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.
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