Construction leaders are applauding Metrolinx for using the Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) model for the first time in the procurement process to deliver a major public infrastructure project in Ontario.
"This is very exciting news for us. We congratulate Metrolinx for its commitment to recognizing the best practice of consultant selection when it comes to infrastructure design and delivery," said Barry Steinberg, Chief Executive Officer of Consulting Engineers of Ontario (CEO), in a press release.
"We are very confident that the merits of the QBS process will provide significant benefits for the people of Ontario and an excellent return on investment for Metrolinx, and are looking forward to many more QBS projects being offered in the future."
Metrolinx announced on Nov. 7 that a pilot project is being launched to implement QBS for engineering services that support the construction of a multi-level parking structure at the Rutherford GO Station Parking Structure.
The tender invites proponents to send a QBS submission for the provision of engineering services for completion of a preliminary design, preparation of design-build proposal documents & drawings, and assistance with the procurement process and owner’s representative services.
The pilot project is viewed by the construction industry as a great success, because it demonstrates the positive influence of work that was undertaken by the CEO/Metrolinx Joint Engineering Transit Council.
The discussion of this council included Metrolinx procurement policy and practices, specifications, contracts and documents, delivery models, and other subjects of mutual interest.
"This is a major success story. The Ontario General Contractors Association (OGCA) has supported both the Ontario Association of Architects and CEO in their efforts to bring QBS to Ontario," said Clive Thurston, OGCA president.
"We know it works in other parts of the world and eliminates problems. We know it improves the ability of general contractors to give more accurate and concise bids on projects."
QBS submissions will be accepted until the closing on Nov. 27 at 3 p.m., via electronic bid submission. Details on where and when vendors can obtain information on bids received will be made available on Metrolinx’s website.
QBS is a procurement process used for the selection of architectural and engineering services on public construction projects.
It is a competitive contract procurement process whereby consulting firms submit qualifications to an owner, who evaluates and selects the most qualified firm, and then negotiates the project scope of work, schedule, budget and consultant fee.
Under the QBS procurement process, the price or cost of the work is not considered when making the initial selection of the best or most appropriate provider of the professional services required.
The Quality Based Consultant Selection Guide produced by the International Federation of Consulting Engineers argues that QBS saves money, because it allows proper assessment of cost-saving alternatives.
"It provides the flexibility for a consultant to consider a variety of options in concept, approach and interpretation which inevitably results in cost savings and better whole-of-life solutions," said the QBS guide.
"Identifying these options is particularly important in the early stages of a project if significant benefits are subsequently to be achieved in the construction, operation and maintenance of a project i.e. the project life cycle."
The traditional procurement process based on price or low bid limits the flexibility of a consultant to explore innovative avenues and options and result in less than optimal project performance.
As a result, the traditional approach frequently creates a situation where small initial savings generate higher capital and life cycle costs.
In addition, there is a common understanding between the consultant and the client on the scope and remuneration of the services in QBS awarded projects.
For this reason, changes or adjustment in the project’s price are facilitated, if necessary, as the project takes shape and detailed information on the site conditions becomes available.
These adjustments take place by mutual agreement between the consultant and the client.
Thurston argues that this process allows the QBS method to drastically reduce requests for information and change orders.
Follow Richard Gilbert on Twitter @buildingcanada.
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