MEB was selected as the Progressive Design-Builder for Henrico County’s Williamsburg Road Pump Station and Force Main Project!
This project is Henrico County’s first Progressive Design-Build (PDB) project. The Williamsburg Road Pump Station and Force Main project has an aggressive schedule and this delivery method allows work to begin early in the design process saving valuable time.
Key project components:
- 50’ deep pump station
- 600’ of 16” gravity sewer to be micro tunneled at a depth of 20 to 35 feet below existing grade
- 10,500’ of 16” force main
- 1,000’ of 20” HDPE horizontal drilling
- 3 jack and bores totaling 400′
Timmons Group was selected by the Owner as the engineer to initiate early design due to the constrained schedule. MEB was then selected as the Design-Builder based on our qualifications, project approach, and budgetary pricing. We have committed to an open book, fully transparent collaborative approach for this project, working collaboratively with all stakeholders. Once we were selected as the Design-Builder, the Timmons contract was novated to MEB with the engineer now working with us as part of our team.
How does Progressive Design-Build differ from traditional Design-Build?
Unlike traditional Design-Build projects, PDB breaks the design portion of the contract into two phases. On this specific project those phases have been broken out below:
- Phase 1: Early GMP for initial sitework and mass excavation
- Phase 2: Final GMP for final siteplan, design, and construction scopes
The Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) also differs in PDB. The GMP is set later in the design process, giving the Owner more control over the price as it’s negotiated progressively throughout the design process.
The advantages of this approach for the Owner are:
- Early and frequent engagement regarding design narrative, PER, and 30% and 60% design
- The County engaged collaboratively to review and provide feedback and/or approval of design submissions and permits
- Phased permitting to facilitate early sitework activities, linework, and building construction
Project Milestones to Date:
- December 2024 // Early GMP submitted and approved at 30% design to facilitate early site clearing, E&S, cofferdam installation, and pump station excavation
- April 2025 // Final GMP submitted at 60% design in mid-April inclusive of all remaining costs to construct and commission the pump station and force main
- April 2025 // MEB has executed the contract amendment accepting the submitted GMP and authorization to proceed with all work
- Our team is aiming for final completion in “Early 2027”
