Formal Partnering

The Partnering Program is a common-sense, results-oriented business approach to build and maintain relationships between contractors and TxDOT based on integrity, trust, mutual respect and fair dealing. Through shared goals, open communication and timely dispute resolution, the Program serves contractors in construction, design and maintenance contracts.

The need for conducting a partnering workshop is determined by the district engineer, division or office director. Contributing factors in making this decision may include:

• project complexity,
• the impact on the traveling public,
• high-profile projects,
• a high degree of risk for citizen complaints, or
• contract requirements such as:
  • Road User Cost (RUC), or
  • coordination between multiple parties.

Facilitator Selection

Once the decision is made to conduct a partnering workshop, a facilitator must be selected. All facilitators should conduct workshops in accordance with the approved partnering workshop modules.

Initial and Follow-up Workshop Modules

• Partnering Philosophy
  • Facilitator presents partnering overview (What is it?)
  • Facilitator explains the purpose of partnering (Why use it?)
  • Facilitator lists the benefits of partnering and allows participants to share relevant experiences
• Project Team Charter
  • Develop a mission statement
  • Identify project goals
  • Develop objectives (specific to this project and measurable)
  • All project team members sign the charter
• Communication
• Expectations from all Stakeholders
• Role Reversals (TxDOT and Contractor/Prime Provider)
• Identification of Rocks-in-the-Road
• Project Schedule/Layout/Expected Results/Scope of Work/Sequence of Work/Safety
• Problem Solving/Responsibility Matrix
• Meeting Schedule
  • Weekly job meeting
  • Periodic follow-up meetings
• Issue Escalation Ladder
  • Explain and define the issue resolution process and its importance
  • Understand the roles of each individual on the ladder and their associated responsibility
  • Guidelines for issue resolution/issue resolution steps
• Personality Profiles (if applicable or as needed)

Close-out Meeting Modules

• Measure Accomplishments
  • What went well? What didn't?
  • Charter obligations (if this option was selected in the initial workshop)
  • Rocks-in-the-road and/or action plans (Did we follow through?)
  • What's left to complete?
• Nominate for Excellence in Partnering Award
  • Nominations are determined by the district engineers. To nominate a project, contact us with the project details and reason for nomination. Awards will be forwarded to the appropriate district engineer by the Construction Division.
  • Present awards for success with partnering relationship and process