No, It Doesn't!

When it comes to direct digital control (DDC) contracts, Design-Build is not the preferred method. A Design-Build-Bid method is preferable because of the level of collaboration that must take place in the development of the DDC system between the owner, end users and the designer. Each organization is unique; and so are the requirements for the DDC system. DDC systems are sophisticated and cannot be treated as a commodity, such as drywall or steel. The Design-Build delivery method lends itself to a "one-size-fits-all” approach in which the significance of the DDC system is diminished. If a Design-Build contract does not have clearly defined owner project requirements (OPR) then the owner may not get a DDC system that fits the need of the building. Since the upfront requirements may not be clearly defined for DDC systems in Design-Build contracts, this opens the door for DDC contractor change orders during construction. For these reasons, it is imperative that DDC contracts be delivered in the traditional Design-Bid-Build manner.