Planning, Design, and Construction

Throughout the Measure HH bond program, numerous projects will be supported by Design-Build teams. These teams are integral to the success of a project and help translate the vision of a campus from concept to reality. The first in a series of Design-Build firms was selected by the district in fall 2025 to manage several major projects. Click here to learn more. 

As future Design-Build teams are needed, the district would use a competitive RFP/Q process to solicit interest and proposals for future projects. Please see the Doing Business with the District section of the website to ensure your firm is registered. 

The Design and Construction Process Explained

When the San Diego Community College District (district)  builds or renovates a campus facility, there are several ways the work can be delivered. 

The approach depends on the project's size, complexity, schedule, and the level of flexibility needed as design and construction move forward. 

These approaches are called project delivery methods. They describe how design and construction are organized, how contracts are structured, and how responsibility is shared over the life of a project. 

Below are the delivery methods used by the district on public construction projects. 

Design-Bid-Build 

Design-bid-build follows a traditional sequence. The district first hires a design team to complete the plans and specifications. Once the design is finished and approved, the project is advertised for bid. 

Construction firms submit bids, and the contract is typically awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. Because the design is completed before construction begins, the full scope of work is known upfront, which can help limit changes later. 

Design-Build (Including Progressive Design-Build) 

In design-build, the district contracts with a single team responsible for both design and construction. This replaces separate design and construction contracts with a single point of coordination. 

Design and construction can move forward at the same time, which can shorten schedules. Builders also provide early input on costs, materials, and constructability, helping address issues before construction begins. 

Community college districts were not always permitted to use this method. State legislation approved in 2006 authorized design-build on a pilot basis. It was later expanded to fully authorize all districts to use it for more complex projects. Progressive design-build is a variation that emphasizes early collaboration. The district and the design-build team work together during initial design to define scope, schedule, and costs before a final construction price is set. 

If the project does not align with district expectations, the district may pause or step away before construction begins. This approach is being used for most Measure HH projects. 

Construction Management Multi-Prime (CMMP) 

Under a multi-prime approach, the district contracts directly with multiple trade contractors rather than a single general contractor. A construction manager may assist with coordination, but the district remains closely involved in managing the work. 

Like design-bid-build, CMMP uses a completed design and competitive bidding. This method requires strong internal staffing and experience. 

SDCCD used CMMP extensively under Propositions S and N. It also supported participation by smaller firms and contractors that might not otherwise have had access to larger projects, including women-, veteran-, and minority-owned businesses. 

Public-Private Partnerships (P3) 

Some projects - most often housing or major infrastructure - are delivered through partnerships between public agencies and private entities. 

Depending on the agreement, a private partner may help design, build, finance, operate, or maintain a facility. These arrangements are tailored to each project and are structured to safeguard public ownership and oversight. 

Choosing the Right Approach 

Project delivery is one of the earliest decisions made on a project. That choice is guided by practical considerations, including: 

• How soon costs need to be established 
• Schedule constraints 
• Project complexity 
• Available staff resources 

Across a large bond program, it is common to use more than one delivery method. This flexibility allows projects to move forward in ways that fit their specific needs while maintaining accountability and public oversight.