Partnering on public works projects involving owners, construction contractors, and engineering firms is beginning to occur more often. The American Consulting Engineers Council defines partnering as a cooperative relationship between the providers and recipients of a product or service in which a team attitude is established and a successful outcome achieved. Partnering is also a highly effective way to integrate total quality management (TQM) practices into the design/construction of a public works project and to achieve continuous improvement. It is also one of the alternative dispute resolution techniques that are becoming more prevalent in the construction industry in the 90s. The cornerstones of a partnership are teamwork, equity, and trust. There are seven steps to building a successful partnership and the benefits are numerous. They include improved communications, reduced risk, better quality, reduced costs, satisfied financial goals, increased personal satisfaction, and a win/win outcome.