5.0 THE SELECTION OF THE CIVIL ENGINEER

The autonomy in the workplace makes the works of a civil engineer unique from others. This chapter discusses recommendations for engineers to be selected.

5.1. BASIS FOR SELECTION

The primary move for a client in selecting an engineer is to define the scope of works in a project. The client determines performance requirements. The following are factors in the selection process for the private sector:

1. Reputation of the civil engineer as referred by the previous clients.
2. Validity of registration from PRC.
3. Qualifications and expertise in performing services.
4. Ability to assign a qualified staff on site to take charge of the project.
5. Possession of financial and business resources to accomplish the assignment.

For government projects, EO 164 and PD 1594 as amended apply to procurement of consulting services and selection of contractor for construction.

5.2. CLIENT'S SELECTION COMMITTEE

In big organizations, the person designated to select the civil engineer should be familiar with the project requirements and should be free from pressure - internal or external.

The committee should comprise of three individuals, one of which is a professional civil engineer. The individuals should demonstrate objectivity. Additionally, at least one should be thoroughly familiar with civil engineering practices.

5.3. QUALIFICATIONS-BASED SELECTION (QBS) PROCEDURE

QBS = Qualifications-Based Selection

* If the client has a satisfactory relationship with the civil engineer, there are steps which can be skipped in the procedure.

The procedure is as follows:

1. Statement of: 

1. General nature of the project.
2. Services required
3. Request statements
4. CE qualifications and experience

• RFQ. Request for qualifications. Request for general qualifications in a selected area of expertise.
• RFP.  Request for proposals. Shortlist for selecting a civil engineer for a specific project.

2.Prepare a budget expected from the potential civil engineer.

3. Evaluate statements. Select the best three civil engineers or firms.

4. Correspondence with the chosen engineers. 

   A. Describe the project in detail including:

       a. Scope of the project

       b. Services required

   B. Proposal for the engineer to describe:

       a. Plan for managing

       b. Plan for performing the required services

       c. Assigned personnel

       d. Proposed schedule

       e. Experience with similar projects

       f. Office location where services will be performed

       g. Financial standing

       h. Present workload

       i.  References

* Each civil engineer or firm should be given the opportunity to visit the site, review data and obtain clarification of  any required items.

* For complex projects, a pre-proposal conference might be beneficial.

5. Interview and discussion.

6. Check with recent clients of each engineer about the performance of services.

7. List the engineers of preference.

8. The best qualified engineer is invited to develop a detailed scope.

9. The engineer's proposed compensation should be taken into account.

10. If negotiations fail, inform the first civil engineer or firm through writing about termination  of negotiation and then proceed to the second engineer.

11. When an agreement (scope, schedule, compensation) has been reached, a written contract is finalized. 

5.4. SELECTION PROCEDURE FOR "LEVEL OF EFFORT" CONTRACTS

Bidding may sometimes be unsuitable for the project thus consulting civil engineers opt for level of effort. After furnishing all necessary data, negotiation in this type proceeds like steps 9-11 in QBS system.

5.5. TWO ENVELOP SYSTEM

As its name denotes, two submittals are required in a sealed form. One will contain the technical proposal and the other is the price proposal. The client will then open the technical proposals and checks which is best suited his purpose. After choosing the best technical proposal as he deems fit for the project, he opens the price proposal (second envelop).

The second envelops of those unchosen bidders will then be returned unopened.