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

QBS is also known as quality-based selection.

A. 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 Process section of the NYSQBS website.

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

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

A. 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.

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

A. 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.

A. QBS is the preferred procurement process throughout the U.S., used successfully by the federal government, 42 states - including New York State - and hundreds of municipalities.

A. Legislation mandating QBS has been in place for 30 years on the federal level, and for over 20 years in New York State.

Traditionally and historically, qualifications-based selection has been used to select engineers and architects for design of the nation's public works - including monumental New York projects such as the Verrazano Narrows Bridge, the New York City water supply system, the New York City public library system, the New York State highway system, the Foley Square Court House, and the JFK Airtrain. In 1972, QBS was officially mandated for federal projects through the passage of the Brooks Act. Similarly, in 1980, New York State passed Section 136-a of the State Finance Law to codify a QBS process that had been used in the state for many years.

A. No. In fact, in the long run, it saves money. Cost-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.

A. Not at all. 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.

A. Nationwide, there is no existing literature documenting cases of impropriety due to QBS. For many years in New York City, when the Department of Environmental Protection awarded all projects by QBS, there were no allegations or instances of impropriety in the selection process. In contrast, in the years when Maryland used a cost-based system similar to New York City's, scores of legal actions were brought against the state based on imprecise scope of work and bid rigging.

A. The basic phases of service on a typical project are feasibility study, preliminary design, final design, construction bid evaluation, and construction observation. Architectural projects often include a detailed programming phase that would precede actual design work.

A. The traditional method of hiring engineering and architectural firms for public work is through a process known as negotiated procurement or qualifications-based selection. The basic goal of this selection procedure is finding the best qualified firm or individual to perform the work. There are six major elements ot this procurement procedure: public notice, submittals of qualifications, review of submittals, interviews, ranking respondents, and negotiation of a contract.

A. The process for selection of a firm to construct a project differs from that used in the selection of a firm to design the same projects. A construction contract can be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder because all major aspects of the project are defined, including the type and amount of construction materials required to complete the project. On the other hand, you retain architects and engineers to turn your undefined concept into a set of plans and specifications. The engineers and architects take an idea and give it definition. The contractor takes that definition and turns it into a physical reality.

A. Yes, it can. Design/build is an alternative delivery process. When design/build is utilized, QBS should be used to select the design/build team. Some organizations advocate a two-step process where first an owner representative is selected and then second a design/build team is selected. More detailed information is available from the NYSQBS Council.

A. All professional design firms should be retained for public work through qualifications-based selection. This would include, in addition to engineering and architectural firms, geotechnical, landscape architectural, photogrammetry, planning, owners' representatives, environmental consultants, and surveying firms. Design firms frequently offer combined services. For example, many firms provide both architectural and engineering services, hence the term A/E. Many civil engineering firms also provide land surveying services.

A. Not at all. It simply focuses competition for professional services on the most meaningful factors: qualifications, competence, previous performance, and availablility.

A. The process for selection of a firm to construct a project differs from that used in the selection of a firm to design the same projects. A construction contract can be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder because all major aspects of the project are defined, including the type and amount of construction materials required to complete the project. On the other hand, you retain architects and engineers to turn your undefined concept into a set of plans and specifications. The engineers and architects take an idea and give it definition. The contractor takes that definition and turns it into a physical reality.