[Maryland] dumps Kiewit as Key Bridge builder, potentially delaying project past 2030

[flashman13]

5. First I would question the accuracy of the state's estimate. Does the state have suffucient competency to

produce a realistic estimate? This bridge project is a very complex undertaking and a well established construction company is certainly better equipped than a state engineering department to make a real world estimate. I have to assume that Kiewit has already done quite a large amount of engineering just to produce an estimate. They are the experts. That is just reality.

Worst case approach would be to divide design and construction between two different entities. Combining design and construction, is a far better way to proceed than to divide the process. Issues will undoubtedly arise during construction. Trying to address those issues between two different organizations is not efficient, timely, or cost effective. Bringing a new organization in at this stage is not the way to save funding. If the new organization is competent and experienced, all things being equal, their estimate will probably not be all that different from Kiewit's. Obviously there will be time wasted making a transition. You are going to have to factor in the cost of that delay to bridge users?

One last thing; low bid is very often not the way to go. If the bid is significantly lower, the question becomes, what are you leaving out? No organization will do a project like this on a fixed cost. Low balling the bid to get the contract is hardly unknown. After work commences, the omissions come to light as the change orders pile up. Change orders really drive up the end cost.