In DB, How is the Design-Builder generally selected?

• A. Low Bid
• B. Single-source selection
• C. Qualification-Based Selection (QBS)
• D. QBS or Best Value

Answer: (D)

In design-build, the emphasis is on finding a team that can integrate design and construction effectively, not just on who can bid the lowest price. The typical way to select a design-builder is through a process that first looks at qualifications and capability, or uses a best-value approach that weighs both capability and cost. Qualification-Based Selection ensures firms have the right experience, resources, and past performance to lead a design-build effort. Best Value combines those qualifications with price considerations to choose the proposal that delivers the most advantageous outcome for the project. Low bid alone doesn’t account for the necessary collaboration, constructability, schedule, and risk management inherent in design-build, and single-source selection isn’t the standard approach in most procurement environments. So, QBS or Best Value is how the Design-Builder is generally selected.