Design Excellence and the ArtsDesign Excellence Program
GSA manages architects and engineers to provide design for federal clients needing new workspace. To achieve top-quality design talent, GSA has instituted the Design Excellence Program, which includes a streamlined two-step architect/engineer selection process and the use of private-sector peers to provide feedback to the architect/engineer of record.
The program stresses creativity. It also streamlines the way GSA hires architects and engineers, substantially cutting the cost of competing for GSA design contracts.
The Design Excellence Program operates through GSA's Public Buildings Service (PBS). PBS directs the Federal Government's multibillion-dollar building program, which includes construction, renovation, alteration, and repair of federal office buildings, courthouses, and other facilities. Most of PBS's work is in partnership with architect/engineer (A/E) groups from the private sector.
Program Goals
and Features
Opportunities for Design Excellence contracts are published in the Commerce Business Daily (CBD), and listed on the government procurement website, FedBizOpps (http://www.fedbizopps.gov/). The CBD is available by subscription from the U.S. Government Printing Office. For current prices and to place an order, call 202-512-1800. Each opportunity listed describes the project (location, scope, estimated award range, and production schedule), the information required, and PBS evaluation criteria. Firms usually have 30 to 45 days to respond.
Design Excellence procedures for selecting architects and engineers usually involve two stages.
In Stage I, interested firms submit portfolios of accomplishment that establish the design capabilities of the A/E firms and their lead designers. Depending on the nature of the project, the lead designer may be an architect, an engineer, or both.
PBS evaluates submissions and prepares a short list of firms for further consideration in Stage II, which focuses on each firm's entire project team. For some projects, the shortlisted teams may be required to submit actual design schemes.
PBS Review
For each project, PBS appoints a panel to review applications, interview top candidates, and make a final recommendation. The same panel is used in all stages of the selection process.
Stage I: Selecting
the Short List
PBS Review
The PBS review panel evaluates the portfolios and narrows the competition to a short list of three to six firms.
Publication of Short List
PBS notifies applicants of its selection of firms on the short list for further consideration and publishes the list in the CBD and FedBizOpps. The announcement includes criteria to be considered and the due date of Stage II submittals.
Stage II: Final
Selection
In this stage, the PBS selection panel reviews the additional documentation requested from finalists and interviews representatives of their design teams. Finalists do not have to resubmit information provided in Stage I.
The Interview
The PBS review panel interviews members of each project team. Candidates should be prepared to discuss all aspects of the criteria published in Commerce Business Daily and to demonstrate the ability to fulfill all project requirements.
Emphasis will be placed on GSA's facility objectives,the unique aspects of the particular project, design philosophy, possible approaches in carrying out the project, and project management.
The Selection
PBS panel members evaluate the finalists' strengths and weaknesses based on the portfolios, Standard Form 330, interviews, and other selection factors. The panel then ranks the firms and prepares a written recommendation.
Design Competitions
For some projects, PBS may require the shortlisted teams to submit actual design concepts for the project being competed. When this occurs, teams are compensated for their designs in an amount specified in the original CBD/FedBizOpps announcement.
