Which term describes the process of selecting a contractor based on their qualifications before design completion?

The term that describes the process of selecting a contractor based on their qualifications before the completion of design is known as "Construction manager at risk." This approach allows the owner to engage a construction manager early in the project, who collaborates with the design team during the design phase. The construction manager provides input on constructability and cost estimates and helps refine the project before it goes to bid for construction. By assessing contractors based on their qualifications and experience, rather than just their financial bid, the owner can ensure that they select a contractor that best fits the project's requirements and complexities.

Other methods of contractor selection, such as competitive bidding and lowest bid selection, focus primarily on price rather than qualifications and would typically occur after the design completion. The design/bid/build method involves finalizing the design before soliciting bids, which may not align with the need to select contractors based on qualifications ahead of that stage. Thus, choosing "Construction manager at risk" highlights a method that integrates contractor involvement earlier in the project lifecycle based on their qualifications.