Selection Criteria
The most important standards by which to judge a consultant’s suitability to carry out a particular project are:
When choosing a consultant for your project, it’s essential to consider several key factors. Look for professional competence and strong managerial ability to ensure effective leadership. The consultant should have ample resources and maintain impartiality, offering unbiased advice. A fair fee structure, coupled with professional integrity, builds trust and fosters a smooth partnership. Lastly, a solid quality assurance system is crucial to consistently delivering top-notch results.
The client should seek information on all these matters by:
• Obtaining comprehensive pre-qualification information from the consultant in a form appropriate for the assignment.
• Interviewing senior personnel identified for the assignment.
• Visiting consultants and examining systems and methods of work, as well as hardware and software capabilities.
• Where applicable, speaking to previous clients.
Professional Competence
The competent professional consultant is able to offer clients a team with the education, training, practical experience and judgement to carry out the project.
The client can evaluate the professional competence of the team by examining:
• The detailed resumes of key staff members and their relevant experience on similar assignments.
• A list of similar projects carried out by the firm and present staff.
• The approach to and methodology for the proposed assignment.
In addition, clients should validate the performance of the consultant on similar previous assignment and examine their history in similar foreign countries.
Managerial Ability
A successful consultant must have managerial skills to match the size and type of project objectives. Consultants need to marshal skilled manpower and adequate resources, maintain schedules and ensure the work is planned efficiently, and they will need to deal competently with contractors, suppliers, loan agencies, government agencies, and the public during the course of the project.
The client can assess the managerial ability of the consultant team by examining:
• Past projects performance record.
• Documentation and project control procedures that guide the performance of the consultant’s services.
• The success record of the proposed project manager on previous projects.
• Project management and quality control approach proposed for the new assignment.
• Progress reporting and client communication techniques proposed for the assignment.
• The success rate on previous projects of the consultant in transferring technology.
Guidelines for Selecting a Consulting Engineering Firm
Availability of Resources
Ensure the consulting firm has sufficient financial and manpower resources to successfully complete your project.
Impartiality
Choose a consultant who is not only competent but also adheres to FIDIC’s Code of Ethics, guaranteeing an objective, unbiased approach to your project.
Fair Fee Structure
The consultant’s fee should reflect the project’s complexity, delivering value while ensuring reasonable profit. This ensures the use of skilled professionals and innovative solutions.
Professional Integrity
A foundation of trust between client and consultant promotes smoother project execution, better results, and overall satisfaction.
Selection Procedure
Prioritize quality and value by choosing a consultant who demonstrates creativity, experience, and the ability to apply best practices, in return for fair compensation.
Terms of Reference
Clearly outline the project’s scope and requirements, including:
- Expertise areas and services
- Statement of work
- Time schedule
- Budget
- Contract type
Pre-qualification & Short List
Compile a list of qualified consulting firms using trusted sources. Narrow this down to no more than five firms based on experience, availability, capacity, and past performance.
Request for Proposals (RFP)
Invite the most suitable firms to submit proposals and negotiate project scope, fees, and terms. RFPs should include:
- Project details
- Submission deadlines
- Evaluation criteria
- Selection timeline
Proposal Assessment
Evaluate each proposal against the selection criteria to maintain fairness and transparency. Independent consultants can assist with this process.
Cost Effectiveness
Selecting the right consultant has a significant impact on project cost. Their decisions, especially early on, can greatly affect the project’s overall lifecycle cost.
Forms of Agreement
Use standardized contracts like FIDIC’s Conditions of Engagement to safeguard both client and consultant interests, ensuring a fair and balanced agreement.