Collaborative
Delivery
Methods
APPROACH / COLLABORATIVE DELIVERY METHODS
From shared goals and accountability to honesty, integrity, and shared trust, we know firsthand that successful projects are fueled by the innovation, problem-solving, decision-making, and communication that come with true collaboration. We work collaboratively with owners, engineers, field teams, operators, and stakeholders throughout the project to educate, evaluate, and provide innovative, customized solutions that perform. The trust built through collaboration not only drives better projects, but it also fosters long-lasting relationships with our clients and partners.
Why Collaborative Delivery?
Some proven benefits of collaborative delivery include:
Early Engagement
Improved Cost Control
Faster Project Completion
Early Risk Mitigation
More Project Certainty
Stronger Team Alignment
More Transparency
Increased Innovation
Higher Quality Outcomes
More Value
Collaboration Means More Safety
At Rice Lake West, safety is integrated into every phase of project delivery. From preconstruction planning and design development through active construction, our team prioritizes safe practices and risk mitigation. We collaborate closely with operations staff to review maintenance access, equipment layout, and site workflows, ensuring that design and construction decisions enhance safety, improve operational efficiency, and create safer, more maintainable facilities. Our proactive approach helps deliver construction projects that protect workers, operators, and communities for the long term.
Our Collaborative Delivery Methods
Rice Lake West offers a comprehensive range of construction project delivery methods, including Design-Bid-Build, Construction Manager/General Contractor (CMGC), Construction Manager at-Risk (CMAR), Fixed Price Design-Build, Progressive Design-Build (PDB), and Construction Management. Our experience, capabilities, and adaptable systems enable us to successfully support and participate in a wide variety of delivery models typically selected by owners. No matter the method, our collaborative processes focus on optimizing team integration, applying proven processes, and delivering high-quality outcomes that drive project success.
Construction Manager General Contractor (CMGC)
Rice Lake West provides full-service project support from early design through final construction. As the Construction Manager, we contribute constructability reviews, cost analysis, and schedule input during design. We then transition into the General Contractor role, holding all subcontractor and vendor contracts. Operating under a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP), we assume the financial risk while maintaining control over cost, quality, and schedule.
Construction Management at Risk (CMAR)
Functionally identical to CMGC, CMAR is used interchangeably based on agency or regional preference. Rice Lake West delivers the same early collaboration, pricing transparency, and risk mitigation benefits—providing input during design and serving as the contractor during construction under a GMP.
Design/Build (DB)
In a Design-Build arrangement, Rice Lake West partners directly with design professionals from project inception. We contribute constructability, cost, and schedule input during design and are fully responsible for project execution. Our preconstruction expertise, self-performing capabilities, and technical depth drive a seamless, integrated approach that delivers high-quality results and schedule certainty.
Progressive Design-Build (PDB)
Blending elements of CMAR and Design-Build, Progressive Design-Build allows for a phased and collaborative process. Rice Lake West engages early to provide real-time estimating, constructability feedback, and risk assessment during design. As the builder within the design-build team, we take full responsibility for construction execution, supporting innovation, transparency, and informed decision-making.
General Contracting
As a general contractor, Rice Lake West manages the full scope of construction operations, serving as the primary project manager. We oversee contract administration and coordinate materials, labor, equipment, and services to deliver a complete and high-quality installation, with particular expertise in complex water and wastewater infrastructure.
Competitive Bid (Design-Bid-Build)
In the traditional design-bid-build model, Rice Lake West submits competitive bids on fully designed projects. Once selected, we manage construction execution, including coordination of materials, labor, equipment, and services.