Design-Builder Statement of Qualifications - 421

The ConsensusDocs 421 Design-Build Qualifications Statement is a groundbreaking industry tool designed to help owners effectively prequalify Design-Builders before inviting proposals or entering contract negotiations. As the first standardized qualifications document tailored for design-build delivery, it empowers project owners to make informed decisions when selecting qualified design-build teams for their construction projects.

Design-build is a popular project delivery method that integrates both design and construction services under one contract. Given this unified approach, selecting the right Design-Builder is critical to a project’s success. The ConsensusDocs 421 facilitates this selection by helping owners collect and evaluate important qualifications data.

This document allows Owners to request detailed information about a prospective Design-Builder’s:

• Design and construction personnel, including their credentials, licensure, and roles
• Past and current projects, showcasing relevant experience and performance
• Safety programs, including accident history and any safety violations
• Legal and financial background, including history of bankruptcies, litigation, or disqualifications
• Bonding capacity, insurance coverage, and financial stability

By standardizing the prequalification process, the ConsensusDocs 421 helps ensure transparency, fairness, and consistency when evaluating multiple candidates. It gives owners a reliable way to compare firms based on objective data, not just marketing claims. This process also promotes risk mitigation, helping to identify red flags early and reduce the likelihood of project delays, disputes, or underperformance.

The 421 form is ideal for both public and private sector owners who want to streamline procurement while still maintaining a rigorous selection process. It supports either a negotiated contract approach or a competitive design-build bid structure, depending on the Owner’s preferences and project needs.

By using ConsensusDocs 421, owners are better positioned to select a Design-Builder with the right qualifications, team, and track record to successfully deliver a design-build project on time, within budget, and to specification.