In Florida last year, one of the largest drinking-water projects in the U.S. was completed via a design-build-operate contract and is now operational. However, despite its success, the project apparently has failed to inspire a trend toward an increased use of DBO elsewhere. Nevertheless, an industry expert believes cash-strapped small utilities may soon be forced to privatize their water-facility production and operations.
Veolia Water North America served as construction manager at-risk for a 50-million-gal-per-day expansion of Tampa Bay Water's existing surface water- treatment plant, boosting total capacity to 120 mgd. The $107.9-million final cost was nearly $16 million below the original guaranteed maximum price. TBW officials credit the competitive bidding. Veolia broke the project into three separate bid packages.