Quality Based Selection (QBS)

In the previous section you learnt that QCBS is used for common and not too complex project where both technical and financial proposals are considered.

QBS is based on the evaluation of the proposal quality without any initial consideration of cost. In QBS the quality and technical aspects are very important.

Because the TOR of the assignments under QBS is generally more complex and less defined, contract negotiations with the winning consultant may be lengthy and complicated.

Where appropriate

You should adapt QBS method when:

• The downstream impact will be very large hence the quality of services is of prevailing importance for the success of the project.
• The scope, the duration, and the TOR require flexibility because of the complexity of the assignment. Hence the need is to select among innovative solutions, or other factors.
• There may be significantly different ways to execute the assignments where cost proposals may not be easily or necessarily comparable.
• You have a need for an extensive and complex capacity building assignment.

The RFP under QBS should also indicate the level of key staff inputs (in staff time) estimated by the client to carry out the assignment or the estimated cost of the services, but not both.

Type of assignments where this method of selection is adopted

You should use QBS when the assignment is of:

• Complex sector for example chemical industry and complex nature for example manufacturing industry.
• Importance and far reaching strategy studies.
• Pre-feasibility and feasibility studies or design of large and complex projects.
• Consultant with different cost structures (for example traditional consultants, nongovernmental organisations (NGOs)) are required to compete.
• Strong uncertainty or risk for the project.
• Selecting consultant through Design Contests (DC). DC is a process where you provide a concept to various consultants and select them based on the best design. For example you want to construct a Railway station or Rehabilitation of large and abandoned structures. You call for a design contests and select the consultant.