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Partnering

​​Partnering


Partnering has been moved to ODOT's new public website. Please update your bookmarks and click the below link to be redirected.

https://www.transportation.ohio.gov/working/construction/construction-admin/partnering​


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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Construction Partnering

 

What is Partnering?

Partnering is the formal process of creating a cooperative team by resolving issues in a timely manner.  This helps to ensure project value is retained.  Partnering is now required and is a standard way of business on all ODOT construction projects.  ODOT construction projects are often complicated and disagreements of the Project requirements can arise.  The Partnering Process facilitates an environment that enables all stakeholders to develop a relationship based on communication, trust, and respect. The Department of Transportation has demonstrated its belief in and commitment to Partnering by making Partnering a contractual requirement governed by 2013 C&MS 108.02.

Partnering is not the process of ODOT or the Contractor giving up rights or just giving in. It is a method of formally identifying issues, the method to address those issues, and ensuring advancement of the Project. Co-operation is a natural extension when everyone knows and understands how issues are addressed.

Why is it important?
"Time is money" on every construction project.  Effective Partnering reduces delays, recognizes the dispute process and process response times, establishes the responsible parties in the resolution of issues, avoids delays due to misunderstandings, and creates positive relationships that encourage people to achieve common goals. By being proactive and solving problems ahead of time, potential costs and delays to a project are reduced.

How does it work?
Partnering begins before construction starts.  A Partnering session is required on every project, either an informal format or the formal utilizing of a mediator directed session.  The initial partnering session is a workshop to set common goals, communications strategies, dispute resolution practices, identify potential risks, and problem-solving mechanisms.  During this session, team members learn how to be an effective team and sign a partnering agreement that reflects how they will work together. Throughout the life of the contract, there are progress meetings at regular intervals to ensure that the agreement continues to guide behavior.  Disputes are addressed quickly and resolved fairly.

Once the project is complete, the post construction meeting occurs in which the project team discusses the lessons learned, best practices and completes an evaluation for future improvement.

 

Don Conaway Partnering Award 

The Department and OCA would like to distinguish those project staffs who have exemplified best practices in successful partnering now that Partnering is a standard way of conducting business on all ODOT projects. Please follow the links below to view the Director and the OCA President's Announcement letter and to nominate an ODOT construction project for the Don Conaway Partnering Award. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

 ‭(Hidden)‬ ODOT Partnering Survey

 ‭(Hidden)‬ Partnering Award Information

2020 Don Conaway Award Winning Applications