Identification of Best Practices in Project Bundling for State DOTs Using Semistructured Interviews

Project bundling is a method used by state Departments of Transportation (DOTs) and other public agencies to combine multiple construction projects into a single contract. Project bundling is typically applied when the projects share similarities in terms of type, size, and geographical location. Prior research has demonstrated cost savings and accelerated project delivery times due to this approach. However, little-to-no previous research efforts have particularly focused on developing a comprehensive guidance strategy for project bundling of various transportation projects. This paper aims to address this knowledge gap by identifying the best practices of project bundling that enable state DOTs to implement project bundling more efficiently. To achieve this goal, empirical evidence was gathered through semistructured interviews and follow-up correspondence with 16 representatives from different state DOTs and a local public agency. These interviews gathered insights into the methods and strategies used by different state DOTs to successfully bundle projects. For instance, the study discovered that agencies utilize different bundling strategies (for instance, optional-tie or mandatory-tie), as well as bundling approaches (scope-based or location-based). By qualitatively analyzing the success stories and lessons learned from these interviews, the study provides a comprehensive strategy that serves as a guide for state DOTs in navigating the project bundling for different construction projects. The main contribution of the study is the synthesis of the project bunding practices, which allows state DOTs and other transportation agencies to have a holistic approach to implementing project bundling to reap its maximum benefits.