DELIVERY MODELSChoosing the right delivery model is one of the most important steps in any project. A delivery model is like a blueprint: it establishes how the project will be planned, built and managed. It defines roles and responsibilities, how risks are shared, and The chosen model can affect the project’s cost, schedule and flexibility, as well as how much room there is for collaboration and innovation. The delivery model also shapes the contracts and legal agreements that keep the project on track. When the right model is selected based on the project schedule, risk appetite and budget, responsibilities are clear, risks are well-managed, and the project delivers lasting value for all stakeholders.
How CIMA+ supports your vision
CIMA+ provides expert advisory services to both owners and contractors, helping identify the delivery model best suited to each project’s unique requirements. With diverse experience across the full range of delivery models, our teams are equipped to support the successful realization of your infrastructure project—regardless of its size or complexity.
As the foundational model of construction delivery, Design-Bid-Build (DBB) is widely used across Canada and across all sectors in CIMA+’s portfolio—from Infrastructure to Buildings to Transportation. In this model, clients procure design and construction services separately. The design (plans and specifications) is completed first, and then a contractor is selected through a competitive bidding process. CIMA+ frequently acts as the lead designer, developing detailed plans and specifications that form the basis for bidding and construction. While the client retains full responsibility for integration, we support coordination by leveraging CIMA+’s multi-sector experience and a commitment to excellence that has been honed over three decades.
The Design-Build (DB) delivery model relies on collaboration, flexibility and innovation, making it ideal for medium-scale projects because it consolidates design and construction under one contract, improving delivery timelines and streamlining accountability. CIMA+ has successfully delivered DB projects, where our teams supported conceptual design through performance-driven solutions, before handing them over to the builder. This method is ideal for clients seeking a fixed price and schedule with lower integration risk. Through agile and responsive approach, CIMA+ provides essential front-end engineering and advisory services that set the stage for successful DB projects.
As with the DB model, a DBF approach awards the design and construction under one contract: the distinction being that it includes short-term construction financing. A lump-sum payment at substantial/final completion is intended to cover the Design-Builder’s design, construction and construction financing costs.
Progressive Design-Build (PDB) is a collaborative delivery method where the design-builder and project owner work together from the early stages of a project. This partnership ensures the design aligns with project goals while allowing ongoing adjustments to scope, budget and schedule. Once the design reaches about 40–60% completion, the team typically finalizes a fixed-price contract.
PDB is redefining how complex infrastructure is delivered. As a trusted technical advisor, CIMA+ has played key roles in several PDBs. Our collaborative culture and stakeholder-driven process allow clients to benefit from shared innovation and a more transparent approach to risk management—true to CIMA+’s values.
The Design-Build-Finance-Maintain (DBFM) delivery model involves a private sector consortium (or “Project Co”) accepting responsibility for the design, construction, financing and the regular asset maintenance required over the contract term to meet predefined performance specifications. In addition to accepting responsibility for DBFM during the term of the contract, the Project Co may assume responsibility for operations under a Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Maintain (DBFOM) contract.
CIMA+ has contributed to several high-profile DBFOM projects across Canada.
CIMA+ provides both advisory and technical services so that the project owner’s interests are represented throughout the project lifecycle. CIMA+ can also offer contractors complete design, geotechnical, environmental and inspection services, as well as estimation and project management support—whether in a design joint venture or as sole designer. Our reputation for innovation, sustainability and partnership makes us a trusted industry leader for (P3), and DBFOM delivery.
A construction manager, typically a general contractor engaged by the project owner offers flexibility and transparency, and is responsible for providing consulting services during the pre-construction and construction phases of a project under a cost-reimbursement contract arrangement. The construction manager advises the project owner and the design team, and provides pre-construction services, including estimating and budget preparation, constructability advice, value engineering and tender administration.
With the "At Risk" option, the construction manager assumes responsibility for the cost under a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) contract and schedule of work. A maximum cost and schedule are negotiated before the end of the design phase and include a risk premium, in return for the construction manager assuming the risk beyond the agreed cost and schedule.
CIMA+ supports CM and CM@R models through advanced planning, value engineering and integration support for uninterrupted project continuity. Our multidisciplinary team provides insight from across sectors, helping clients maximize value while maintaining full control over trade procurement and schedule sequencing.
The Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) model consolidates design and construction under one contract, offering fixed costs, faster timelines and single-point accountability for large-scale and complex projects such as power plants, refineries, renewable energy facilities and factories of all kinds. More precisely, a contractor takes on the responsibility of designing, procuring and constructing the project—areas in which CIMA+ has a proven track record and is adept at providing oversight. CIMA+ delivers EPC projects across Canada, managing everything from engineering design and digital twinning through construction oversight. With an emphasis on accountability and integration, our clients receive performance-ready assets that minimize the burden of coordination. Our strong safety culture and technical excellence underpin every EPC success story.
Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management (EPCM) is a project delivery model in which a CM oversees large and complex projects (i.e., industrial projects, such as power plants, oil refineries and renewable energy installations, etc.) on behalf of the project owner. In this model, project owners retain direct control of their projects and contracts with suppliers and contractors, while the EPCM contractor provides engineering, manages procurement and oversees the construction activities performed by separate contractors. This setup affords the owner more flexibility and direct oversight as compared to a single-contractor model.
We act as the owner’s representative, guiding everything from design development to procurement strategy and construction monitoring. Our multidisciplinary approach means even the most complex projects are delivered with strategic oversight, accountability and efficiency.
Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) brings together the project owner, the designer(s), the general contractor, the supplier(s) and potential stakeholders (public authorities, financing firm(s), interest group(s), etc.) as contracting parties who collaborate on the planning, design, construction and commissioning of a project. The fundamental difference between IPD and other types of contracts is its non-confrontational approach among the contracting parties. This involves establishing principles of collaboration, good faith commitments and the adoption of no-contest provisions. This collaborative procurement method—and the structures that support it—fosters a positive culture of accountability and unanimous decision-making, requiring all participants to find the best solutions for the project.
CIMA+ has often partnered with contractors, designers and project owners under a single multi-party contract where both challenges and were shared. This model aligns with each party’s interest and fits perfectly within our corporate philosophy of transparency, and trust. Unlike PDB, IPD always uses a target price model and includes the designer in risk-sharing. As an employee-owned firm, CIMA+ thrives in environments where collective ownership drives project performance.