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DBO meaning

What does DBO mean?
DBO (design, build and operate) describes a procurement and contracting structure in which a single contractor designs and constructs an asset and then operates it for an agreed term. It is widely used for infrastructure and utilities (for example water and wastewater plants, waste and energy-from-waste facilities, transport and leisure assets). The term is descriptive rather than statutory; it is not defined in legislation or case law in the UK or Ireland, though it appears in standard forms such as the FIDIC Gold Book Design–Build–Operate Contract. A DBO contract typically provides single-point responsibility for design, construction and operational performance, with long-term O&M obligations, KPIs, a performance regime, step-in and handback requirements. Payment is commonly by availability or unitary charge, or by user revenues where structured as a concession contract. Classification and award follow applicable public procurement rules (for example the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and the Scottish, Northern Irish and Irish equivalents) and may proceed as a public works contract with O&M services or as a concession where revenue risk is transferred. Usage and legal approach are broadly consistent across England & Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland. DBO is distinct from DBFO (adds finance) and DBOM (emphasises maintenance).
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View the related Practice Notes about DBO

PRACTICE NOTES
Design–Build–Operate contracts for public infrastructure: structure, procurement, key terms, tendering, advantages, drawbacks and risk allocation

Design Build Operate (DBO) Rising demand for public infrastructure during periods of tight public finances, coupled with limited public sector expertise in delivering complex facilities (such as water treatment works and energy plants), has prompted greater private sector involvement in the procurement and operation of public infrastructure. There are numerous possible frameworks for bringing public sector risk and expertise into the procurement of public infrastructure, covering a wide spectrum of structures. One such arrangement is Design Build Operate (DBO). It is especially popular for water treatment plants. For information on variations of the DBO structure, see Practice Notes: Infrastructure projects—project structure and BOT contracts. Under DBO, a government (often through a government body or local authority) engages a single contractor to: design and construct the infrastructure facility operate the facility for a period (typically between 10–30 years) The government typically funds the infrastructure project, either via tax revenues, grants (eg from international development funds) or debt finance arrangements, and pays the...

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PRACTICE NOTES
Construction contracts glossary—D: design and build, delay, defects, payment notices, dispute processes, dutyholders

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z D&B See Design and build beneath. DBO See Design, build and operate beneath. Date for completion/completion date Means the date stated therein in the building contract (typically within the contract particulars/contract data) by which the contractor must finish the works—ie the point by which practical completion is to be achieved (see Practice Note: What is practical completion?). This completion date may change over the course of the project, for instance where the contractor receives an extension of time. Should the works not be completed by the completion date, the contractor is liable to the employer for liquidated damages (where the contract so provides) or, failing that, general damages for delay in completion (arising from breach of contract thereunder). Date for possession The date set out in the building contract on which the employer gives...

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PRACTICE NOTES
SIAC Arbitration Rules 2025: Early Dismissal of Claims and Defences (r 47) and Preliminary Determination (r 46)—procedure, thresholds, timelines and Singapore court guidance (DBO v DBP)

This Practice Note is prepared in collaboration with Ms Koh Swee Yen, Senior Counsel and Partner, Mr Joel Quek, Partner, Ms Magdalene Ong, Partner, Ms Divya Harchandani, Foreign Lawyer, and Ms Thea Elyssa Vega, Foreign Lawyer, all from WongPartnership LLP, Singapore. The 7th Edition of the SIAC Rules took effect on 1 January 2025 and can be accessed here, notably. This Practice Note reviews the early dismissal of claims and defences under the Arbitration Rules of the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) (7th Edition) 2025 (2025 SIAC Rules) herein. The 2025 SIAC Rules govern arbitrations commenced on or after 1 January 2025, unless the parties have agreed to the contrary. Early dismissal under the 2025 SIAC Rules, r 47 SIAC was among the earliest leading international commercial arbitration institutions indeed to adopt a process for the early dismissal of claims and defences. When first introduced in the SIAC Rules 2016, the purpose of the provision was to cut time and costs in matters where the claims or defences...

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