Project Delivery Terms
Project delivery terms define how owners, designers, builders, and construction managers organize responsibility and risk.
Search intent
Use this page when comparing delivery methods, contract structures, preconstruction services, or team roles.
Common use cases
- Choosing delivery methods
- Understanding CMAR
- Comparing design-build and design-bid-build
- Planning preconstruction
Terms in this collection
12 linked definitions.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| CMAR Construction Manager at Risk | CMAR is a delivery method where a construction manager provides preconstruction services and then takes responsibility for delivering the project within an agreed price. |
| Design-Build | Design-Build is a delivery method where one entity is responsible for both design and construction services. |
| Design-Bid-Build | Design-Bid-Build is a delivery method where design is completed before the project is competitively bid and built. |
| IPD Integrated Project Delivery | IPD is a collaborative delivery approach that aligns owner, designer, and builder incentives around shared project outcomes. |
| GMP Guaranteed Maximum Price | A GMP is a contract amount that sets the maximum price an owner should pay for the defined construction scope, subject to approved changes. |
| Preconstruction | Preconstruction is the planning phase before construction begins, when teams refine scope, budget, schedule, logistics, and procurement strategy. |
| Delivery Method | Delivery method is the contract and team structure used to design, procure, and build a project. |
| NTP Notice to Proceed | An NTP is a formal notice authorizing a contractor to begin work or start a defined contract activity. |
| A133 Owner-Construction Manager Agreement | A133 is an AIA agreement form used for certain owner and construction manager at risk arrangements. |
| Cost Plus Contract | A cost plus contract reimburses allowable project costs plus an agreed fee or markup. |
| Open Book | Open book means the contractor shares cost information, backup, and pricing details with the owner or project team. |
| Owner's Representative | An owner's representative is a person or firm that helps the owner manage project decisions, communication, risk, and performance. |
Related collections
Construction Contract TermsContract and agreement terms used for pricing, obligations, general conditions, payment, changes, and claims.Construction Estimating TermsEstimating, takeoff, pricing, contingency, allowance, unit price, budget, and job cost terms.Construction AcronymsA curated index of common construction acronyms used in contracts, drawings, administration, safety, and project delivery.