The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) Headquarters recently noting limitations on the use of one-step selection procedures for design-build projects. ϲ has objected to the use of the one-step process because of, as USACE notes, “the high cost of proposal preparation and the limited likelihood of success when competing with dozens of offerors.” Additionally, over the years, ϲ noted that the one-step process has been used for projects not authorized by statute, which USCAE recognizes.
The directive clearly states that one-step selection procedures may only be used when all of the following conditions are met:
- The planned contract is for an authorized military construction project. Typically this is a military construction (MILCON) funded project, minor MILCON funded project, or Army operations and maintenance minor new construction project less than $750,000.
- The offerors are not required to submit design products as part of their technical proposal.
- Approval to use a one-step selection procedure shall be obtained from USACE Headquarters’ Chief of Construction.