Technical Proposal for Engineering & Project Management Public Contracts
Project management and technical engineering contracts represent a strategic segment of public procurement: architectural design, structural engineering, technical diagnostics, project management assistance and technical inspection. These intellectual services contracts require rigorous demonstration of team competencies, work methodology and programme understanding, within the regulatory framework of the MOP law and the Public Procurement Code.
Regulatory Framework: MOP Law and Project Management Missions
Public project management is governed by a precise regulatory framework that structures missions, responsibilities and fee structures.
MOP law mission elements
The MOP law (now codified in Ordinance 2018-1074) defines project management mission elements: ESQ (sketch), APS (preliminary design), APD (detailed design), PRO (project), ACT (tender assistance), VISA (execution study approval), DET (works execution management) and AOR (reception assistance). The basic mission includes all these elements. The proposal must detail the methodology for each phase with expected deliverables, timelines and team members mobilised.
Fees and indicative scales
Project management fees are freely negotiated but must be consistent with project complexity and construction costs. The MIQCP guide provides indicative ranges by construction cost bracket (4-15% depending on size and complexity). The proposal must present a clear fee breakdown by phase, justify applied rates and detail any supplementary missions (OPC, fire safety, diagnostics).
Professional indemnity and liability
The Spinetta law (1978) requires decennial insurance for all designers. The proposal must provide decennial insurance and professional liability certificates with guarantee amounts appropriate to the project. For joint ventures, each member must demonstrate their own coverage. Intellectual property of studies must be addressed in accordance with the CCAG-PI provisions.
Team Competencies and References
In an intellectual services contract, team quality is the primary evaluation criterion.
Project team presentation
The proposal must present each team member with CV, qualifications (OPQIBI, OPQTECC, RGE Studies), experience and personal references on comparable projects. The project manager and site director must be named with availability commitments. For MOE joint ventures (architect + structural engineer + MEP engineer + quantity surveyor), specify the lead, co-contractors and subcontractors with mission distribution.
References and feedback
References must be targeted: same functional programme, same technical complexity, same budget range. For each reference, indicate: client, programme, construction cost, missions performed, deadlines met and qualitative outcome. Client satisfaction certificates significantly strengthen credibility.
Qualifications and certifications
OPQIBI (engineering) and OPQTECC (construction economics) qualifications are the most valued. RGE Studies qualification is essential for publicly funded energy renovation projects. Technical inspection and SPS coordination are frequently requested supplementary missions.
Methodology, BIM Tools and Quality Approach
Beyond competencies, the client evaluates methodological rigour and ability to deliver on time and budget.
Mission organisation and planning
The proposal must present a detailed phase-by-phase schedule with key milestones: ESQ delivery, APS client validation, planning permission submission, tender documents, construction start, handover. Hold points, validation meetings and approval circuits must be formalised.
BIM and digital model
BIM is increasingly required in public contracts. The proposal should specify the proposed BIM level (LOD 100-500), software used (Revit, ArchiCAD, Tekla), BIM protocol, exchange standards (IFC, BCF) and targeted BIM uses: clash detection, quantity extraction, 4D construction tracking, asset management.
Environmental approach and energy performance
Environmental requirements are central: RE 2020, E+C- label, HQE or BREEAM certification. The proposal must present the energy strategy (bioclimatic design, envelope, systems), planned dynamic thermal simulations, whole-life cost analysis and targeted performance indicators.
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