Exploring the Variability in Quality Management Roles and Responsibilities in State DOT Design-Build Projects

10 pages•Published: July 23, 2025

Bryce Riccitelli, Genevieve Nelson, Frederick Chung and Jung Hyun Lee

Abstract

Quality management is a broad discipline involving a range of responsibilities that can vary significantly across construction projects. In design-build (DB) projects, this complexity is heightened as the DB team oversees both design and construction, as well as ensuring compliance with project requirements. The overarching goal of this study is to examine the key personnel requirements related to quality management roles, focusing on the roles and definitions of quality management positions. This study conducts a comparative content analysis of the requests for qualifications from the state Department of Transportation (DOT). The findings show a growing trend among DOTs to require independent quality managers, often third-party professionals, responsible for quality assurance. Additionally, there is notable variability in how DOTs allocate quality responsibilities. Some mandate separate quality managers for design and construction, while others specify a construction quality manager focused on materials and workmanship. This variability can result in ambiguity about role expectations. By clarifying the distinct responsibilities of various quality management roles, this study offers industry professionals practical guidance to enhance alignment and improve project outcomes in DB projects.

Keyphrases: design build, quality assurance, quality control, quality management

In: Wesley Collins, Anthony J. Perrenoud and John Posillico (editors). Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 61st Annual International Conference, vol 6, pages 883-892.

Links:	https://easychair.org/publications/paper/RGlr
	https://doi.org/10.29007/x4zw

BibTeX entry

@inproceedings{ASC2025:Exploring_Variability_Quality_Management,
  author    = {Bryce Riccitelli and Genevieve Nelson and Frederick Chung and Jung Hyun Lee},
  title     = {Exploring the Variability in Quality Management Roles and Responsibilities in State DOT Design-Build Projects},
  booktitle = {Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 61st Annual International Conference},
  editor    = {Wesley Collins and Anthony J. Perrenoud and John Posillico},
  series    = {EPiC Series in Built Environment},
  volume    = {6},
  publisher = {EasyChair},
  bibsource = {EasyChair, https://easychair.org},
  issn      = {2632-881X},
  url       = {/publications/paper/RGlr},
  doi       = {10.29007/x4zw},
  pages     = {883-892},
  year      = {2025}}

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