Collaborative Delivery Program

The Department of Water Resources (DWR) received new construction contracting authorities in both 2022 and 2023 under the California Public Contract Code.

The 2022 contracting authorities authorize DWR to utilize the Construction Manager General Contractor (CMGC) method and expands DWR’s prior Fixed Price Design-Build (FPDB) authority for projects in excess of $1,000,000. These authorities are limited to seven CMGC and seven FPDB public works projects necessary for the construction, maintenance, or operation of elements of State Water Facilities through January 1, 2033. The Department maintains the additional authority to use FPDB at the Salton Sea.

The 2023 contracting authority authorizes DWR to use Progressive Design-Build (PDB) for eight public works projects that are estimated to exceed $25,000,000 through December 31, 2033, excluding only through-Delta conveyance facilities of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and desalination projects.

These new contracting authorities afford DWR opportunities to benefit from construction contract procurement features that go beyond what traditional Design-bid-build (DBB) can offer, such as early contractor involvement, innovation, and optimization of construction schedules. The development and implementation of the new contracting authorities will be carried out under the Division of Engineering’s Project Delivery Branch.

The Department will leverage knowledge and experience gained from the work of the Collaborative Partnering Program and carry those values of collaboration and shared trust, commitment, and teamwork into the Collaborative Delivery Program.

If you have questions, email us at DWR-CDP@water.ca.gov. 

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To execute projects with the most effective delivery method to secure the functions of the State Water Project (SWP) by ensuring flexibility, reliability and resilience in water supply and delivery to the benefit the people of California and the environment, while ensuring the optimal financial management of the SWP.