Published by CivilEngineers.com, a Family Office Club project. Built from the published practitioner and industry sources listed below. General education only. How we source.

About the data
Qualitative process framework written for this asset. No quantitative external data is used. The stages are a discussion aid, not a procurement standard. Procurement counsel can confirm how a given client runs selection.
Use note
Confirm the owner’s procurement rules, contract terms, scope, and project-specific requirements. The sequence varies by client and delivery method.
Text version
Project delivery · Educational overview. A civil project moves through nine stages, from RFQ to closeout. Standard practice prompts, not requirements. Stages vary by client and delivery method.
Win the work (3 stages):
1. RFQ. Owner asks for qualifications.
2. Go or no go. Firm decides whether to pursue.
3. Proposal. Scope, team and fee submitted.
Start the work (2 stages):
4. Award and agreement. Selection and contract terms.
5. Kickoff. Team, scope and schedule aligned.
Deliver the work (4 stages):
6. Design and coordination. Plans, specifications and reviews.
7. Permits and approvals. Agency and owner reviews.
8. Construction support. Submittals, RFIs and site visits.
9. Closeout. Final records, invoices and lessons learned.
The stage descriptions are standard practice prompts, not findings, sourced facts or requirements.
| Stage | Name | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | RFQ | Owner asks for qualifications |
| 2 | Go or no go | Firm decides whether to pursue |
| 3 | Proposal | Scope, team and fee submitted |
| 4 | Award and agreement | Selection and contract terms |
| 5 | Kickoff | Team, scope and schedule aligned |
| 6 | Design and coordination | Plans, specifications and reviews |
| 7 | Permits and approvals | Agency and owner reviews |
| 8 | Construction support | Submittals, RFIs and site visits |
| 9 | Closeout | Final records, invoices and lessons learned |
Sources and further reading
- 23 CFR Part 172 procurement, management and administration of engineering and design related services (eCFR)
- FHWA, Procurement, Management, and Administration of Engineering and Design Related Services: Questions and Answers
- Simplified AEC Business Development Workshop Agenda, PSMJ
- SMPS CPSM Handbook 2.1 proposal competencies
- What’s So Special About Writing a Proposal? (2020)
