Performance Contracting Framework
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Best Value Awards

If the Best Value award methodology is chosen, the following sections provide examples of RFP section L - Instructions, Conditions and Notices to Offerors - and section M - Evaluation Criteria. Although the Best Value Award process is found primarily in design-build contracts, this methodology can prove very valuable in non design-build projects to select the contractor as well as to stimulate innovation and allow flexibility in approach. For example innovation can be proposed in the implementation of the Traffic Management Plan, or in the types of materials used in the construction or in the scheduling. More guidelines and comprehensive examples of the Best Value Award process are presented in Best-Value Procurement Methods For Highway Construction Projects; NCHRP Project 10-61.

Process

Use of the Best Value process depends upon the project, the selection criteria used for the project, and the decision factors that are used when a project is considered for implementation. Figure 1 outlines the Best Value process. When making a determination about a Best Value project, an Owner Agency should first consider and identify the potential benefits that a Best Value process would offer as applicable to the specific project. Some examples of these benefits are flexibility, improved insight into the contractor's proposed approach, cost, time, quality, improved safety and durability. The Agency should also consider if the project under consideration would be best served by a Best Value type of contract (i.e. fostering innovation, project complexity, or other agency specific factors). If an agency determines that the Best Value would be beneficial, the evaluation criteria upon which the proposal will be assessed should also align with the project goals.

For each of the appropriate parameters, the relevant evaluation criteria are selected. There will always be a cost parameter with evaluation criteria in the final set. If the schedule is fixed by the agency, then no schedule parameter will be selected, but if the contractor is allowed to propose some element of the schedule, then it will also be included. Next, the type of Best Value award is selected based on project characteristics.

The Owner Agency must then decide what selection method it will use to evaluate the proposals. One of the most flexible methods to determine the score is by using weighted averages which assign scores and weights to each evaluation criteria to ultimately determine the contractor proposal that provides the Best Value solution to the agency. This method also allows the Owner Agency the ability to most completely control the relationship between the mathematical outcome and the project's requirements.

Another selection method is the Cost-Technical Tradeoff type of evaluation which uses qualitative and quantitative methods to compare the technical scores and price scores for Offerors. It also takes into consideration the incremental differences in the scores' value to the agency in order to make the award.

Once the evaluation is completed, the evaluation panel would compute the scores and award the project to the Offeror that best satisfied the formula's objective decision criterion. The procurement process could include the opportunity for discussions and final proposals, if permitted by enabling legislation and deemed advisable by the procuring agency.

The Owner Agency may also consider implementing a two step Best Value process which may assist in drawing a larger pool of bidders, and allow for the submission of alternate technical proposals. Under this method, the Owner Agency screens and pre-qualifies Contractors to develop a short list of qualified candidates. After the Agency has short-listed the candidates, the cost, approach, and schedule would be evaluated and scored.

Best Value Considerations

While considering using a Best Value process, the Owner Agency should also consider the benefits and challenges to implementation. The Best Value process can foster innovation much more quickly than the conventional Low Bid process. In addition, in order to get the most from this contracting type, the Owner Agency and the selected Contractor should commit to entering into a partnering arrangement (mutually designed and agreed upon) to foster trust and work cooperatively to solve problems and issues throughout the life of the contract. Such partnering relationships can also result in enhanced performance. Finally, the Best Value process has the potential to improve performance and the value of the construction process over the long term. One challenge of implementation is to keep the selection criteria as objective as possible so that the Owner Agency can determine (and defend) which Offeror presents the Best Value to the Agency.

Figure 8 outlines a Best Value process, and points out where example materials are being offered in this framework.

Figure 8. Best Value Process¹
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Lessons Learned from Real-World Performance Contracts

The following Best Value lessons have been learned from real-world performance contracts:

• Use the Best-Value award if appropriate and if it is allowed
• Determine compatibility with your contracting regulations
• Be innovative in making the contract fit the regulations
• Allow enough time for RFP development, approval, advertising, and award
• Determine who needs to review/approve the RFP and involve them early in the process
• Specify how innovative methods/technologies will be approved if they are different from the standard specifications
• Plan out and specify what happens if the project doesn't work
• Identify the PM/PE/COTR and involve him/her throughout the entire process

Sample Materials

To assist in accelerating the development of Owner Agency materials, draft templates and RFP sections are provided below. If using Best Value, the Owner Agency will need to go through FHWA's SEP-14 process. We have provided guidance and sample materials for the SEP-14 process in a separate section of the framework.

Sample RFP Section L - Instructions, Conditions And Notices To Offerors

L.1 Contract Award

L.1.1 Most Advantageous to the Owner Agency

The Owner Agency intends to award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible Offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation shall be most advantageous to the Owner Agency with regard to cost or price, technical and other factors, specified elsewhere in this solicitation considered.

L.1.2 Initial Offers

The Owner Agency may award contracts on the basis of initial offers received, without discussion. Therefore, each initial offer shall contain the Offeror's best terms from a standpoint of cost or price, technical and other factors.

L.2 Proposal Form, Organization And Content

L.2.1 Offerors shall note that this is a request for proposals and not an invitation for bids (IFB). Award shall not be made solely on price (see Section M) and the Owner Agency reserves the right to hold discussions and seek clarifications prior to award.

L.2.2 A Pre-Proposal Conference shall be held for the purpose of answering any questions relative to the RFP and the scope of services on date at location at time. All interested bidders must attend.

L.2.3 One original and 10 copies of the written proposals shall be submitted in three parts, titled "Technical Proposal", "Staffing/Management/Quality Management/Past Performance/Facilities and Equipment Proposal" and "Price Proposal". Proposals shall be typewritten in 12 point font size on 8.5" by 11" bond paper. Telephonic and telegraphic proposals shall not be accepted. Each proposal shall be submitted in a sealed box conspicuously marked: "Proposal in Response to Solicitation No. (insert solicitation number, Title and name of Offeror)."

L.2.4 Offerors are directed to the specific proposal evaluation criteria found in Section M of this solicitation, EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD. The Offeror shall respond to each factor in a way that shall allow the Owner Agency to evaluate the Offeror's response. The Offeror shall submit information in a clear, concise, factual and logical manner providing a comprehensive description of program services and service delivery. The information requested below for the technical proposal shall facilitate evaluation and Best Value source selection for all proposals. The technical proposal must contain sufficient detail to provide a clear and concise representation of the requirements in the statement of work.

L.2.5 Technical Proposal (not to exceed __ pages)

1. Technical proposals must provide a detailed description of how the Offeror intends to use innovation, complete the construction, and meet or exceed the performance goals set forth in this RFP. The technical proposal must clearly indicate how the Offeror would proceed if awarded the contract. In addition, the Offeror must provide a detailed description of how the proposed approach will enable the project to be constructed faster, safer, with less traffic congestion, with higher quality, and with improved user satisfaction.
2. The technical proposal must be organized as follows:
   1. Executive Summary (not to exceed 5 pages): Provide an overview of the technical approach. Clearly include any assumptions made in responding to the RFP and any exceptions made in the offer. The executive summary also must identify any uncertainties and briefly explain how the Offeror intends to address those uncertainties.
   2. Summary of Work Plan: Although an acceptable work plan shall be required 60 days after award of the contract, Offerors must explain how they intend to schedule and complete the construction set forth in the RFP and meet each of the performance goals. The summary must be formatted with individual sections that correspond to the bid tables set forth in Section B. The summary must clearly identify (note the Owner Agency should include any or all of the items in the list below that best reflect the needs of the Agency):
      1. The resources, including an adequate line of credit, equipment, materials, and staff, necessary and available to conduct the work;
      2. The techniques and practices that shall be used to conduct the work, including any innovative techniques and practices, that may be used over the life of the contract;
      3. Any assumptions, deviations, or exceptions to the RFP;
      4. Any technical uncertainties and specific proposals for resolving those uncertainties;
      5. The Offeror's plan for keeping an adequate supply of materials and labor resources;
      6. The Offeror's plan for how they shall prioritize and address activities to ensure safety, including activities or issues that may not be specifically addressed in this Scope of Work.
      7. The Offeror's ability to respond quickly to emergency requirements that may arise.
      8. The Offeror's plan for how they shall respond to emergencies -- such as safety hazards or accidents and make the roadway safe and clear for the traveling public.
      9. Any other issues the Offeror believes are important to meeting the performance goals set forth in this RFP.
      10. List the items of work the Offeror will self perform and how much will be subcontracted (this should be based on the Owner Agency's self performance requirement).
      11. The Offeror's specific plan for how they shall achieve or exceed the performance goals in the categories of safety, construction congestion, quality, time, cost effectiveness, customer satisfaction, environmental and innovation.
   3. Summary of Traffic Management Plan including a Traffic Control Plan. Although an acceptable traffic control plan shall be required 60 days after award, Offerors must include a summary of their plans to control traffic in and around work areas, including alternate traffic routes if applicable. This must include information regarding the following:
      1. The Offeror's plan for implementing the Traffic plans and methodology for meeting the performance goals.
      2. The Offeror's plan to ensure safety of the public and of employees as well as public information outreach.
      3. The resources needed for adequate traffic control including a traffic control plan fit together with the construction schedule/sequencing.
      4. The Offeror's plan to implement innovative techniques in implementing the plan
      5. How the plan minimizes the impact to the traveling public.
      6. The Offeror's plan for meeting the critical traffic control criteria set forth by the Owner Agency.
      7. The Offeror's plan for meeting specific construction congestion and safety goals.

L.2.6 Staffing/Management/Quality Management/Past Performance /Facilities and Equipment/Schedule Proposal (not to exceed __ pages)

1. Staffing/Management/Quality Management/Past Performance/Facilities and Equipment/Schedule proposals must clearly describe how the Offeror intends to staff the project and how the Offeror intends to proactively manage staff and information to ensure that work is completed and that the performance goals set forth in this RFP are met. If subcontractors are used, the staffing/management proposal must describe how the Offeror intends to manage and provide oversight of all subcontractor activities.
2. The Quality Management Plan is a key element to the success of any performance contract, and it outlines Quality Control and Quality Assurance for the project. The proposal must describe the Offeror's plans for managing quality both in identifying needs and inspecting quality of work performed.
3. Related experience and past performance on related projects of similar size and scope must also be described. As noted in Section M, past performance and related experience are key evaluation criteria.
4. The Staffing/Management/Quality Management/Past Performance/Facilities and Equipment/Schedule Proposal must be organized as follows:
   1. Executive Summary (not to exceed 5 pages): Provide an overview of how the Offeror intends to staff, manage, and implement the Quality Management Plan for all of the tasks in this RFP.
   2. Summary of Staffing/Management Plan: Although an acceptable staffing/management plan shall be required 60 days after award, Offerors must explain how they intend to provide staff and management support to ensure that all tasks are completed to the performance goals set forth in this RFP. At a minimum, Offerors must describe:
      1. The overall project manager, construction superintendent, quality management engineer, and work zone traffic safety engineer including resumes;
      2. How the Offeror intends to ensure that staff (key and non-key), including staff employed by subcontractors, shall be available throughout the life of the contract for routine and emergency/fast response activities;
      3. The Offeror's plan to ensure that all employees, including subcontractors, have adequate training and understand the requirements of their functions;
      4. How the Offeror intends to make management of the contract proactive;
      5. The Offeror's ability to control prices and reduce financial risk to the government;
      6. The Offeror's ability to attend regular meetings with the COTR and FHWA officials on short notice;
      7. The procedures and plans for managing subcontractor performance;
      8. The procedures and plans for labor/material supply and inventory;
      9. The Offeror's training plan to ensure properly trained personnel; and,
      10. The Offeror's plan to use certified disadvantaged business enterprises.
   3. Summary of Quality Management Plan: Although an acceptable quality management plan shall be required after award of the contract, Offerors must include information regarding the key elements of that plan, including:
      1. CPM analysis and software
      2. The Offeror's plan to proactively identify quality issues and needs in a timely manner.
      3. The Offeror's plan to ensure that quality work is performed, showing how the performance goals are to be met.
      4. The Offeror's plan to monitor quality after work has been completed.
      5. The Offeror's plan to ensure that all equipment remains in good working order and is available to perform work as needed.
      6. The Offeror's plan to ensure that all materials meet appropriate specifications and are readily available.
      7. An outline of the Offeror's testing and workmanship concepts, testing schedules, and information management process.
      8. The Offeror's plan to cooperate with the State's random testing/inspection assurance program (States should have such a program in place).
      9. The Offeror's specific plan on how they will meet the standards of the quality goals
      10. The Offeror's Environmental Quality Management Plan.
   4. Experience and Past Performance: Offerors must describe their experience, as well as the experience of any proposed subcontractors, in conducting construction projects of similar scope, in applying innovative construction/ work zone practices, and in project management for projects of comparable size, and complexity. Offerors must include:
      1. A brief description of relevant specific experience, including the budget for the project and the period of performance;
      2. A brief description of the relevant project management experience;
      3. A point of contact that may be used as a reference; and
      4. A listing of key personnel involved in the project that also are proposed in response to this RFP.
      5. A description of compliance with project schedules.
      6. A brief description of the previous innovations used to complete projects of similar size and scope and whether those innovations are proposed on this proposal.
   5. In addition to a narrative presentation of this information, Offerors must provide an experience and past performance matrix. The form for this matrix is included as an appendix to this RFP.
   6. Conflict of Interest statements shall appear in this proposal. It is the Owner Agency's policy to award contracts to only those Offerors whose objectivity is not impaired because of any related past, present, or planned interest, financial or otherwise, in organizations regulated by the Owner Agency or in organizations whose interests may be substantially affected by Owner Agency activities. Based on this policy:
      1. Offerors shall describe, in a concise manner, all past, present or planned organizational, financial, contractual or other interests with organizations regulated by the Owner Agency or with organizations whose interests may be substantially affected by Owner Agency activities, and which is related to the work under this solicitation. The interests described shall include those of the proposer, its affiliates, proposed consultants, proposed subcontractors and key personnel of any of the above. Past interest shall be limited to within one year of the date of the Offeror's technical proposal. Key personnel shall include any person owning more than a 20% interest in the Offeror, and the Offeror's corporate officers, its senior managers and any employee who is responsible for making a decision or taking an action on this contract where the decision or action can have an economic or other impact on the interests of a regulated or affected organization.
      2. The Offeror shall describe why, in light of any interests identified in (a) above, performance of the proposed contract can be accomplished in an impartial and objective manner.
      3. In the absence of any relevant interest identified in (a) above, the Offeror shall submit in its proposal a statement that to its best knowledge and belief, no affiliation exists relevant to possible conflicts of interest. The Offeror must obtain the same information from potential subcontractors prior to award of a subcontract.
      4. The Contracting Officer shall review all statements submitted and may require additional relevant information from the Offeror. All such information, and any other relevant information known to the Owner Agency, shall be used to determine whether an award to the Offeror may create a conflict of interest. If such conflict of interest is found to exist, the Contracting Officer may (1) disqualify the Offeror, or (2) determine that it is otherwise in the best interest of the Owner Agency to contract with the Offeror and include appropriate provisions to mitigate or avoid such conflict in the contract awarded.
      5. The refusal to provide the disclosure or representation, or any additional information required, may result in disqualification of the Offeror for award. If nondisclosure or misrepresentation is discovered after award, the resulting contract may be terminated. If after award, the Contractor discovers a conflict of interest with respect to the contract awarded as a result of this solicitation, which could not reasonably have been known prior to award; an immediate and full disclosure shall be made in writing to the Contracting Officer. The disclosure shall include a full description of the conflict, a description of the action the Contractor has taken or proposes to take, to avoid or mitigate such conflict. The Contracting Officer may, however, terminate the contract for convenience if he or she deems that termination is in the best interest of the Owner Agency.
   7. Schedule. Offerors must include a detailed base schedule and summary of their plans to use innovative methods to complete the construction project more quickly and efficiently than traditional methods. This must include information regarding the following:
      1. The Offeror's plan to innovatively meet the schedule performance goals under this contract. The resources needed for adequate schedule monitoring and tracking.
      2. How the plan minimizes the impact of the construction project to the traveling public due to scheduling.
      3. How the plan ties in with the Traffic Management and Quality Management plans and CPM.

L.2.7 Price Proposal

The price proposal must consist solely of the documents contained in Section B, including pricing data. Offerors may, however, include a narrative describing or explaining their price proposal, and this narrative must not exceed ten pages. This narrative shall describe how the proposed approach meets the cost savings performance goal(s) of this project.

L.3 Proposal Submission Date And Time, And Late Submissions, Late Modifications, And Late Withdrawals

L.3.1 Proposal Submission

Proposals must be submitted no later than __ p.m. local time on __________. Proposals, modifications to proposals, or requests for withdrawals that are received in the designated Owner Agency's office after the exact local time specified above, are "late" and shall be considered only if they are received before the award is made and one (1) or more of the following circumstances apply:

1. The proposal or modification was sent by registered or certified mail not later than the fifth (5th) calendar day before the date specified for receipt of offers;
2. The proposal or modification was sent by mail and it is determined by the Contracting Officer that the late receipt at the location specified in the solicitation was caused solely by mishandling by the Owner Agency, or
3. The proposal is the only proposal received.

L.3.2 Withdrawal or Modification of Proposals

An Offeror may modify or withdraw its proposal upon written, telegraphic notice, or facsimile transmission if received at the location designated in the solicitation for submission of proposals, but not later than the closing date for receipt of proposals.

L.3.3 Postmarks

The only acceptable evidence to establish the date of a late proposal, late modification or late withdrawal sent either by registered or certified mail shall be a U.S. or Canadian Postal Service postmark on the wrapper or on the original receipt from the U.S. or Canadian Postal Service. If neither postmark shows a legible date, the proposal, modification or request for withdrawal shall be deemed to have been mailed late. When the postmark shows the date but not the hour, the time is presumed to be the last minute of the date shown. If no date is shown on the postmark, the proposal shall be considered late unless the Offeror can furnish evidence from the postal authorities of timely mailing.

L.3.4 Late Submissions.

A late proposal, late request for modification or late request for withdrawal shall not be considered, except as provided in this section.

L.3.5 Late Modifications.

A late modification of a successful proposal, which makes its terms more favorable to the Owner Agency, shall be considered at any time it is received and may be accepted.

L.3.6 Late Submissions.

A late proposal, late modification or late request for withdrawal of an offer that is not considered shall be held unopened, unless opened for identification, until after award and then retained with unsuccessful offers resulting from this solicitation.

L.4 Hand Delivery Or Mailing Of Proposals

DELIVER OR MAIL TO

Office of Contracting and Procurement
Bid Room

L.5 Explanation To Prospective Offerors

L.5.1 If a prospective Offeror has any questions relative to this solicitation, the prospective Offeror shall submit the question in writing to the Contracting Officer. The prospective Offeror shall submit questions no later than 15 calendar days prior to the closing date and time indicated for this solicitation. The Owner Agency shall not consider any questions received less than 15 calendar days before the date set for submission of proposal. The Owner Agency shall furnish responses within 7 days to all the other prospective Offerors. An amendment to the solicitation shall be issued if that information is necessary in submitting offers, or if the lack of it would be prejudicial to any other prospective Offerors. Oral explanations or instructions given before the award of the contract shall not be binding.

L.5.2 Offerors are expected to thoroughly and completely examine this solicitation and all of its attachments, enclosures, and source documents. Failure to do so shall be at the Offeror's risk.

L.6 Failure To Submit Offers

Recipients of this solicitation not responding with an offer should not return this solicitation. Instead, they shall advise the Office of Contracting by letter or postcard whether they want to receive future solicitations for similar requirements. It is also requested that such recipients advise the Contracting Officer, of the reason for not submitting a proposal in response to this solicitation. If a recipient does not submit an offer and does not notify the Contracting Officer that future solicitations are desired, the recipient's name may be removed from the applicable mailing list.

L.7 Protests

Any actual or prospective Offeror, or contractor who is aggrieved in connection with the solicitation or award of a contract, must file with the Owner Agency's Contract Appeals Board (Board) a protest no later than 10 business days after the basis of protest is known or should have been known, whichever is earlier. A protest based on alleged improprieties in a solicitation which are apparent prior to proposal opening or the time set for receipt of initial proposals shall be filed with the Board prior to proposal opening or the time set for receipt of initial proposals. In procurements in which proposals are requested, alleged improprieties which do not exist in the initial solicitation, but which are subsequently incorporated into the solicitation, must be protested no later than the next closing time for receipt of proposals following the incorporation. The protest shall be filed in writing, with the Contract Appeals Board. The aggrieved person shall also mail a copy of the protest to the Contracting Officer for the solicitation.

L.8 Signing Of Offers

The Contractor shall sign the offer and print or type its name on the Solicitation, Offer and Award form of this solicitation. Erasures or other changes must be initialed by the person signing the offer. Offers signed by an agent shall be accompanied by evidence of that agent's authority, unless that evidence has been previously furnished to the Contracting Officer.

L.9 Unnecessarily Elaborate Proposals

Unnecessarily elaborate brochures or other presentations beyond those sufficient to present a complete and effective response to this solicitation are not desired and may be construed as an indication of the Offeror's lack of cost consciousness. Elaborate artwork, expensive paper and bindings, and expensive visual and other presentation aids are neither necessary nor desired.

L.10 Retention Of Proposals

All proposal documents shall be the property of the Owner Agency and retained by the Owner Agency, and therefore shall not be returned to the Offerors.

L.11 Proposal Prices

The Owner Agency will offer a stipend of $_____ to unsuccessful qualified bidders whose proposal is deemed technically adequate.

L.12 Acknowledgment Of Amendments

The Offeror shall acknowledge receipt of any amendment to this solicitation (a) by signing and returning the amendment; (b) by identifying the amendment number and date in the space provided for this purpose in Section A of the solicitation cover sheet; or (c) by letter or telegram including mailgrams. The Owner Agency must receive the acknowledgment by the date and time specified for receipt of offers. Offerors' failure to acknowledge an amendment may result in rejection of the offer.

L.13 Acceptance Period

The Offeror agrees that its offer remains valid for a period of 90 days from the solicitation's closing date.

L.14 Best And Final Offers

(Note: Only consider using this section if the Owner Agency is legally allowed to use best and final offers. Also, this may only be applicable for projects that allow alternate proposals.)

If, subsequent to receiving original proposals, negotiations are conducted, all technically acceptable Offerors within the competitive range shall be so notified and shall be provided an opportunity to submit written best and final offers at the designated date and time. Best and Final Offers shall be subject to the Late Submissions, Late Modifications and Late Withdrawals of Proposals provision of the solicitation. After receipt of best and final offers, no discussions shall be reopened unless the Contracting Officer determines that it is clearly in the Government's best interest to do so, e.g., it is clear that information available at that time is inadequate to reasonably justify Contractor selection and award based on the best and final offers received. If discussions are reopened, the Contracting Officer shall issue an additional request for best and final offers to all technically acceptable Offerors still within the competitive range.

L.15 Legal Status Of Offeror

Each proposal must provide the following information:

L.15.1 Name, Address, Telephone Number, Federal tax identification number and DUNS Number of Offeror;

L.15.2 State, license, registration or certification if required by law to obtain such license, registration or certification. If the Offeror is a corporation or partnership and does not provide a copy of its license, registration or certification to transact business in the State, the offer shall certify its intent to obtain the necessary license, registration or certification prior to contract award or its exemption from such requirements; and

L.15.3 If the Offeror is a partnership or joint venture, names of general partners or joint ventures, and copies of any joint venture or teaming agreements.

L.15.4 The Owner Agency reserves the right to request additional information regarding the Offeror's organizational status.

L.16 Standards Of Responsibility

The prospective Contractor must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Owner Agency the capability in all respects to perform fully the contract requirements, therefore, the prospective Contractor must submit the documentation listed below, within five (5) days of the request by the Owner Agency:

L.16.1 Furnish evidence of adequate financial resources, credit or the ability to obtain such resources as required during the performance of the contract.

L.16.2 Furnish evidence of the ability to comply with the required or proposed delivery or performance schedule, taking into consideration all existing commercial and governmental business commitments.

L.16.3 Furnish evidence of the necessary organization, experience, accounting and operational control, technical skills or the ability to obtain them.

L.16.4 Furnish evidence of compliance with the applicable State licensing, tax laws and regulations.

L.16.5 Furnish evidence of a satisfactory performance record, record of integrity and business ethics.

L.16.6 Furnish evidence of the necessary production, construction and technical equipment and facilities or the ability to obtain them.

L.16.7 If the prospective Contractor fails to supply the information requested, the Contracting Officer shall make the determination of responsibility or non-responsibility based upon available information. If the available information is insufficient to make a determination of responsibility, the Contracting Officer shall determine the prospective Contractor to be unacceptable.

L.17 Key Personnel

L.17.1 The Owner Agency considers the following positions to be key personnel for this contract (Owner Agency may choose applicable positions to include):

• Project Manager
• Construction Superintendent
• Quality Management Engineer or Quality Manager (if the desired person does not need to be a licensed professional engineer).
• Work Zone Traffic Safety Engineer or Work Zone Traffic Safety Manager (if the desired person does not need to be a licensed professional engineer).

L.17.2 The Offeror shall set forth in its proposal the names and reporting relationships of the key personnel the Offeror shall use to perform the work under the proposed contract. Their resumes shall be included. The hours that each shall devote to the contract shall be provided in total and broken down by task. Proposed key staff must remain in place for at least one year following the award of the contract or written approval for replacements must be received from the Owner Agency.

L.17.3 The proposed project manager must have at least 10 years of management experience in construction projects. The proposed project manager must have successfully managed 2 contracts (or government programs) of similar size and scope. (Note for L.17.3, L.17.4, L.17.5: instead of using 2 contracts of similar size, the Agency may consider requiring that potential Offerors provide proof of relevant experience in their field of work.)

L.17.4 The proposed construction superintendent must have at least 8 years of experience as a construction superintendent, and must have successfully managed 2 contracts (or government programs) of similar size and scope.

L.17.5 The proposed quality management engineer must have at least 8 years of experience in construction projects, and must have successfully managed 2 contracts (or government programs) of similar size and scope.

L.17.6 The proposed work zone safety engineer must have at least 5 years of experience in construction as a work zone safety engineer.

Example RFP Section M - Evaluation Factors

M.1 Evaluation For Award

The contract shall be awarded to the responsible Offeror whose offer is technically acceptable to The Owner Agency, and offers the Best Value to the Locale (i.e. State, county) as determined by the total overall score from the evaluation criteria specified below.

M.2 Technical Rating

The Technical Rating Scale is as follows:

For example, if a factor has a point evaluation of 0 to 20 points, and (using the appropriate Rating Scale) the Owner Agency evaluates as "good" the part of the proposal applicable to the factor, the score for the factor is 16 (4/5 of 20).

M.3 Evaluation Standards

The Owner Agency will only evaluate an Offeror's Price Proposal if The Owner Agency's proposal evaluation panel finds that Offeror to be technically acceptable. The Offeror must meet a minimum rating/score of X to be considered technically acceptable. The Owner Agency shall check those Price Proposals for price reasonableness.

M.4 Evaluation Criteria

The Owner Agency will evaluate proposals based on the following technical evaluation factors:

M.4.1 Technical

The Owner Agency will rate the technical proposals based upon the extent to which Offerors describe, in clear and concise language how they will complete the construction, meet the performance goals, and demonstrate an understanding of issues relating to the construction covered by this RFP. Offerors shall refer to section L of this RFP for instructions regarding the format of technical proposals.

The Owner Agency will use the following criteria in evaluating proposals (note - categories are listed in descending order of importance):

1. The extent to which Offerors provide a clear, concise, high probability for success work plan for completing the construction project, and meeting all of the performance goals. This includes innovative work methods, that will speed construction while reducing congestion, fostering environmental protection, functional efficiency and flexibility, traffic management and protection, traffic management plans (TMP) that offer reductions in user costs and impact, coordination with utilities (meeting permitting and all other utility requirements), government agencies, and other organizations.
2. The extent to which the proposed Prime Contractor's list of similar experience demonstrates knowledge, and understanding in constructing ______ (bridge, highway, etc) referenced in this RFP.
3. Experience, knowledge and understanding in using proposed innovative techniques, processes, or materials related to construction, including whether the Offeror's potential use of innovation is likely to enhance the ability to meet the performance goals set forth in this RFP.
4. The extent to which the proposed Prime Contractor and subcontractors demonstrate experience, knowledge and understanding of key safety issues, including work zone safety, road safety audits, worker protection, safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other non-vehicle uses, and the safety implications of poorly maintained or constructed assets.
5. The extent to which Offerors demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the type and level of effort necessary to ensure a successful construction effort, and the attainment of the performance goals.
6. The extent to which Offerors demonstrate the ability to respond to emergency circumstances.
7. The extent to which the Offeror's TMP demonstrates experience in controlling traffic in a _______ (urban, rural, mixed, controlled access, uncontrolled access) environment.
8. The extent to which the Offeror has presented an adequate plan for keeping a readily available and adequate supply of materials, and the ability to properly handle and store materials (e.g. environmental storage requirement such as temperature). This plan must demonstrate knowledge of material supply times and ensure that materials meet specifications.
9. The extent to which assumptions and deviations made by the Offeror impact the probability of success of the contract.
10. The extent to which Offerors have provided good solutions for resolving any technical uncertainties.

M.4.2 Staffing / Management / Quality Management / Past Performance

The Owner Agency will rate the staffing/management/quality management/past performance proposal based upon the extent to which Offerors describe, in clear and concise language their past performance, management, staffing and Quality Management plans related to the construction covered by this RFP. Offerors shall refer to section L of this RFP for instructions regarding the format of past performance proposals.

The Owner Agency will use the following criteria in evaluating proposals (note - categories are listed in descending order of importance):

1. Past Performance
   1. The extent to which the Prime Contractor's and subcontractors' corporate relevant experience and past performance on construction contracts of comparable size demonstrates a likelihood of successfully performing the construction set forth in this RFP.
   2. The extent to which the Offeror's past performance in implementing innovative construction/MOT approaches demonstrates a likelihood of successfully performing the construction set forth in this RFP.
   3. The relevancy of the past performance management experience examples provided by the Offeror.
   4. The quality of references provided by the identified contact personnel.
2. Management
   1. The extent to which the Prime Contractor's management plan demonstrates the ability to perform the construction project in compliance with the performance goals and standard specifications set forth in this RFP, and demonstrates a proactive approach to management.
   2. The extent to which the management plan demonstrates the ability to control prices and reduce financial risks to the government.
   3. The extent to which the management plan demonstrates an adequate approach for ensuring the availability of staff and resources, over the term of the contract.
   4. The extent to which the Prime Contractor's management plan demonstrates the ability to effectively manage the proposed subcontractors.
   5. The extent to which the Prime Contractor's communication plan ensures effective internal and external relaying of information relevant to the project.
   6. The extent to which the Prime Contractor demonstrates effective decision making processes throughout the organization. This will foster efficient and proactive management of the project elements, as well as a successful partnering relationship with the Owner Agency.
   7. The extent to which the Prime Contractor uses innovative techniques or has contingency strategies in place should those techniques prove to be unsuccessful.
3. Staffing
   1. The adequacy and relevance of the qualifications and experience of the proposed project manager.
   2. The qualifications and experience of key personnel, for the proposed Prime Contractor and the subcontractors, related to construction of the __________ referenced in this RFP.
   3. The extent to which key and non-key personnel are available for the term of the proposed contract.
   4. The adequacy of the Offeror's plan to ensure adequate training and understanding of requirements.
   5. The extent to which certified disadvantaged business enterprises are represented.
4. Quality Management Plan
   1. The adequacy of the Offeror's plan for ensuring quality work.
   2. The extent to which the Prime Contractor's quality management plan represents a proactive approach that shall identify needs in a timely manner.
   3. The extent to which the Prime Contractor's quality management plan is likely to ensure that the project meets the performance goals set forth in this RFP and that all work meets the applicable standard specifications, including work performed by the subcontractors.
   4. The adequacy of the Offeror's plan for ensuring that equipment remains in good working order.
   5. The extent to which the Offeror's plan shows innovative techniques in implementing the Quality Management plan.
   6. The extent to which the Offeror's plan shows how the Offeror will achieve the performance goals.
   7. The adequacy of the Offeror's Environmental Quality Management Plan.
5. Facilities and Equipment
   1. The extent to which the proposed Prime Contractor's and major subcontractor's facilities, equipment and materials demonstrate a likelihood of successfully performing the construction and proposed innovative approaches set forth in this RFP.
6. Schedule
   1. The extent to which the Offeror proposes the use of innovative methods to complete the construction project more quickly than traditional methods.
   2. The extent to which the Offeror plans to innovatively meet or exceed the schedule requirements for daily, and major milestones, and for duration of the project.
   3. The extent to which the Offeror possesses the resources needed for adequate schedule control, monitoring, and tracking.

M.4.3 Price Criteria

The price evaluation shall be objective. The Offeror with the lowest price shall receive the maximum price points. All other proposals shall receive a proportionately lower total score. The following formula shall be used to determine each Offeror's evaluated price score:

Total Evaluated Price for lowest price proposal/Total Evaluated Price of proposal being evaluated x weight = evaluated price score

M.4.4 Total (100 Points)

Alternate Evaluation Methodologies

In addition to the method presented above, there are alternate evaluation methodologies for Best Value proposals as presented in the draft NCHRP Report 10-61, Best-Value Procurement Methods for Highway Construction Projects. Some are outlined in the following paragraphs.

Quantitative Cost-Technical Tradeoff

The Quantitative Cost-Technical Tradeoff involves calculating the technical score and the price score increment and then examining the difference between the incremental advantages of each. The increment in the technical score is calculated by dividing highest technical score by the next highest technical score less one multiplied by 100%. The increment in price score is calculated dividing highest price score by the next highest price score less one multiplied by 100%. The award is made to the Offeror with the lowest price, unless the higher priced offers can be justified through a higher technical value. This justification is made by determining if the added increment of price is offset by an added increment in technical score. A generic algorithm and example are shown in Figure 9 below.

In the example above, the difference between the low and second low price proposals is 8%; the difference in the weighted scores should be greater than 8% to justify expending the additional increment of cost. In this case it is 33%. Therefore, an increase of 8% in price is warranted by the 33% increase in proposal technical score indicating that Proposal #2 is a better value than Proposal #1. This is not the case when comparing Proposal #2 to Proposal #3 where the 2% increase in cost is not justified by the 1% increase in technical score. Thus, the best-value in this example would be Proposal #2.

Qualitative Cost-Technical Tradeoff

The Qualitative Cost-Technical Tradeoff is used by many Federal agencies under the Federal Acquisitions Regulation. This method relies primarily on the judgment of the selection official and not on the evaluation ratings and scores (Army, 2001). The final decision consists of an evaluation, comparative analysis, and tradeoff process that often require subjectivity and judgment on the part of the selecting official. The flow chart below depicts the qualitative cost technical tradeoff algorithm as described in the Army Source Selection Guide (Army, 2001). The tradeoff analysis is not conducted solely with the ratings and scores alone. The selection official must analyze the differences between the competing proposals and make a rational decision based on the facts and circumstances of the specific acquisition. Two selection officials may not necessarily make the same conclusion, but both must satisfy the following criteria shown in Figure. 10.

Figure 10. Qualitative Cost-Technical Tradeoff Decision Matrix.³
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Important points of the decision guide are that they represent the selection officials' rational and independent judgment; be based on a comparative analysis of the proposal; and be consistent with the solicitation evaluation factors and sub-factors.

1. Adapted from: Best-Value Procurement Methods for Highway Construction Projects Preliminary (Draft Final Report); Scott, Sidney; Molenaar, Keith; Gransberg, Douglas; Smith, Nancy; Transportation Research Board National Cooperative Highway Research Program NCHRP 10-61; pp. 131-144.
2. Ibid.
3. Ibid.