DBIA Procuring Design-Build Services Questions and Answers 3

Question 1

What is 'alternative technical concept' (ATC) in design-build procurement?

Accepted Answer

A process allowing proposers to submit innovative approaches that deviate from RFP requirements, evaluated confidentially

Answer

A backup design submitted in case the primary fails

Answer

A technical review of the owner's criteria document

Answer

An alternative to using design-build delivery

Question 2

How does the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) affect federal design-build procurement?

Accepted Answer

FAR Part 36.3 provides specific procedures for two-phase design-build selection on federal projects

Answer

FAR prohibits design-build for federal projects

Answer

FAR requires design-build projects to use only low-bid selection

Answer

FAR does not address design-build procurement

Question 3

What is the role of an 'independent cost estimate' (ICE) in design-build procurement?

Accepted Answer

It provides the owner with a benchmark to evaluate whether price proposals are reasonable and competitive

Answer

It replaces the need for proposals from design-build firms

Answer

It is the design-builder's internal cost estimate

Answer

It is only required for projects under $100,000

Question 4

What is 'pre-proposal communication' and why is it important in design-build?

Accepted Answer

Structured interactions between the owner and shortlisted firms during the proposal period to clarify requirements

Answer

Sharing one proposer's approach with other competitors

Answer

Informal lobbying by firms to influence the selection

Answer

Communication that occurs after proposals are submitted

Question 5

What is the significance of 'oral presentations' or 'interviews' in design-build selection?

Accepted Answer

They allow the evaluation committee to assess the proposed team's understanding, chemistry, and leadership beyond what written proposals convey

Answer

They replace the written proposal entirely

Answer

They are only used when written proposals are insufficient

Answer

They are prohibited in public sector procurement

Question 6

In design-build procurement, what is 'price reasonableness' and how is it evaluated?

Accepted Answer

An assessment of whether a proposed price fairly reflects the scope, quality, and risk based on independent estimates, market conditions, and competitive proposals

Answer

The lowest price is always the most reasonable

Answer

A legal requirement that all proposals be within 10% of each other

Answer

The owner's budget estimate before procurement