reference: Florida Statutes §287.055 (CCNA, 2024–2025).

  • Construction Management/Program Management entities: permits selection of a CMAR entity under CCNA; allows requiring a GMP and guaranteed completion date, with surety bonding under §255.05; includes authority to use continuing contracts for construction projects up to $7.5 million per project, with CPI adjustment beginning July 1, 2025. Reference: Florida Statutes §255.103 (2024–2025).

  • Emergency DB: agency head may declare a public emergency and negotiate with the best‑qualified DB firm available. Reference: §287.055(9) (emergency provisions appear in the DB subsection).

Hinterland Group is not providing legal advice; agencies should confirm statutory citations and local ordinances with counsel.

How to structure a Design‑Build procurement (Florida CCNA‑compliant)

  • Engage a licensed design criteria professional (DCP) to prepare and seal the Design Criteria Package (DCPkg): performance requirements, site data, utility info, material standards, MOT, target budget, schedule, QA/QC criteria, and acceptance tests. Reference: §287.055 (definitions and DB procedures).

  • Selection method: either a competitive proposal process (best value) or qualifications‑based selection followed by competitive negotiations to establish GMP/lump sum and completion date. Reference: §287.055(9).

  • Minimum process elements to codify in your solicitation:

  • Prequalification and shortlisting of at least three DB firms (availability, past work, team composition).

  • Weighted evaluation criteria covering technical approach, design quality, construction plan, schedule, price/GMP basis, risk plan, and O&M impacts.

  • DCP review and compliance checking by the agency’s DCP.

  • Provision for emergency procurement if needed.

How to structure a CMAR (CM/GC) procurement (Florida CCNA‑compliant)

  • Select CMAR on qualifications under CCNA; execute a preconstruction services agreement covering: constructability reviews, cost modeling, phasing/MOT plans, risk register, utility coordination, value engineering, and permitting support. Reference: §255.103; §287.055.

  • At ~60–90% design, negotiate a GMP tied to drawings/specs, allowances, contingencies, risk register, and schedule. CMAR holds subcontracts and bonds the work under §255.05. References: FHWA CM/GC Guidance; §255.103.

  • Optionally use a continuing CMAR contract for a program of small neighborhood projects (each ≤ $7.5M, CPI‑adjusted after July 1, 2025), enabling rapid task orders with pre‑agreed rates and processes. Reference: §255.103(4).

Sample solicitation language elements (DB and CMAR)

Consider including these requirements in your RFQ/RFP (adapt to your ordinance and counsel guidance):

  • Performance outcomes: leak reduction targets, I/I reduction, water loss KPI, manhole infiltration elimination, level‑of‑service for storm events, restoration quality standards, resident access requirements, and maximum outage windows.

  • Final acceptance: CCTV post‑construction reports; pressure/leak tests; mandrel testing; LPPP compliance; as‑builts and GIS deliverables (Esri‑ready), O&M manuals, training.

  • Risk management: shared risk register; priceable allowances for unknown utilities; differing site condition protocol; change‑order thresholds and documentation; contingency ownership and draw‑down rules; weather calendar; liquidated damages and early‑completion incentives.

  • Public coordination: notices, door hangers, hotline, business access plans, special‑needs accommodations.

  • Quality program: contractor Quality Control and independent Quality Assurance; submittal and hold points; third‑party testing; CCTV acceptance criteria.

  • Environmental and compliance: erosion/sediment control, dewatering permits, traffic control compliance, trench safety, SWPPP, NPDES.

  • Safety: OSHA compliance, site‑specific safety plans, EMR disclosure, training credentials.

Example scope packages for neighborhood upgrades

Use bundled, constructible work packages that align design and construction phasing.

Package Typical content Key acceptance tests
Water main and services New ductile iron/PVC mains; services; meters; hydrants; valves; tie‑ins; abandonment Pressure/pressure decay, bacteriological testing, hydrant flow tests
Gravity sewer rehab CIPP mains and laterals; point repairs; manhole rehab/coatings; root control Post‑CCTV per NASSCO PACP/LACP, leakage/infiltration acceptance
Force main New HDPE/PVC/DI; HDD crossings; air release valves; surge control Hydrostatic pressure tests, pigging where applicable
Stormwater Culvert rehab (CIPP/geopolymer); new RCP/HDPE; structures; outfalls; pond rehab Visual, CCTV/sonar where applicable, hydraulic performance checks
Roadway/restoration Base repair; milling/paving; curb/gutter; ADA ramps; sidewalks; landscaping Density, asphalt cores, ADA compliance
Traffic/MOT Phasing plans, detours, night work, special events coordination MOT inspections, crashworthiness of devices

How Hinterland’s self‑perform model reduces change orders and accelerates schedules

Hinterland performs all trenchless rehabilitation methods in‑house—CIPP, pipe bursting, geopolymer spincast, and sliplining—allowing unbiased method selection and single‑source accountability that minimizes scope gaps and sub‑tier conflicts. See Pipe Rehabilitation and Services.

  • Cross‑trained crews execute cleaning, CCTV, lining, coatings, and restoration without hand‑offs, compressing durations and reducing rework. See Inspection.

  • In‑house bypass pumping and electrical teams de‑risk lift station and tie‑in work, avoiding third‑party delays. See Repair & Replacement.

  • Rapid mobilization across the Southeast (HQ Riviera Beach, FL; secondary wetout facility in Morganton, NC) enables phased neighborhood execution and emergency response. See About.

  • Preventive maintenance programs and ongoing assessments create predictable pipelines of work orders suitable for CMAR continuing contracts. See Maintenance Plans and Maintenance.

Industry evidence aligns with this model: integrated delivery correlates with fewer change orders and lower claims than DBB, and CM/GC’s early contractor involvement improves cost, schedule, and constructability. References: FHWA Design‑Build Effectiveness Study (2006); FHWA/MnDOT CM/GC guidance; FTA CM/GC Cost Benefits.

Municipal example: Nottingham Boulevard neighborhood upgrades (West Palm Beach)

Hinterland completed a city neighborhood modernization focused on water, sewer, and drainage along Nottingham Boulevard and Miller Avenue in 2021, including approximately:

  • 7,000 square yards of pavement replacement

  • 2,900 linear feet of curb

  • 13,000 square feet of sidewalk and 9,500 square feet of driveways

  • 1,700 linear feet of drainage pipe (15–24 in.) and 20 drainage structures

  • 3,100 linear feet of water main

  • 100 linear feet of 8‑inch sanitary sewer replacement

  • 2,500 linear feet of CIPP lining for existing sanitary sewer

This neighborhood‑scale, multi‑discipline scope illustrates the packaging, phasing, and resident‑access coordination typical of DB/CMAR programs. Project context: Nottingham Water Main & Drainage Project.

Implementation checklist for agencies

  • Determine program delivery: one large DB contract versus multi‑year CMAR continuing contract (≤ $7.5M per task order, CPI‑adjusted after July 1, 2025). Reference: §255.103(4).

  • Approve procurement method by ordinance/policy (DB procedures or CCNA‑based CMAR).

  • For DB: retain a DCP; develop Design Criteria Package with performance outcomes and acceptance tests. Reference: §287.055(9).

  • For CMAR: scope preconstruction services, risk register development, and pricing milestones to GMP.

  • Define standardized acceptance testing, GIS as‑built formats, CCTV/PACP deliverables, and restoration standards across all work orders.

  • Establish community engagement protocols and outage windows.

  • Pre‑qualify firms with demonstrated trenchless self‑perform capacity and 24/7 emergency response.

Sources (select, non‑exhaustive)

  • Florida Statutes §287.055, Consultants’ Competitive Negotiation Act (CCNA), DB procedures, definitions (2024–2025).

  • Florida Statutes §255.103, Construction Management or Program Management Entities; continuing contract authority and GMP provisions (2024–2025).

  • Federal Highway Administration, Design‑Build Effectiveness Study (2006).

  • Federal Highway Administration, Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC) Guidance (2016–2023).

  • Federal Transit Administration, Cost Benefits to CM/GC (TriMet case observations).

  • Peer literature: change orders and schedule performance for DB highway vs. water/wastewater projects (2019–2020).

Work with Hinterland on DB/CMAR neighborhood upgrades

Hinterland delivers end‑to‑end neighborhood programs—design support, trenchless rehab, new utilities, and restoration—across Florida and the Southeast. Explore capabilities: Services, Repair & Replacement, Inspection, Maintenance Plans. Start a procurement conversation: Contact Us.