Industry Feedback Requested: USACE’s Progressive Design Build with Other Transaction Authority Process

Federal Organization Issuing Notice: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Headquarters, Directorate of Contracting

DESCRIPTION

USACE is requesting industry feedback on developed procedures for the execution of Progressive Design Build (PDB) for military construction projects utilizing an Other Transaction Authority (OTA) procurement method.

What is PDB?

PDB is a collaborative delivery method where the Government selects a design-builder based on qualifications and technical approach rather than price. The selected design-builder works jointly with the Government providing design and preconstruction services and establishes a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) (i.e., a fixed price ceiling) before construction begins. The process is divided into distinct phases: a competitive, qualifications-based selection to choose a design-builder; a collaborative design and preconstruction services phase to progressively develop the scope and establish a GMP; and a final design and construction phase. This approach replaces the traditional design-build process with a more collaborative acquisition approach for delivering construction requirements.

What is an Other Transaction?

An Other Transaction (OT) is a legally binding agreement entered into by the Government under specific statutory authority. OTs are not procurement contracts and are not subject to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). Title 10 U.S.C. § 2808a authorizes the use of OTs for certain facility construction and repair projects. The executed OT Agreement establishes the terms, conditions, responsibilities, and performance requirements applicable to the project.

This Industry Announcement contains three (3) attachments presented for industry feedback:

1. Attachment A: Placemat providing a general overview of the PDB w/OTA process from project initiation to construction completion.
2. Attachment B: Playbook created to guide USACE Project Delivery Teams with executing PDB w/OTA construction projects.
3. Attachment C: Agreement Articles (i.e. Terms and Conditions) that USACE drafted for use on PDB w/OTA construction projects.

USACE is seeking industry feedback to improve upon and better align its approach with commercial practices. Specific questions for industry are provided in Attachment D: PDB with OTA Industry Questionnaire. Respondents may address any or all questions. Feedback received will be used to refine the draft documents and inform USACE’s approach.

The attachments provided for industry feedback are for informational purposes only.  They are living documents that will act as a guide, but which are not binding. The documents reflect the agency’s current thinking and may change over time, to include incorporating changes in response to industry feedback received or through lessons learned as USACE begins the execution of PDB w/OTA Agreements.

HOW TO PROVIDE FEEDBACK:

Industry responses and/or questions are to be submitted via "Bidder Inquiry" in ProjNet no later than 4PM Eastern on July 8, 2026. If providing a response to the questions outlined in Attachment D: PDB w/OTA Industry Questionnaire, please submit separate entries for each response. Respondents should review existing inquiries and Government responses before submitting a new question. Respondents shall not submit proprietary or sensitive information through the Bidder Inquiry module.

BIDDER INQUIRY KEY: HA6G6E-34M6NF

Specific Instructions for Initial ProjNet Bid Inquiry Access:

• From the ProjNet home page, click on "Quick Add" on the upper right side of the screen.
• Identify the Agency as USACE.
• Key - Enter the Bidder Inquiry Key listed above.
• Email - Enter the email address you would like to use for communication.
• Click "Continue." A page will then open saying that a user account was not found and will ask you to create one using the provided form.
• Enter your First Name, Last Name, Company, City, State, Phone, Email, Secret Question, Secret Answer, and Time Zone. Remember your Secret Question and Answer as they will be used from this point on to access the ProjNet system.
• Click "Add User." Once this is completed you are now registered within ProjNet and are currently logged into the system.

Specific Instructions for Subsequent ProjNet Bid Inquiry Access:

• Steps 1 through 3 - Same as Above.
• Enter the email address you used to register previously in ProjNet.
• Click "Continue." A page will then open asking for the answer to your Secret Question.
• Enter your Secret Answer and click "Login." Once this is completed, you are logged into the system

For firms who would also like to dialogue with USACE further regarding the PDB w/OTA process, the Government may have the ability to conduct one-on-one meetings for further information sharing. If interested in providing additional feedback via a one-on-one meeting, please indicate interest in your response.