Division of Design photo
By Jaroslaw “Jarek” Kusz
Senior transportation engineer, Division of Design
Caltrans’ Division of Design, Office of Innovative Design and Delivery (OIDD) is honored to have received the 2025 Outstanding Value Methodology (VM)) Program Award from the SAVE International (a.k.a. Society of American Value Engineering) at the U.S. Advocacy Symposium on May 14.
The award represents outstanding accomplishments for building and maintaining an exceptional Value Engineering/Value Analysis (VE/VA) Program.
SAVE International is the premier organization dedicated to advancing value-based strategies that improve decision-making, optimize resources, and enhance performance across industries and sectors. SAVE is a non-profit organization and founded in 1959 to provide its worldwide membership with education, training, certification, publications, promotional tools, networking and recognition.
In 2019, SB-1 transformed the way Caltrans does business by requiring Caltrans to realize $100 million worth of efficiencies in its Capital Program(s). Since then, the OIDD has been an integral part of Caltrans success by creating a policy change for Value Analysis (VA) studies by lowering the project threshold requirement from $50 million to $25 million. This change provided Caltrans the tools needed to achieve SB-1 efficiencies while delivering quality projects with improved value and innovation.
SAVE International recognized Caltrans’ continuous VE/VA Program improvements of lowering the dollar threshold of the VA requirements to create more opportunity for efficiencies in addition to a new, streamlined approach to VA called a VA Sprint that Caltrans introduced in 2023/2024. Incorporating the VA Sprint shortened the VA Study format from three to five days to two days, and is designed to accelerate the VA process while maintaining its integrity and impact.
The VA Sprint leverages a robust, centralized database of alternatives that can be easily scanned to kick start idea generation to enable teams to rapidly identify, adapt, and apply proven value solutions to their projects. This evolution in the program reflects Caltrans’ continued focus on maximizing value delivery, minimizing waste, and fostering continuous improvement across its portfolio of transportation projects.
In addition, SAVE International recognized Caltrans’ development of standardized VA templates and tools that promote consistency, reduce preparation time, and ensure that VA studies are aligned with the agency’s objectives. These resources empower project teams to integrate VA into the project development process and SB-1 reporting more efficiently and effectively.
Further strengthening the VA Program are District Value Analysis Coordinators (DVACs) in each of our districts. These DVACs serve as local champions for value analysis, facilitating implementation and ensuring district-specific needs are addressed. Regular statewide DVAC meetings create a platform for sharing lessons learned, innovative practices, and successful alternatives—enhancing collaboration, driving continuous improvement, and fostering a statewide learning culture.
Congratulations to Caltrans’ Division of Design, Office of Innovative Design and Delivery and District Value Analysis Coordinators for their effort in seeking innovative solutions to enhance and strengthen the VE/VA Program.