frequently asked questions

Qualifications-based selection is a method of procuring engineering and architectural services that makes superior qualifications and experience the paramount basis for selection.

The specific details may vary slightly throughout the country, but the Brooks Architect-Engineering Act of 1972, which mandates QBS for all architectural and engineering services procured by the federal government, is the model for most QBS programs.

For more information please refer to the QBS Process section of the IL QBS website.

It all comes down to technical quality – i.e., safety, functionality, maintainability and life-cycle costs – and long-term savings.

QBS results in projects with the best design solutions to meet the needs of the project, emphasizing public health, safety and quality of life.

QBS allows for selection of the most highly qualified firm with the best experience, capabilities, technical approach and quality of personnel, matched to the needs of the project and the agency.

QBS results in better plans and specifications, which generate higher quality contract documents that make it easier to bid on and carry out construction.

QBS fosters the development of innovative, cost-effective design solutions at a fair market value, resulting in lower overall project costs, minimizing delays, cost overruns and litigation, and lowering operating and ownership costs.

QBS is the preferred procurement process throughout the U.S., used successfully by the federal government, 42 states – including Illinois – and most local governments.

Legislation mandating QBS has been in place for 35 years on the federal level, and for over 20 years in local Illinois governments. 

Traditionally and historically, qualifications-based selection has been used to select engineers and architects for design of the nation’s public works, as well as the Illinois Highway System, the Illinois Tollway, and public schools from elementary through university. In 1972, QBS was officially mandated for federal projects through the passage of the Brooks Act. Similarly, in 1987 Illinois passed the Local Government Professional Services Act and in 1991 passed the Architectural, Engineering, Land Surveying Qualification Based Selection Act for state agencies. 

No. In fact, in the long run, it saves money. Price-based procurement may sometimes result in a lower initial design cost, but qualifications-based selection generates a better project with lower overall costs – from design through construction to ongoing operation and maintenance. Moreover, the fee for the design professional amounts to only a small percentage – according to Dunns, a leading construction industry publication, less than 1% – of total life-cycle project costs.

No, price always is a factor. The difference is that price comes into play later in the selection process, after the highest technically ranked firm is selected and the project scope is fully defined. QBS generates a realistic fee based on a fee proposal by the consultant and negotiations with the agency. If the agency cannot negotiate a fair price with the first choice of consultant, it has the option to open negotiations with another highly qualified consultant.