Consultant's proposals for design and construction
The process of selecting consultants might involve the preparation by the client of a request for proposals to be sent out to each prospective consultant. Consultants respond by submitting consultant's proposals to the client.
The request for proposals describes the nature of the project, the nature of the appointment and the information required from the consultant.
The request for proposals might include:
- The strategic brief.
- The management structure.
- The scope of consultant services required.
- A description of how fees should be quoted and broken down against stages of the project.
- The project programme.
- The construction budget (without contingencies and VAT).
- The intended method of procurement (or a request for options if the procurement route has not been chosen yet).
- The form of agreement and conditions of engagement (such as step-in rights, warranties and so on).
- The level of professional indemnity insurance required.
- The selection criteria that will be used to identity the preferred candidate.
- The procedure that will be followed.
- If Building Information Modelling (BIM) is being used, the Employer's Information Requirements (EIR).
It might request consultant's proposals including:
- A list of key personnel to be allocated to the project, their role in the project, CVs of staff and a description of relevant experience on similar projects.
- Hourly rates to be applied to any work outside the proposed scope of services.
- Identification of any sub-consultants the candidate intends to use.
- A broken-down payment and resource schedule with trigger dates against work stages.
- Evidence of professional indemnity insurance.
- If BIM is being used, a response to the employer’s information requirements, detailing their proposed approach, capability, capacity, competence, training needs and so on.
- The hardware and software that will be used.
- A list of recently-completed commissions with referees and details of other consultants involved.
- A statement of design intent based on the brief.
If the request for proposals involves significant design work from the consultant, it is good practice for the client to offer payment for the work involved in preparing these designs. This will encourage the consultant to prepare their proposal more carefully, and will also demonstrate to them that the client is serious about the project and is likely to treat them fairly.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Download your free guide.
Four new types of prior approval for solar developments
Online Planning Portal application types from 5 September.
Election fails to spark construction industry revival
Contract awards and planning; post election.
Making diversity and inclusion easy for SMEs
The CIOB tool for companies with limited resources.
Sustainable Futures: Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living
BSRIA Briefing 2024, initial speakers announced.
Looking back at the UK's first Passivhaus leisure centre
Reflections on St Sidwell’s Point with CIAT.
A-Level results and electrical apprenticeships
Electrical Skills Index highlights areas with skills shortages.
One of the world's more unusual drive-throughs.
A quick introduction.
Hadrian's Wall Path and the national trails
The trails are heritage assets in their own right.
Articles on timely advice and hydraulic lime.
Building Designers Association of Australia
CIAT and BDAA sign Memorandum of Understanding.
Built Environment Inclusive partners issue statement committed to inclusion.
Building regulation requirements can have unintended consequences.
CIOB announces 2024/25 vice president
Sustainability champion Professor Saul Humphrey.
Accelerating towards a net-zero built environment.