PBSRG
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 Background & History
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 CIB TG61
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 Documented Performance
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 Best Value-PIPS Certification
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 H. Bruce Russell Global Innovators Award
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 International Advisory Board
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 PBSRG Staff
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 PIPS Hall of Fame
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 International Agreements
Overview
BEST VALUE – PIPS CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS pptico (PDF)

The Performance Based Studies Research Group (PBSRG) offers a certification in its Best Value-Performance Information Procurement System (PIPS) process. The certification is intended to identify qualified and experienced users who know how to properly apply the developed best value process. The certification will allow an individual to associate themselves with the PBSRG and the Del E. Webb School of Construction as a recognized expert in the application of the Best Value – PIPS.

The PBSRG, during 14 years of testing, has maintained a project performance metric of 98% on time, 98% on budget, and 100% client satisfaction on over 480 projects totaling $521 Million in project/service expenditures. The PIPS brand is well respected and carries this remarkable performance line with it. The greatest failures in PIPS have occurred when the involvement of the PBSRG was minimal, limited, or nonexistent, allowing non-best value concepts and practices to be incorporated into the procurement and structure of the construction project or service. Traditional “best practices” often run counter to the PIPS process and are difficult barrier for a PIPS user to overcome. A certified expert in Best Value – PIPS must show their understanding of not only the mechanics of the best value process, but also the theoretical foundation of the research, the potential failure points in a best value application, and how to educate the users and vendors in the process. Only after working with the PBSRG extensively will one be suitable for certification.

Concordantly, the requirements for Certification in the Best Value – PIPS are (in no specific order):

  1. Pass a Level I Certification Examination (Passing scored at 80% correct)
    This exam is offered once a year at the Annual Best Value Conference (usually held in February/March).
  1. Pass a Level II Certification Examination (Passing scored at 80% correct)
    This exam is taken only after the applicant had completed all other certification requirements (except #8).
  1. Complete the Two (2) Best Value Courses at Arizona State University
    Enroll and complete the two (2) Best Value courses offered in the Del E. Webb School of Construction at Arizona State University:
    1. CON 565 – Information Measurement Theory (IMT) (also available at the undergraduate level)
    2. CON 567 – Performance Based Systems (PIPS) (also available at the undergraduate level)

For enrollment information contact the PBSRG.  It is NOT required that the applicant enroll in a degree program.  Both courses are available online for learning via distance.

  1. Run and Document Five (5) Best Value/PIPS Projects or Services
    The PBSRG must be made aware of the five project tests and must not have significant involvement in the application of PIPS. The projects must be run through completion with final close out reports. The user must show they are capable of running the process independently of significant PBSRG support. (Independent use of the PIPS system requires a license.)
  1. Publish Two (2) Referred Papers
    The applicant must write and publish two referred papers (journal and/or conference) that focus on the use of best value within the applicant’s purview. The outline, structure, and requirements of the paper will be case-by-case dependent. The PBSRG will work with applicant in formulation of the publications.  
  1. Prepare a Case Study Presentation on the Applicant’s Use of Best Value
    A PowerPoint presentation case study of the applicant’s use of best value must be prepared to the satisfaction of the PBSRG. A case study contains, at a minimum, a strategic plan, a review of the implementation process, test results, lessons learned, and future recommendations. 
  1. Educate an Audience on Best Value
    The PBSRG will help arrange an opportunity for the applicant to present and educate an audience on best value and PIPS. A PBSRG representative must be in the audience to evaluate the presentation (or a video of the presentation must be captured and sent to the PBSRG).
  1. Receive Continuous Education
    Continuous education is required annually through regular attendance to the BV Conference and re-examination for certification renewal.

For questions regarding the Best Value – PIPS Certification Requirements, please contact the PBSRG.
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