Whitley Burchett

Using the Design-Build Approach for SCADA

(Presented at the CWEA Northern Regional Training Conference, September 1999)

Michael J. Barnes, Whitley Burchett & Associates

ABSTRACT

The use of a design/build approach is very conducive for designing and installing a SCADA system at a wastewater treatment plant. This is particularly true for facilities that are upgrading existing control and/or SCADA systems. The design/build approach has the potential to allow an Owner to get a very customized SCADA system that meets their needs, more cost-effectively than using the traditional design-bid-build approach. However, to realize this potential, the Owner will have to manage the project differently than what is typically done using a design/bid/build approach. This presentation will discuss the different management strategies the Owner needs to employ to make this approach work. In addition, the presentation will discuss the key ingredients to developing a successful contract to take advantage of the benefits of using a design/build approach to design and install a SCADA system.