Design Build in the State of VA via the Public Private Partnership (PPEA) is an alternate project delivery method that allows owners to truly reduce cost and save time on their wastewater treatment and other related public works projects while also generating competitive and innovative solutions. In contrast to a conventional Design-Bid-Build process, Design Build delivery is an integrated approach that will offer substantial value to the Owner in terms of guaranteed/lump sum price, no contractor change orders, overall reduced risk, reduced cost, streamlined process, and an accelerated design and construction schedule for the proposed project. The Design Build approach allows for sole source responsibility through the design builder and provides a collaborative working environment for the contractor and engineer as well as the Owner which promotes the team concept.

After the 1.5 MGD ENR WWTP Upgrade and Expansion was tabled for several years due to the estimated high cost and denied by Federal Stimulus Funding the County decided to reach out to the Private sector via the PPEA approach via Design Build in an effort to reduce capital costs, secure financing and jump start the project. After two competing Unsolicited PPEA proposals were received and evaluated the County chose a proposal that offered a lump sum price of $16.45 million which was approximately $10 + million dollars under the previous capital cost estimate based on a 80% design by others. The design selection was a 1.5 MGD ENR WWTP Upgrade/Expansion utilizing New 5 Stage Bardenpho Reactor System with Clarification, Tertiary Filtration and UV disinfection along with New Equalization, Headworks, Septage Receiving and an 8,000 sqft Operations Building. The existing oxidation ditch system is being retrofitted as the sludge digestion and holding system. Within 6 months from notice to proceed design was complete, all permits were in hand and concrete was being poured.

Ms. Buffett agreed to meet with a few of the NGBL leaders including Shane over lunch and shared her wonderful story of how she helps those who want to help themselves. At that first meeting the group reached out to Ms. Buffett and the Sunshine Lady Foundation by offering to assist in any of their local projects. It wasn’t too long after that offer that Ms. Buffett met with Shane to discuss a very special project that was dear to her heart.

Courtney Dole niece of local businessman Darren Dole personally reached out to Ms. Buffet by writing a heart grabbing letter that truly inspired Ms. Buffett to help Courtney. Courtney at the age of 15 suffered a devastating injury form the accidental discharge of a firearm. The gunfire entered into her neck shattering her vertebra and severing her spinal cord. Since that unfortunate day Courtney has been a quadriplegic, dependent upon others and a wheelchair for mobility. Her story is not one of sorrow and loss but of perseverance in the face adversity. Courtney is a brave, courageous young woman who has the drive and determination to not only survive but to move forward in a positive light and achieving what others would say is impossible. After graduating high school years ago she became determined to attend and graduate college. Her goal is to go to Germana and then to the University of Mary Washington here Fredericksburg. In order to achieve her college goals she needed to move in with her Aunt and Uncle who live in Spotsylvania County.

With the commitment of the NGBL group backed by awe inspiring Doris Buffett and the Sunshine Lady Foundation the group set out to raise as much money as possible in hopes of funding the construction of a handicap accessible addition to the Dole’s home. The funds raised by the NGBL would be matched by Doris Buffett through the Sunshine Lady Foundation. For over a year the NGBLers collected donations at various events and held a successful fundraiser in downtown Fredericksburg, VA that raised over $10,000 dollars. The Fundraiser was the catalyst for the project that created energy, motivation and momentum.

Finally, in 2011 after several design iterations and cost estimates through Ms. Buffett’s gracious giving the project was given full funding by the Sunshine Lady Foundation. Shane Reid of Reid Engineering donated his time and company resources by providing overall project management and house addition designs. He also worked closely Doris, the Dole Family and the contractor. He guided the project from inception to construction completion.

Today, Courtney’s dream of moving to Fredericksburg, VA, living with her aunt and uncle and attending Germana Community College has become a reality. The needs specific addition has added to her quality of life and will motivate her to graduating in the near future. Many thanks go out to Doris Buffett, Sunshine Lady Foundation, Next Generation of Business Leaders, Reid Engineering, Van Zandt Restorations, and the Fredericksburg Community.

The Unsolicited PPEA by the Reid and MEB DB team is a true success story in the making. The original WWTP upgrade and expansion project estimated by others was projected to be nearly 30 million dollars with a system that had less capacity and treatment capabilities. The PPEA DB Price is $16.45 million dollars with an expanded design capacity from 0.5 MGD to 1.5 MGD and the ability to meet very low Nitrogen and Phosphorus limits. Third Party financing was provided as an option in the PPEA proposal but the County ultimately opted for Virginia Resource Authority (VRA) Funding. Contact Shane Reid, P.E. for more information.

Through the PPEA process the Town was able to solicit competitive design build proposals, obtain a guaranteed price based on chosen scope of work, gain approval from the Property Owners, create a special tax district and obtain funding through VML. The PPEA through REC allowed the Town to save approximately 2 million dollars from estimates by others. Contact Shane Reid, P.E. for more information.

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