Transportation agencies are increasingly allowing design and construction contractors to incorporate alternative technical concepts (ATCs) in their proposals for highway projects. The ATC approach allows proposers to suggest modifications to a contract requirement that would improve a project technically or reduce costs. This synthesis documents various methods by which agencies have successfully implemented the ATC highway contracting process. The report identifies methods that promote transparency and fairness, while at the same time protecting the industry’s right to confidentiality. Information used in this study was gathered through a literature review, a survey of state departments of transportation (DOTs), analyses of DOT solicitation documents, and case examples. (Author/publisher)
Abstract