BFW has embarked on an exciting journey with our first design-build project, marking a significant milestone in our history. This project, known as the SR-222 Design-Build, is intricately linked to the development of Blue Oval City, a massive investment by Ford Motor Company in the community. The project’s unique nature and logistical challenges made it an extraordinary undertaking for the firm.
What is Design Build? SR-222?
A design-build project is a method in the construction industry where design and construction services are contracted by a single entity known as the design-builder or design-build contractor. This approach integrates the roles of designer and constructor, which often leads to faster project completion and more collaborative problem-solving.
SR-222, or State Route 222, is a crucial roadway in Tennessee that serves as a significant connector in the region. The reconstruction and improvement of this route are vital to accommodate the increased traffic and logistical demands brought about by the development of Blue Oval City.
It was a Privilege to be Challenged
Mike McGregor, Design Project Manager, provided valuable insights into the project and our capabilities. “The SR-222 Design-Build project was unique due to its proximity to Blue Oval City. Being part of such a large investment for the community was a privilege,” Mike explained. “The expedited schedule for developing signalized intersections and managing traffic flow for heavy truck volumes were particularly challenging aspects.”
This project required us to stretch our capabilities. “Due to the design-build nature of the project, we put enormous effort into the pre-selection process,” Mike noted. “Our design staff had to quickly develop the Simplified Functional Plans provided by our client to 60% or greater. Essentially, these initial plans are basic outlines of what the project should look like and how it should function. Our team had to take these preliminary sketches and develop them into more detailed and refined plans, reaching a 60% completion level. This meant adding significant detail and specificity to the designs, making them much closer to what the final plans would look like.”
This refinement was necessary for our contracting partner, Ford Construction Company, to develop a cost estimate and schedule for submission to the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT). The complexities did not end there; our team authored a 300-page Technical Proposal in response to TDOT’s Request for Proposals (RFP). “Only after a passing Technical Proposal could we submit our Price Proposal, which included both the construction cost and the duration cost,” Mike added. The Price Proposal won the project, reflecting the competitive and rigorous nature of design-build projects.
Design Build is a Brand New Level of Collaboration
Our firm’s ability to undertake such a complex project is relatively new. Mike highlighted what enabled this capability: “We felt that TDOT developed a fair and reasonable design-build process. The opportunity to team with Ford Construction Company, strategically located near Blue Oval City and known for their outstanding work for TDOT, made this pursuit attractive to us.”
The scope of the Blue Oval project is extensive. It includes the design and reconstruction of SR-222, construction of a new 4-lane roadway, intersection improvements, utility coordination and relocations, and more. “Traffic will be maintained on the existing roadway, which adds another layer of complexity,” Mike shared.
We Are Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, we are not resting on our laurels. We are always seeking the right opportunities to partner with those in the contracting community positioned for design-build projects. “We are currently exploring several possibilities in Tennessee and surrounding states. I feel that BFW/Marcum will seek to expand our design-build presence in the industry,” Mike stated confidently.
This venture into design-build projects, particularly with the Blue Oval City, signifies a new chapter for us. Our successful navigation of the challenges and complexities of this project sets a promising foundation for future endeavors in the design-build arena.
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