The Request for Qualifications: Attracting and Selecting the Best Qualified Design-Builder - Design-Build for Water and Wastewater Projects - page 181

for example, preparation of and compliance with NPDES permits, proposed on-site
runoff protection, history of violations, history of environmental awards, and so on.
Incidents of litigation/disputes history. Some owners require that proposers disclose
their histories of claims related to additional compensation or time extensions for projects.
Some of these owners require that proposers disclose a five-year history of disputes that
required resolution: the circumstances of these past jobs need to be understood to fairly
evaluate litigation and dispute histories.
Other. There may be other criteria not previously listed that are unique to the project
in question and warrant inclusion in the initial evaluation.
Evaluation of SOQs
Once SOQ's are received from the proposers, they must be evaluated to make a selection.
The selection committee and evaluation approach must comply with local procurement
requirements. If it is inappropriate to publish names of selection committee members to
the proposers, the owner should consider citing the positions or departments in the orga-
nization that will serve on the committee.
Ranking Process
Ranking of SOQs is discussed in greater detail in chapter 17 and typically employs a
point scoring system. Some owners use a subjective ranking method, such as identifying
characteristics as highly advantageous, advantageous, or not advantageous . When subjective
scoring systems are used, it is often beneficial to conduct a “consensus scoring” session,
where evaluators can openly discuss subjective elements.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality protects the validity of the selection process and is a necessity; however,
local procurement statutes may dictate that SOQ and other materials be disclosed or kept
confidential.
Notification of Selection
When the one-step QBS process is used, the preferred firm is typically the first to be
notified of its selection. Other proposers would then be notified. The notification usually
includes a statement that if negotiations fail with the preferred proposer, then negotiations
may commence with the second highest-ranked team.
In the case of two-step procurement, the short-list would be published after the
SOQs are evaluated. The RFP would then be issued to the short-listed teams.
RFQ CHECKLIST
When preparing an RFQ, it is recommended to consult this chapter, materials that are
available from DBIA, firms that specialize in owner representation for DB projects, or