By definition, procurement in the design-bid-build delivery method occurs only by which method?

The definition of procurement in the design-bid-build delivery method is characterized by the use of either the low bid or best value approach. This method typically involves an organization first completing the design of a project and then soliciting bids from contractors. The bids are evaluated primarily on cost, and the contractor offering the lowest bid usually wins the project.

In essence, the low bid approach emphasizes obtaining the lowest possible price for the work required, which aligns with the traditional methods of competitive bidding used in this delivery model. The best value approach, while it may incorporate other factors beyond cost, still revolves around a competitive bidding process where multiple contractors submit proposals.

This structure ensures transparency and competition among bidders, which is key to the design-bid-build method's efficiency. Other methods of procurement, such as competitive negotiation or sole source procurement, don’t align with the competitive bidding that defines the design-bid-build approach, which focuses on well-defined bids that can be quantitatively compared.