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The American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois recommends a selection procedure most often
referred to as Qualifications Based Selection (QBS). A QBS Guidebook is available as a free
public service provided by ACEC-IL, ISPE, AIA and IPLSA and can be downloaded here:
The QBS procedure is designed to assure 1) open and fair competition; 2) selection
based upon the qualifications of a firm, as opposed to a low bid; and 3) the negotiation
of a fair and reasonable fee.
This selection procedure serves to protect the client's interest by 1) helping them to
select the best qualified firm for a given project; 2) helping the client develop a
detailed scope of work based upon options presented by the firm but decided upon by the
client; and 3) providing a fee adequate enough for the firm to do a quality job.
QBS procedures are required of federal agencies by the Brooks
Act, Public Law 92-582 (40 U.S.C. 541). State and local grant recipients of federal
highway, transit and airport funds are also required to use QBS pursuant to the Surface
Transportation Act of 1987. QBS is recommended by the American Bar Association in their
model procurement code, and is required of most Illinois local government units pursuant
to Illinois Public Act 85-854, and Illinois State
agencies pursuant to Illinois Public Act 87-673. These
laws should be reviewed to determine their applicability, and different requirements.
- Generally, QBS procedures include:
- pre-qualification of firms;
- notification of projects;
- ranking of firms based upon qualifications for each project;
- development of detailed scope of work and negotiation of fee with the top ranked firm;
and
- termination of negotiations if unable to reach agreement, moving to next ranked firm.
- Variations can include:
- Requesting letters of interest, effectively eliminating need to review qualifications of
all firms.
- Interviewing three to five of the top ranked firms to better assess qualifications and
request their ideas on approaches to the project.
- Appoint selection committees for review and selection.
In determining the qualifications of a firm, items that may be considered include
demonstrated ability of professional personnel; past record and experience; references;
performance data; willingness to meet time constraints; location; workload of firm; credit
rating and financial stability; awards; reputation; design approaches; and special
resources such as a laboratory and computers.
ACEC-IL has retained the services of several retired Professional Engineers and Architects
to serve as QBS Facilitators, and are available to meet
with organizations, local communities and others to educate and help with Qualifications
Based Selection Procedures. In addition, a QBS Guidebook is available as a free
public service provided by ACEC-IL, ISPE, AIA and IPLSA. You may download it from this
site, as noted above.
For more information on Qualifications Based Selection, call or write ACEC-IL at (217)
529-7430, FAX (217) 529-2742 , 5221 South Sixth Street Road, Springfield, IL 62703.
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