Which procurement method uses total construction cost as the sole criterion for final selection?

The procurement method that uses total construction cost as the sole criterion for final selection is known as a low bid approach. This method focuses primarily on the price submitted by the bidders, where the contract is awarded to the contractor who offers the lowest price for completing the project. This approach is straightforward and emphasizes cost-effectiveness, making it appealing for projects with well-defined scopes where the quality of the work is expected to meet minimum standards.

In this method, the selection process is based purely on the construction cost presented in the bids, without considering other factors such as the contractor's experience, past performance, or innovative approaches to the project. This can be beneficial for clients with limited budgets who want to ensure that they get the best price possible for construction services. Additionally, it simplifies the evaluation process since only financial proposals need to be compared.

Other procurement methods include different criteria beyond just cost. For instance, the design-build method integrates both design and construction teams and can involve qualitative attributes. The best value approach considers factors beyond just cost, allowing for a more comprehensive evaluation that includes quality and performance metrics. Similarly, negotiated bids involve discussions regarding price and terms and conditions, taking into account multiple considerations rather than simply the lowest bid.