Dispute review boards
Learn about Dispute Review Boards (DRBs) for resolving disputes that arise during construction, find a prequalified candidate for your board, or find out how to submit an application to become a prequalified DRB board member candidate.
Use of dispute review boards in projects
When disputes arise during construction, we have turned to Dispute Review Boards (DRBs) many times in the past to help all involved parties come to a resolution. DRBs are independent panels, made up of neutral third-party individuals selected by both the owner and the contractor, who review disputes from construction projects and offer recommendations on how to proceed. This process has helped avoid claims resulting from lingering disputes on many occasions. DRBs are now contractually allowed as an option for resolving these unsettled contract disputes; more information can be found in Section 1-04.5(1) of the 2022 Standard Specifications.
Prequalified dispute review board candidate roster
To assist in the quick establishment of DRBs on construction contracts, we have partnered with the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Washington and created a roster of prequalified candidates from which board members may be selected:
Prequalified DRB Candidate Roster (PDF 59MB)
Becoming a prequalified dispute review board candidate
If you are interested in becoming a prequalified DRB candidate, please review Section 1-04.5(1) of the 2022 Standard Specifications. To be considered for the prequalified list, you must meet all criteria and requirements outlined in our dispute resolution procedures and three-party agreement.
To submit your application, please complete the form provided below. You can submit your application materials (and optional resume) by email to DisputesReviewBoard@wsdot.wa.gov. We will review applications and update the roster at least one time per year.
DRB Application Form (PDF 281KB)
Additional resources
Slow down – lives are on the line.
In 2023, speeding continued to be a top reason for work zone crashes.
Even one life lost is too many.
Fatal work zone crashes doubled in 2023 - Washington had 10 fatal work zone crashes on state roads.
It's in EVERYONE’S best interest.
95% of people hurt in work zones are drivers, their passengers or passing pedestrians, not just our road crews.