Infrastructure & Capital Projects Flashcards

Which procurement method allows a municipality to select a contractor based on qualifications before negotiating price, commonly used for complex infrastructure projects?

Answer: Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS)

Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) prioritizes technical expertise and qualifications before price negotiation, making it ideal for complex engineering projects.

A municipality's capital improvement plan (CIP) projects a $5M water main replacement. The project is funded 40% by federal grants and 60% by revenue bonds. What is the local bond obligation?

Answer: $3,000,000

60% of $5,000,000 equals $3,000,000 in revenue bond financing that the municipality must repay through utility revenues.

Which asset management approach focuses on maintaining infrastructure at the lowest lifecycle cost while meeting required service levels?

Answer: Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) optimization

Total Cost of Ownership optimization balances maintenance, repair, and replacement costs across the full asset lifecycle to minimize long-term expenditure.

Under a Design-Build project delivery method, when does the municipality's greatest opportunity exist to influence project scope and cost?

Answer: During the pre-design and design development phase

Decisions made during pre-design and design development have the greatest cost impact since changes become exponentially more expensive once construction begins.

A city discovers that a road project bid came in 25% over budget. What is the BEST first step for the municipal manager?

Answer: Conduct a value engineering review to identify cost reductions

Value engineering systematically reviews project components to achieve required functions at lower cost without compromising performance or safety.

Which environmental review process is required for federally funded infrastructure projects to assess potential environmental impacts?

Answer: National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review

NEPA requires federal agencies and recipients of federal funds to assess environmental impacts through Categorical Exclusions, Environmental Assessments, or full Environmental Impact Statements.

What does the term 'betterment' refer to in municipal infrastructure projects?

Answer: Capital improvements that increase the value or extend the life of an asset beyond its original condition

A betterment capitalizes improvements that enhance an asset's value or extend its useful life beyond original specifications, rather than simply restoring it.