Open-book pricing is widely recognized as a key benefit of construction manager/general contractor (CMGC) and progressive design-build (PDB) delivery. By enabling agencies and contractors to negotiate construction pricing after award using transparent cost information, open-book approaches are intended to foster collaboration, manage risk, and build confidence in the final agreed price. TRB hosted a webinar on Monday, April 13, 2026 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM Eastern that examined how agencies both structure and manage open-book price negotiations in practice, with a focus on processes, documentation, and risk considerations. Presenters discussed key elements that should be included in CMGC and PDB solicitations and preconstruction services contracts to support effective and transparent price development.
This webinar was based on NCHRP Synthesis 653: Open-Book Pricing Practices for Construction Manager/General Contractor and Progressive Design-Build Projects.
This webinar was sponsored by TRB’s National Cooperative Highway Research Program.
The slides are available. 
 
Webinar agenda and presenters

• Introduction to open-book pricing in CMGC and PDB – Douglas Gransberg, Gransberg & Associates, Inc.
• Independent cost estimator’s role in open-book solicitations and CMGC/PDB contracts – Marko Pala, Stanton Constructability Services, LLC.
• Question and answer session moderated by Ricardo Tapia, Tapia & Associates Corp.

The first 40 minutes of the webinar were for presentations and the final 20 minutes were reserved for audience questions.
 
Learning Objectives
At the end of this webinar, participants can:

• Prepare the necessary solicitation and contract clauses to facilitate successful open-book pricing negotiations
• Demonstrate the basic knowledge of the open-book pricing process and its application to alternative project delivery

 
Professional Development Hours
This webinar was delivered as a scheduled – e-learning live event and is categorized within RCEP as Technical, Health and Safety.
Professional Development Hours (PDHs) earned on completion of this program were reported to the Registered Continuing Education Program (RCEP). Certificates of Completion are issued to all participants via the RCEP.net online system. Complaints about registered providers may be addressed to RCEP, 1015 15th Street, NW, 8th Fl., Washington, DC, 20005.