Outcome 7: Knowledge of professional practice issues, such as procurement of work, bidding versus quality-based selection processes, and the interactions of design and construction professionals in executing a project.

Level 5 performance characterized by:

• Fully aware that the forces driving modern civil engineering go beyond bringing new technologies to bear to meet societal needs. Knows that professional practice issues are dramatically reshaping when, where and how civil engineers do their jobs; the visibility and scope of the profession; and how civil engineers are compensated for their contributions.
• Fully capable of conducting the analysis for buying, purchasing, renting, leasing, or otherwise acquiring any materials, services or construction including all functions that pertain to the obtaining of any material, service or construction, such as description of requirements, selection and solicitation of sources, preparation and award of contract and all phases of contract administration.
• Fully capable of conducting a formal and competitive procurement procedure through which offers are requested, received, and evaluated for the procurement of goods, works, and services and as a consequence of which an award is made to the bidder whose offer is the most advantageous.
• Completely aware of the short-term cost vs. the long-term value of a project including consideration of immediate financial parameters as opposed to innovative solutions that may make a project more cost-effective in the long term.
• Recognizes the role of project leadership and the value of teamwork to project success, understands the team-building process and how to apply team-building techniques to managing projects, including team charter development, dispute resolution, expectations matrix, roles/responsibilities matrix, and recognitions/awards.
  

Level 3 performance characterized by:

• Knows about some of the professional practice issues that influence the practice of civil engineering.
• Knows about the procurement process in construction but may or may not be able fully conduct one.
• Is aware of the bidding process but may or may not know the parameters involved.
• Understands the short-term cost vs. the long-term value of a civil engineering project.
• Is familiar with the relationship between the designer and the construction professional; may or may not be fully aware of the various processes for conflict resolution, team-building, etc.
  

Level 1 performance characterized by:

• Is unfamiliar with professional practice issues related to civil engineering.
• Does not understand how the procurement works in the construction industry.
• Does not know the bidding process and/or how to conduct one.
• Does not understand the short-term vs. long-term value of civil engineering projects and may have the false impression that civil engineers need to always aim for the low-cost short-term plans (this is very typical in many third world countries).
• Is incapable of communicating with construction professionals to convey the design standards. May not be a good team player and does not know understand how to organize a team for the successful completion of a project.