As the rest of the construction sector faces a decline in new private sector projects—with only megaproject data centers being the exception—design and construction firms may have to pivot to military construction projects to help maintain firm profitability.
It was recently announced that the US Defense Department can procure and execute military projects using progressive design-build (PDB) project delivery. The 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) includes specific authorization for the use of PDB by establishing a clear framework that emphasizes qualifications-based, single-phase selection. In doing so, the NDAA recognizes that the early collaboration of design firms and contractors can assist the Defense Department in enhancing cost certainty on complex projects.
While the military construction process has used PDB on some past projects, the authorization in the NDAA removes uncertainty surrounding its use and gives military construction projects a delivery option that can support collaboration and accountability while improving schedule and cost performance. While PDB contract forms are available from the Design-Build Institute of America, the Engineers Joint Contract Documents Committee, and the American Institute of Architects, it is currently unclear how the Defense Department will contract for projects using the progressive design-build delivery system.
To learn more about progressive design-build and how the AIA’s contract documents can help firms manage their risks, stream the Victor webinar, “Using the new AIA design-build documents for effective risk management.”