In the context of project management, what does "qualifications-based selection" refer to?

Qualifications-based selection refers to a procurement method where decisions are primarily made based on the qualifications and experience of the contractors or consultants, rather than solely on the price they propose. This approach emphasizes the importance of the contractor's ability to meet the project’s technical requirements and successfully execute the work.

In practice, this means evaluating candidates based on their past performance, relevant experience, the skill set of their team, and their capacity to perform the project as specified. By concentrating on qualifications, project managers can ensure they are selecting a party that will provide high-quality work and align closely with the project goals.

Using qualifications-based selection helps to ensure that the most capable and suitable contractor will be entrusted with the project, which can lead to better outcomes, higher quality work, and potentially lower overall costs due to fewer issues arising during construction.