Implementing the Filtration Project

The City of Tacoma Public Utility Board approved an alternative public works contracting method called General Contractor/Contract Management (GC/CM) to implement the Green River Filtration Facility. The GC/CM preconstruction services provide valuable early support and input regarding constructability issues, project cost estimating, construction schedule, value engineering input, and work package recommendations.

The GC/CM method involves selecting a contractor early during design. The State of Washington Capital Projects Advisory Review Board – Project Review Committee approved our use of a GC/CM Dec. 2, 2010.


GC/CM procurement process

1. Three steps

  • Qualification based proposal
  • Interview
  • Final proposal

2. Selection Advisory Committee represented by

  • Lakehaven Utility District
  • Covington Water District
  • Tacoma Water

3. Proposals received:

  • Balfour Beatty Infrastructure Inc.
  • CDM Constructors
  • Hoffman Construction Company
  • Mortenson Construction
  • PCL
  • Kiewit Construction

4. Selection (Selection processes occured through competitive bidding.)

  • Hoffman Construction Company: Hoffman has been providing GC/CM preconstruction services and contributing significantly to the development of the Green River Filtration project since May 2011. When design reaches approximately 90 percent completion, Tacoma Water will negotiate a Maximum Allowable Construction Cost (MACC) with Hoffman and major construction work will begin.

Design Services (Selection occurred through competitive process.)

  • MWH Americas: MWH was selected as Tacoma’s design consultant. The company provides preliminary and final design services and consulting support services during construction. They currently have completed preliminary design work and are proceeding with final design for improvements.