There are numerous ways to undertake prourement for consultant services. Procurement for consultant services can be confusing especially if you do not have an understanding of the different methods use or the acronyms. It seems each donor (EU, WorldBank, USAID, DFID)and government Acts and regulations – have their own procedures for carrying out procurement for consultant services. In undertaking the procurement for consultant services, I have interacted with the following acronyms and thought it ideal to share:
- Quality and Cost Based selection (QCBS) This looks at both the technical and relevant qualifications of a consultant at the most cost effective number
- Quality Based selection (QBS) Focuses on the technical and relevant qualifications, the experience, skills, prior work in similar field, fee/cost – generally the overall quality of the individual as a package
- Fixed Budget Selection (FBS) No room for negotiation the cost/fee is normally known upfront
- Least Cost (LCS) Based on the least expensive consultant who is still qualified and has relevant experience
- Consultants’ Qualifications (CQS) Emphasis is laid on the qualifications (Phd, MSc) of the individuals as perhaps there is a laid out minimal qualification criteria required in a specialised field
- Single Source Selection (SSS) Hiring is to one particular individual or firm perhaps because they are the only ones specialized in a specific area
It is such a balancing act that it can be confusing…what do you think?