What factor does not contribute to the cost in qualifications-based selection?

In qualifications-based selection, the primary focus is on the qualifications and experience of the team or organization submitting the proposal rather than the financial aspects of the project. This approach emphasizes how well the team can meet the project's needs through their expertise, past performance, and relevant experience.

The cost of the project, while certainly a consideration in overall project planning, does not factor into the qualifications-based selection process itself. The goal is to award contracts based on the best-qualified candidates rather than the lowest financial bid, which is typical in other procurement methods.

In this context, project experience, budget analysis, and team qualifications directly relate to assessing the capability and suitability of the applicants for the task at hand, thereby contributing to the overall evaluation process. However, the actual cost of the project remains separate from this qualification assessment, underscoring the distinction of qualifications-based selection.