Which term describes the overall approach to acquiring design-build services?

• A. Project Delivery System
• B. Procurement Method
• C. Acquisition Strategy
• D. Contracting Approach

Answer: (C)

The main idea being tested is how an organization plans to obtain design-build services. The best term for the overall plan that covers what is being procured, how it will be procured, when, and under what terms and risk allocation, is the acquisition strategy. It sets the direction for the entire procurement, aligning project goals, budget, schedule, and stakeholder needs with the chosen path to obtain the design-build partner.

Acquisition strategy guides decisions about the procurement approach, evaluation criteria, contract framework, incentives, and governance. It determines whether the process will be competitive or negotiated, what kind of contract and risk-sharing will be used, and how the design-build relationship will be managed throughout the project. This distinguishes it from other concepts: the project delivery system describes the method by which the project will be delivered (design-build as a delivery method within a broader delivery framework), the procurement method refers to the specific process used to solicit proposals, and the contracting approach focuses on the contract terms and relationships. In essence, acquisition strategy is the overarching plan for obtaining the design-build services.