Design-Build Contract and Procurement Seminar & Book Discussion

Written by Freya Li, reviewed by Duo Huang, Photos by Bin Su

On May 3, 2025, engineers, students, interns, project managers, and business professionals gathered for an engaging afternoon of learning, networking, and inspiration at the latest seminar hosted by the Canada Structural Engineers Association (CSEA). Combining technical expertise with personal growth, the event showcased exceptional knowledge-sharing.

Section 1: Technical Seminar on Design-Build

Moderated by Brady Lin, the first half of the event delved deep into the Design-Build (DB) project delivery models and procurement strategies. Five expert speakers shared real-world insights from major infrastructure projects, including bridges, highways, and hydroelectric developments.

Recent Design-Build History in Canada and General Procurement Procedures | Hangang Li

Hangang Li, a Senior Structural Engineer with the City of Toronto, explored the evolution of design-build practices in Canada’s public infrastructure. He provided a comprehensive overview of key historical milestones, procurement methods, and future trends shaping modern project delivery. In his presentation, Hangang provided a brief introduction to several major Canadian DB projects in recent history, including Highway 407 and others. He detailed the core features of design-build (DB), such as single-source responsibility, overlapping design and construction phases, enhanced collaboration, and optimized risk allocation, while contrasting these with traditional design-bid-build approaches. Hangang introduced four types of DB models, such as progressive DB and bridging DB, and explained the initial stages of the DB procurement process, methods of selecting the DB team, and essential factors for DB project success. He emphasized the importance of clear project requirements and best-value selection methods. Finally, Hangang addressed the benefits of Design-Build and its potential drawbacks.

Request for Proposal for MTO Assignment | William Lei

William Lei, Senior Engineer at the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO), walked through the design-build models and the process of developing DB-ready projects. He explained the classification of DB models in MTO—DB minor types A and B, and DB major, based on project complexity, stipend use, and potential for alternative technical approaches. He outlined the procurement stages, from preliminary design to DB-ready status and contract finalization. William emphasized the importance of identifying scope and information gaps during DB-ready scoping. He then briefly presented and explained the table of contents for standard DB contract templates used in Expression of Interest (EOI) and Request for Proposal (RFP). Last, he provided a detailed introduction to the entire procurement process for an MTO DB project, covering steps from defining the project scope, making DB ready Term of Reference (TOR), issuing a tender in the market, conducting evaluation, and finally awarding and executing the contract.

The Delivery of DB Bridge Projects from a Design-Builder's Perspective | Philp Loh

Philip Loh, Design-Build Projects Lead at Facca Inc., shared a contractor’s perspective on Design-Build project types and phases, specifically within the MTO framework. He explained why DB suits projects with construction challenges, allowing for early contractor involvement and better risk management. Philip discussed the differences between DB Minor Type A and B, as well as DB Major, focusing on the distinctions in procurement methods, such as RFP only or EOI followed by RFP, the use of stipends for unsuccessful bidders, and the allowance for Alternate Technical Concepts. He also addressed key project requirements, including team structure, quality, scheduling, and emphasized that environmental management is critical. Finally, he shared a few past DB projects completed by Facca.

Design-Build Strategy Applying to a Hydroelectric Project | Sheng Wang

Sheng Wang, Senior Project Engineers at Ontario Power Generation Inc, presented an interesting hydroelectric dam upgrade project that involves adding four new sluiceway bay to existing eight. He first introduced the Construction Industry Institute (CII)’s delivery contracting strategies and its project delivery selection process, which prioritizes up to six key project drivers from a pool of 20. For the example project, competitive pricing was the primary driver, alongside secondary concerns like quality, schedule, and cost certainty. Due to regulatory requirements and limited internal resources, a DB approach was used. Sheng presented the entire project procedure, outlining each milestone step by step—from the owner initiation phase to the final turnover. Lastly, Sheng provided a detailed explanation of the Owner/Owner’s Representative quality oversight process and quality assurance process.

Progressive Design Build – Garden City Skyway | Allan Sheung

Allan Sheung, Cost Estimates Director at Infrastructure Ontario, introduced the QEW Garden City Skyway Twinning Project, led by Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation, using a Progressive Design-Build (PDB) model. The project includes constructing a 24-span, 2.3 km twin bridge, widening the QEW, realigning local roads, relocating utilities, and upgrading drainage, lighting, and ITS systems over an estimated five-year duration. Key project risks involve tariffs, inflation, and pending agreements with municipalities, utility owners, and other stakeholders, which may impact scope and schedule. Allan emphasized PDB’s advantages over traditional DB: collaborative design development, flexibility in scope, shared risk, and greater owner involvement. Unlike DB, which fixes price and scope early, PDB evolves through phases, making it ideal for complex, multi-stakeholder projects and fostering innovation throughout design.

The audience gained practical insights into contract models, risk management, and collaboration frameworks. A spirited panel discussion wrapped up the session, highlighting how PDB fosters innovation and reduces uncertainty, which is key for today’s complex project environments.

Section 2: Unlocking the Psychology of Selling

Shifting from construction to communication, the second session centered on Brian Tracy’s book, The Psychology of Selling, under the guidance of moderators Runxiao Zhang and Haixue Liao. Through engaging presentations, bilingual storytelling, and interactive discussions, speakers explored topics such as the predictability of success, sales quality, mindset, customer understanding, self-promotion, and buyer behavior. A hands-on sales exercise, led by Austin, invited volunteers to apply the theory in practice. The atmosphere was filled with creativity and courage as participants demonstrated that sales play a role in every aspect of life.

The event concluded with spontaneous contributions from the audience, a preview of the upcoming reading club and public speaking contest, and heartfelt closing remarks from President Liao.

This seminar expanded professional knowledge and strengthened community ties, demonstrating that our association is a place where ideas flourish and individuals thrive.