De Soto Local Roadway Improvements ( Progressive Design-Build)

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) is executing a roadway improvement project to provide essential infrastructure supporting the Panasonic Energy Company electric vehicle battery manufacturing facility in De Soto, Kansas. The project entails widening approximately 4.5 miles of a two-lane asphalt road to a new 4-lane divided roadway. Additionally, the project includes storm drain installations, lighting, curb & gutter, sidewalks, the reconstruction of an existing culvert, utility improvements, and modifications to three intersections, including the installation of a roundabout at the intersection of Astra Parkway and 103rd Street.

This project serves as an excellent example of collaborative risk management on a progressive design-build (PDB) project. Despite being KDOT's first PDB project, they positioned themselves for success from the outset. KDOT selected a PM/CM team composed of Burns & McDonnell and Garver. Subsequently, they selected an experienced PDB team, comprising Clarkson Construction Company, HDR, and BHC. The PDB team worked closely, managing over $11.4 million in risk utilizing the three tools discussed above (provisional sums, shared risk, and contingencies).

IC&E served as the independent cost estimators on this important project. Our scope of services included managing the development of the risk register and facilitating the risk workshops. We also provided independent cost estimates, CPM construction schedules, constructability reviews, and PDB consulting.  Regarding our work on this project, KDOT's project director stated, “KDOT selected IC&E as its Independent Cost Estimator for its first PDB project. IC&E’s past experience and guidance were vital to ensure a streamlined quantity and cost reconciliation process with the Contractor-Consultant team. Their knowledge and insight into the appropriate items for the risk register reduced potential project costs and contingency.” ~ Paul Kulseth, Project Director (KDOT).