Dispute Resolution Process Analysis Prepared for the Colorado Department of Transportation

Abstract

The use of dispute review boards (DRBs) as a method of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) on construction projects is a relatively new practice. The results of this research promote DRB usage. This report is meant to both improve CDOT’s DRB practices and serve as a launching point for other DOTs wishing to evaluate the feasibility of DRB implementation. The ultimate goal of the DRB is to benefit taxpayers by increasing the efficiency with which construction projects are administered. The Colorado Department of Transportation is one of a few DRB progressive DOTs in the country. This quality improvement project provides a historical context for the CDOT DRB. It then compares CDOT DRB procedures to the practices of other DRB-savvy DOTs to uncover potential improvement opportunities for CDOT. The project also examines expert opinions from the industry for any other possibilities for CDOT improvement. Four suggestions for improvement resulted from this research. Personal experience with DRB formation on a large CDOT project uncovered varying levels of DRB familiarity and acceptance among a small sample of project level staff. This discovery prompted the examination of a large sample of project level employees to determine their opinions on DRBs. Opinions were analyzed via electronic survey and one improvement opportunity was uncovered. This methodology is based on the idea being that complete DRB specification implementation is highly dependent upon the “buy in” of project level staff. Overall, the survey results contradicted the author’s initial impressions regarding DRB familiarity and acceptance among CDOT project level staff. The results showed that while most respondents lacked formal DRB training, they were at least moderately familiar with and accepting of CDOT DRB specifications.