Which procurement process is a competition where price is not a deciding factor?

The selection of Qualification Based Selection as the correct answer is grounded in the nature of this procurement process, which emphasizes qualifications and capabilities over pricing. In Qualification Based Selection (QBS), the primary focus is on the ability and experience of the service provider or contractor to deliver the required work effectively. This method is commonly used in professional services, such as architecture and engineering, where the quality of the work and the expertise of the team play a critical role in the outcome of the project.

In QBS, potential vendors are evaluated based on their qualifications, relevant experience, staff capabilities, and past performance rather than simply the cost they propose. This approach ensures that the selected provider is the most qualified to meet the project's needs, despite potentially higher costs compared to competitors who may offer lower prices but do not possess the same capability or experience.

Other methods, such as Competitive Bidding or Best Value Procurement, typically have price as a significant factor in the selection process. Competitive Bidding often relies solely on pricing to determine the winner, while Best Value Procurement considers a combination of quality and price but ultimately emphasizes delivering the best overall value, which can include lower price alongside high-quality standards. Quality Based Selection, while similar to QBS, may still weigh price as a relevant