What are the key skills and competencies for a QS in different procurement methods?

In traditional procurement, the Quantity Surveyor (QS) is integral to the design team, responsible for tasks like preparing bill of quantities and managing costs during construction. They need attention to detail, contract knowledge, and strong communication skills. In design and build procurement, the QS advises on strategy, assesses contractor proposals, and manages costs. They must be analytical, adaptable, and skilled in contract administration and negotiation to ensure project success.

In traditional procurement, a Quantity Surveyor (QS) plays a vital role in cost management, ensuring projects stay within budget. Key skills for a QS in traditional procurement include numeracy for accurate budgeting, knowledge of financial management standards, effective communication to convey findings clearly, adaptability for change control, estimating skills for resource planning, risk management expertise, procurement knowledge, attention to detail in all tasks, understanding construction contracts and project management, and problem-solving ability. These skills, crucial for a QS, develop and refine with experience and continuous learning

Cost Estimation: Accurately estimating costs based on tender documents and specifications. Bill of Quantities (BOQ): Proficiency in preparing comprehensive BOQs for tendering purposes. Contract Administration: Managing contracts, valuations, and payments in accordance with traditional procurement methods. Risk Management: Identifying and managing risks associated with traditional procurement routes.

Traditional contracts are the most commonly used procurement route especially in the construction sector. Suitable mostly for projects with experienced clients and time flexibilities. Control over design and construction as well as the risk of non-performance are usually on client. The more design is developed, the more cost becomes accurate, so cost is uncertain at initial stages. Requires more time than D&B contracts as design and construction phases are sequential. Client, if not design-experienced, may have to outsource design services; hence, it must well-coordinate design consultant and construction contractor.

Value Engineering: Ability to identify cost-effective design solutions without compromising quality. Design Coordination: Coordinating between designers and contractors to ensure design intent aligns with project requirements. Change Management: Handling design changes efficiently and assessing their impact on cost and schedule. Contract Knowledge: Understanding the unique contractual arrangements and responsibilities inherent in design and build contracts.

D&B contracts are suitable mostly for fast track projects with fixed budgets and inexperienced clients. Design and construction phases can be overlapped as both are carried out by a contractor, so D&B contracts offer reduced project durations. Cost is known from initial design phase, based on a certain level of design capacity and project requirements, allowing turnkey lump sum deliveries. Contractor holds cost, time, and quality risks. Client does not have to be a design or construction expert as the project is executed by a contractor with complete liability, having very few points of contact (contractor, PMC, and/or supervision consultant).

In Design and Build procurement, the Quantity Surveyor is pivotal for cost management, ensuring project budget adherence, and fostering communication between design and construction teams. Essential skills include interpersonal skills, clear communication, effective negotiation, analytical abilities, knowledge of construction contracts and project management, accurate measurement and estimation, financial skills, risk management expertise, procurement knowledge, and adaptability for change control. These skills develop and refine through experience and continuous learning

In my experience the QS is required to be part design manager, part pragmatist, and a quantity surveyor. Procuring works packages under D&B involve thoroughly vetting the design against the Contract / ERs / CPs (or both sets of works information under NEC). You must challenge the design to ensure that it meets but doesn't significantly exceed the requirements. You must make sure what you're procuring works, and challenge methods to make sure that it is cost effective and achievable. You must quantify the works along with any incidentals that you need (extra visits, attendances etc). You must thoroughly test the market to get a competitive price, and press for discounts - offering fair exchange for terms to get the best prices.

Procurement Strategy: Developing procurement strategies that align with project objectives and client requirements. Supply Chain Management: Managing relationships with suppliers and subcontractors to ensure timely delivery of materials and services. Cost Control: Implementing effective cost control measures to monitor and manage project expenditure throughout the management procurement process. Performance Monitoring: Monitoring contractor performance and ensuring compliance with contractual obligations.

In management procurement, the QS oversees project phases, requiring leadership, procurement, and performance evaluation skills. They coordinate activities, build trust, select contractors, and monitor progress for optimal outcomes.

Management procurement route is suitable mostly for complex projects with experienced clients and cost uncertainties. Offers potential cost saving by means of competitive tendering whereas estimating a fixed cost at initial stages may not be easy. Design and construction phases can be overlapped as both are liability-wise carried out by a management contractor, so this procurement route usually offers reduced project durations. Management contractor holds cost, time, and quality risks against client, but it may transfer such risks to subcontractors back-to-back basis. Quality is secured as each work package is subcontracted to a specialist company in that field.

In Management Procurement, the Quantity Surveyor (QS) plays a crucial role in cost management, budget adherence, and communication among design, construction, and management teams. Key skills for a QS in this context include numeracy for accurate budgeting, knowledge of financial management standards, teamwork, effective communication, computer literacy, attention to detail, negotiation, time management, organizational skills, understanding of HSA building regulations, risk management, and procurement expertise. These skills evolve through experience and continuous learning

The QS's responsibility in collaborative procurement goes beyond standard cost management; to match financial decisions with the group's vision, a comprehensive grasp of the project's objectives is necessary. Their proficiency in risk and value management becomes important in cultivating a collaborative atmosphere that promotes creativity and rewards mutual risk-taking. The QS must also possess strong communication and negotiating abilities to foster agreement and uphold the integrity of the partnership throughout the project.

Team Collaboration: Facilitating collaboration and communication among project stakeholders, including clients, designers, contractors, and other consultants. Negotiation Skills: Negotiating favorable terms and conditions with suppliers, contractors, and other parties involved in collaborative procurement arrangements. Risk Sharing: Understanding and managing shared risks and incentives associated with collaborative procurement models. Conflict Resolution: Resolving conflicts and disputes that may arise among project stakeholders in collaborative procurement environments.

Construction management procurement route is suitable mostly for experienced clients and complex projects with cost and time uncertainties. Offers potential cost saving through tendering whereas estimating a fixed cost at initial stages may not be easy. Cost and time certainty will be achieved only after all packages are let. Construction manager and contractors can collectively contribute to design development, and design and construction phases can be overlapped, allowing a fast-track execution. Quality is secured as each package is contracted to a specialist company. Client has direct contract with contractors, so it holds majority of project risks. Therefore, construction manager must be an expert, fully committed to project and client.

In Collaborative Procurement, the Quantity Surveyor (QS) plays a vital role in cost management, budget adherence, and facilitating communication among design, construction, and management teams. Key skills for a QS in this context encompass interpersonal skills for client relationships, clear communication, effective negotiation for cost savings, analytical abilities for reviewing plans and estimating materials, knowledge of construction contracts and project management, accurate measurement and estimation of material quantities, financial skills for budget management, risk management expertise, procurement knowledge, and adaptability for change control. These skills evolve and refine with experience and continuous learning.

Apart from the procurement methods you mentioned, there are several other procurement methods that Quantity Surveyors (QS) might consider, each with its own set of advantages, disadvantages, and required skills: here are below ; 1. Guaranteed Maximum Price Procurement: 2. Construction Management Procurement: 3. Prime Cost Contract Procurement: 4.Cost Plus Contract Procurement: Remember, the choice of procurement method depends on various factors such as the nature of the project, the client’s requirements, the level of risk involved, and the market conditions at the time. It’s always recommended to consult with a QS or a professional in the field when making such decisions.

While selecting the best procurement route, it is crucial to address the following factors as a checklist: 1. Cost: level of cost certainty, holder of cost risk, etc. 2. Time: constraints / flexibilities, sequential / overlapped, etc. 3. Client experience: experienced / inexperienced 4. Design capabilities: by client (optionally outsourced) / by contractor 5. Risks: holder, type, possibility, and impact of project risks 6. Value Engineering: applicability and timing of VE 7. Variations: flexible / agile 8. Desired number of communication channels: multiple / one 9. Contractor capabilities: level of competency, availability in local market, financial strength, etc. 10. Quality: equal for all routes in general

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Quantity surveyors are pivotal in construction procurement, ensuring projects stay within budget and meet quality standards. They must possess strong numeracy and analytical skills to handle cost estimations and risk assessments. Proficiency in financial management is crucial for budgeting and economic feasibility studies. Effective communication and negotiation skills are essential for liaising with stakeholders and securing favorable terms. Knowledge of various procurement methods, such as Design-Bid-Build and Design-Build, allows for tailored approaches to project delivery. Mastery in contract administration ensures adherence to legal and regulatory frameworks.

Technical Knowledge: Staying updated with advancements in construction technology and methodologies relevant to each procurement method. Communication Skills: Effective communication with diverse stakeholders to ensure clarity of project requirements and expectations. Legal Understanding: Understanding of relevant construction laws and regulations governing different procurement methods. Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze complex data and information to make informed decisions throughout the procurement process.