Glossary D to M

Glossary Terms

D - O

DBE – Disadvantaged Business Enterprise - An entity that is at least 51% owned and operated by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individual (s).

DBIA – Design Build Institute of America.

Delivery Method/System – The means by which design and construction work are provided.

Design-Assist – A procurement process, in which prior to completion of a design, a Constructor is hired to assist a design professional of record in completing the design.

Design-Bid-Build – A project delivery method in which the Owner engages a designer to prepare the design of the complete facility, including construction contract documents and other contract documents. Once completed, the bid package is presented to interested general contractors who in turn prepare a bid for the work.

Design-Build – A project delivery method in which a single team develops a project, including design and construction.

Fast Track – Any project and process where there is an overlap between two or more project phases.

General Liability Insurance – The most common form of insurance carried by constructors.

GMP – Guaranteed Maximum Price - The Owner agrees to reimburse the costs of the work, up to a prescribed ceiling amount.

Integrated Project Delivery – An approach to a project where all parties sign a multiple party contract that includes the Owner, the primary Architect(s), the Prime Contractor(s) as well as other key members of the construction team. This incentivizes collaborative behavior and team risk-sharing to enhance project success.

Lean Construction – A management approach that focuses on maximum value and minimum waste. A system intended to manage and improve overall performance by using input from all team members.

LEED – Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design - Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, the LEED Rating System is a voluntary national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings.

LEED AP – LEED Accredited Professional - LEED accreditation is awarded to building industry practitioners with detailed knowledge of LEED project certification requirements and processes and a command of integrated design principals.

Lump Sum – The lump sum is a fixed price for the scope of the work described in the contract documents. The general contractor assumes the risk of cost increases to perform the work required to complete the scope of the work described in the original contract documents.

MBA – Master Builders’ Association of Western Pennsylvania, Inc.

MBE – Minority Business Enterprise - An entity that is at least 51% owned and operated by a minority.

Multiple Prime Delivery – Instead of contracting with a single entity, the Owner contracts directly with multiple trade contractors for the completion of the work and the Owner assumes the responsibility for the coordination.

OSHA - Occupational Safety & Health Administration