International Construction Management Practices: Report of FHWA-AASHTO Scan Tour (05-1816)**
Keith R. Molenaar, University of Colorado, Boulder

In May of 2004, a U.S. panel of federal, state, and private sector professionals traveled to Canada and Europe to learn from their significant experience by conducting a scan of “Construction Management Practices for Effective Project Delivery, Contract Compliance and Quality Assurance.” The purpose of this research was to review and document international policies, practices and technologies for potential application in the U.S. The team conducted meetings and site visits with government agencies, academia, and private sector organizations involved in construction management efforts. The research team observed construction management methods that promote alignment of team goals, integrated use of risk analysis techniques, strategic use of alternative delivery methods, procurement systems that set a framework for success, contract payment methods that support alignment and trust, a delegation of traditional highway agency functions to promote efficiency, a philosophy of network management, and a greater partnership between public and private agencies. The team is offering a challenge to public and private highway construction professionals to change the current construction management practices that create adversarial relationships. The team recommends construction management practices that better align project team goals to customer goals. Specifically, the team is recommending that state develop rigorous risk assessment and allocation techniques, strategically apply alternative delivery methods, enhance qualification rating processes, use qualifications in procurement, apply alternate bids/designs in procurement, conduct more detailed pre-proposal meetings, apply more contractor quality management, use appropriate alternative payment methods, and ultimately work toward more warranties and life cycle responsibility in projects.