The Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA)’s Best Practices:  Bridge the Gap presents the recommendations developed by a Special Task Force formed by GBA to address the gap between the responsibilities of the geotechnical engineer of record (GER) and the geotechnical-specialty constructor (GSC). This document discusses the reasons for the gap; defines a model to help both geotechnical engineers and GSCs allocate responsibilities based on the delivery method being used on the project; and outlines recommendations for GSCs and geotechnical engineers to use in avoiding the gap. The paper encourages geotechnical engineers to evolve their scope of services when appropriate to collect the data needed for specialty design, prepare specialty designs, assist the Owner in selecting the GSC, and review the specialty construction.


GSC, constructor, GER, design team, bid, civil works projects, design bid build, ground improvement, earth retention, soil, deep foundation, prime designer, delivery method, subsurface exploration, owner, geotechnical-specialty constructors,