DBIA Certified Design-Build Professional Exam Prep: DBIA EXAM
2 Comprehensive Practice Assessment
Core Domains
Design-Build Contract and Legal Issues: Understanding the shifting of risk,
standard forms of agreement (DBIA 500 series), and liability.
Project Set-Up and Teaming: Selecting the right partners, teaming agreements,
and establishing a collaborative culture.
Procurement and Selection: Best practices for RFQ/RFP processes, weighted
criteria, and Two-Phase Selection.
Project Management and Execution: Design management, construction
integration, and performance-based requirements.
Professional Ethics and Standards: Upholding the DBIA Code of Conduct and the
"Design-Build Done Right" principles.
Post-Award Integration: Early involvement of trade partners and managing the
transition from design to construction.
,Introduction
The DBIA EXAM 2 assessment is designed to evaluate a candidate’s mastery of the
"Design-Build Done Right" best practices and their ability to apply these principles in
complex, real-world scenarios. This comprehensive exam focuses on the legal,
contractual, and collaborative nuances that distinguish Design-Build from traditional
delivery methods like Design-Bid-Build. Candidates will be tested on their knowledge of
procurement strategies, risk allocation, and the professional ethics required to lead a
integrated team. The format consists of 140 multiple-choice questions that range from
theoretical recall to high-level clinical decision-making and scenario analysis, ensuring
the candidate is prepared for professional certification.
Section 1: Questions 1–35
1. According to DBIA Best Practices, what is the primary driver for using a Two-Phase
Selection process?
A. To guarantee the lowest possible bid price for the owner.
B. To reduce the cost of competition for both the owner and the proposers.
C. To narrow the field to the most qualified teams before requesting detailed
proposals.
, D. To allow the owner to bypass the need for a formal Request for Qualifications
(RFQ).
Rationale: Two-Phase selection (RFQ followed by RFP) ensures that only the most
highly qualified teams spend the resources necessary to develop a full technical
and cost proposal.
2. In a standard DBIA contract, which entity typically bears the "gap" risk between the
owner's project criteria and the final design?
A. The Architect of Record
B. The Design-Builder
C. The Owner
D. The Owner’s Representative
Rationale: One of the hallmarks of Design-Build is that the Design-Builder is
responsible for providing a design that meets the Owner’s Project Criteria; any gaps
generally fall under the Design-Builder's single point of responsibility.
3. A Design-Builder is preparing a proposal for a bridge project. The RFP requires "a
100-year service life." This is an example of:
A. Prescriptive Specifications
B. Performance-Based Requirements
C. Design-Bid-Build Standard
, D. Proprietary Specifications
Rationale: Performance-based requirements define the end result or outcome
desired, rather than the specific materials or methods used to achieve it.
4. Which of the following is considered a "Design-Build Done Right" strategy regarding
honoraria?
A. Withholding honoraria to ensure only the most dedicated firms apply.
B. Providing a reasonable stipend to unsuccessful shortlisted proposers to
offset proposal costs.
C. Paying the winning firm an extra bonus upon contract signing.
D. Charging proposers a fee to download the RFP documents.
Rationale: Providing an honorarium (stipend) encourages competition and
acknowledges the significant intellectual property and effort shared during the RFP
phase.
5. During the procurement phase, a Proposer discovers an ambiguity in the RFP.
According to DBIA ethical standards, the Proposer should:
A. Interpret it in their own favor and include a clarification in the bid.
B. Ignore it and wait for the post-award "change order" opportunity.
C. Request a clarification from the Owner during the Q&A period.
D. Contact the Architect of Record privately to gain a competitive advantage.
2 Comprehensive Practice Assessment
Core Domains
Design-Build Contract and Legal Issues: Understanding the shifting of risk,
standard forms of agreement (DBIA 500 series), and liability.
Project Set-Up and Teaming: Selecting the right partners, teaming agreements,
and establishing a collaborative culture.
Procurement and Selection: Best practices for RFQ/RFP processes, weighted
criteria, and Two-Phase Selection.
Project Management and Execution: Design management, construction
integration, and performance-based requirements.
Professional Ethics and Standards: Upholding the DBIA Code of Conduct and the
"Design-Build Done Right" principles.
Post-Award Integration: Early involvement of trade partners and managing the
transition from design to construction.
,Introduction
The DBIA EXAM 2 assessment is designed to evaluate a candidate’s mastery of the
"Design-Build Done Right" best practices and their ability to apply these principles in
complex, real-world scenarios. This comprehensive exam focuses on the legal,
contractual, and collaborative nuances that distinguish Design-Build from traditional
delivery methods like Design-Bid-Build. Candidates will be tested on their knowledge of
procurement strategies, risk allocation, and the professional ethics required to lead a
integrated team. The format consists of 140 multiple-choice questions that range from
theoretical recall to high-level clinical decision-making and scenario analysis, ensuring
the candidate is prepared for professional certification.
Section 1: Questions 1–35
1. According to DBIA Best Practices, what is the primary driver for using a Two-Phase
Selection process?
A. To guarantee the lowest possible bid price for the owner.
B. To reduce the cost of competition for both the owner and the proposers.
C. To narrow the field to the most qualified teams before requesting detailed
proposals.
, D. To allow the owner to bypass the need for a formal Request for Qualifications
(RFQ).
Rationale: Two-Phase selection (RFQ followed by RFP) ensures that only the most
highly qualified teams spend the resources necessary to develop a full technical
and cost proposal.
2. In a standard DBIA contract, which entity typically bears the "gap" risk between the
owner's project criteria and the final design?
A. The Architect of Record
B. The Design-Builder
C. The Owner
D. The Owner’s Representative
Rationale: One of the hallmarks of Design-Build is that the Design-Builder is
responsible for providing a design that meets the Owner’s Project Criteria; any gaps
generally fall under the Design-Builder's single point of responsibility.
3. A Design-Builder is preparing a proposal for a bridge project. The RFP requires "a
100-year service life." This is an example of:
A. Prescriptive Specifications
B. Performance-Based Requirements
C. Design-Bid-Build Standard
, D. Proprietary Specifications
Rationale: Performance-based requirements define the end result or outcome
desired, rather than the specific materials or methods used to achieve it.
4. Which of the following is considered a "Design-Build Done Right" strategy regarding
honoraria?
A. Withholding honoraria to ensure only the most dedicated firms apply.
B. Providing a reasonable stipend to unsuccessful shortlisted proposers to
offset proposal costs.
C. Paying the winning firm an extra bonus upon contract signing.
D. Charging proposers a fee to download the RFP documents.
Rationale: Providing an honorarium (stipend) encourages competition and
acknowledges the significant intellectual property and effort shared during the RFP
phase.
5. During the procurement phase, a Proposer discovers an ambiguity in the RFP.
According to DBIA ethical standards, the Proposer should:
A. Interpret it in their own favor and include a clarification in the bid.
B. Ignore it and wait for the post-award "change order" opportunity.
C. Request a clarification from the Owner during the Q&A period.
D. Contact the Architect of Record privately to gain a competitive advantage.
