What is the difference between traditional and design-and-build procurement?

Traditional procurement separates design and construction responsibilities, offering greater design control. Design-and-build transfers design responsibility to the contractor, often providing greater cost and programme certainty.

Which procurement route gives the most cost certainty?

Design-and-build with a lump sum contract generally offers the highest cost certainty, though this comes at the expense of some design flexibility.

Can procurement be accelerated?

Yes. Two-stage tendering or construction management allow early contractor involvement and can overlap design with construction to compress the programme.

Do you manage the entire tender process?

We can manage the full process from pre-qualification and invitation to tender through to bid evaluation, clarification, and contractor recommendation.

Procurement Strategy

Tailored procurement strategies that align with your project objectives, delivering the right balance of cost, quality, time, and risk.

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The Right Route, The Right Result

Choosing the appropriate procurement route is one of the most consequential decisions on any construction project. We advise on traditional, design-and-build, management contracting, construction management, and two-stage tendering approaches — ensuring the chosen strategy aligns with your priorities for cost certainty, programme speed, design quality, and risk allocation.

Route Appraisal

Objective comparison of procurement routes against your project priorities, constraints, and risk appetite.

Market Testing

Soft market engagement and supply chain analysis to gauge contractor appetite and pricing levels.

Tender Management

Full tender process management from pre-qualification through to evaluation and recommendation.

Contract Selection

Advice on contract form — JCT, NEC, or bespoke — to match the chosen procurement strategy.

Benefits of a Considered Procurement Strategy Set the right foundations for project success

Aligned Objectives

Ensure the procurement route supports your primary drivers — be it cost, time, quality, or flexibility.

Appropriate Risk Transfer

Allocate risk to the party best placed to manage it, avoiding adversarial contract relationships.

Competitive Pricing

Structured tender processes that drive competitive pricing whilst maintaining quality standards.

Programme Efficiency

Select strategies that allow overlapping of design and construction where programme is critical.

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When to Develop Your Procurement Strategy

Procurement strategy should be established before design work commences in earnest, as it directly influences design responsibilities and the tender programme.

New Project

You are initiating a project and need to decide how to appoint designers and contractors.

Framework Appointment

You are considering framework agreements and need advice on suitability and structure.

Complex Schemes

Your project involves multiple phases, specialist trades, or unusual site constraints.

Public Sector

You need procurement compliant with Public Contracts Regulations and audit requirements.

The Greenwave Advantage

Route-Neutral Advice

We recommend the route that best serves the project, with no bias towards any contractor or supplier.

Regulatory Knowledge

Familiar with PCR 2015, JCT, NEC4, and bespoke contract arrangements.

Market Relationships

Established relationships across the supply chain for effective market engagement.

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Need Procurement Advice?

Let us help you select and manage the procurement route that delivers the best outcome for your project.

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Procurement Strategy Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about construction procurement strategies.