Field Organization: Who Does What on a Construction Project (and Why Delivery Method Changes Everything)

Construction Delivery System

The overall way a project is organized contractually and operationally.

Design–Bid–Build (DBB)

A delivery system where the owner hires a designer to complete the design, then separately contracts with a general contractor to build it.

Design–Build (DB)

A project delivery method where the owner hires a single entity responsible for both design and construction.

Construction Management at Risk (CMAR)

A delivery system where the owner hires a designer and a construction manager who acts like a general contractor during construction.

Integrated Project Delivery (IPD)

A project delivery method that encourages collaboration among the owner, designer, and builder with shared risk/reward.

Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP)

A pricing model in CMAR where the construction manager guarantees that the project will not exceed a maximum price.

Single Point of Responsibility

A condition in project delivery where one entity is responsible for both design and construction.

Cost Management

The process of planning and controlling the budget of a project.

Schedule Management

The process of ensuring that a project is completed on time.

Quality Control

A process to ensure that the project meets the required standards and specifications.

Safety Management

The process of preventing injuries and ensuring compliance with safety rules on a jobsite.

Risk Management

The identification, assessment, and prioritization of risks followed by coordinated efforts to minimize, control, and monitor the impact of these risks.

Sustainability in Construction

Meeting energy, durability, indoor air quality, and environmental targets in a building project.

Lines of Communication

Defined channels used for communication to prevent conflicting instructions and ensure proper documentation.

Request for Information (RFI)

A formal process used by a contractor to clarify design issues or gather more information from the designer.

Field Organization

The arrangement and responsibilities of individuals and teams on a jobsite.

Submittals

Documents provided by contractors to confirm compliance with design requirements.

Change Order

A document that modifies the original construction contract, often related to changes in scope, cost, or schedule.

Owner's Project Manager

A representative appointed by the owner to manage day-to-day decisions and oversee project execution.

Consultants

Specialists brought in to provide targeted expertise that the core project team may not possess.

Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)

Agencies or officials responsible for enforcing laws and codes related to construction.

Means and Methods

The techniques and processes used by contractors to perform their work on a project.

Design Intent

The goals and requirements outlined by architects and engineers for a building’s performance and aesthetics.

Results of Poor Field Organization

Problems arising from unclear communication or decision rights, leading to disputes, delays, or failures.

Responsibility Matrix (RACI)

A tool used to clarify roles and responsibilities among team members for project tasks.

Typical Exam Question Pattern

Questions often focus on identifying responsible parties and their functions within different delivery systems.