Blended Approach

Centralized contracting may be more appropriate when many projects in an agency use the same types of materials. Decentralized contracting may be more efficient when the contracting needs of projects are diversified. In an attempt to balance the advantages and disadvantages of both strategies, some organizations may create a blended approach that utilizes the advantages of both methods.

Caltrans uses the blended approach for A&E contracting.

• Division of Procurement and Contracts (DPAC) is responsible for all Caltrans procurements and the execution of service contracts.
• The day-to-day administration of contracts and monitoring of consultant performance are the responsibility of the requesting District/Region. DPAC provides assistance and guidance to the District/Region during the administration phase.

At different times during the contracting process, the approach that Caltrans uses may appear to be centralized or decentralized. But there are always lines of communication between the CM, DPAC and the consultant. Note: The lines of communication between DPAC and Consultant are complete after the procurement is Complete and does not continue through the entire contracting process.