August/September 2014
COMMUNITIES: GOVERNMENT
PEG on QBS
In qualifications-based selection (QBS), service providers are chosen on the basis of credentials rather than price. The 1972 Brooks Act requires federal agencies to use QBS when obtaining design professional services. Forty-six states and numerous localities have also implemented “mini-Brooks laws” that require the use of QBS for design services. In other states and localities, regulations or executive orders serve the same purpose. NSPE supports QBS, believing that qualified engineers (on the basis of design ability, experience, and integrity) should perform all engineering services.
According to the Society’s recent Professional Engineers in Government survey, almost two-thirds of PEG members indicated that their organizations used qualifications-based selection.
When contracting for design services, my agency/organization follows qualifications-based selection.
Source: The 2014 Professional Engineers in Government survey, from PE magazine and the PEG interest group. A summary of results appeared in the April issue of PE. Access the full results at www.nspe.org/resources/interest-groups, by selecting “Government.”
More on NSPE and QBS:
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Read NSPE’s issue brief on QBS by going to the “Take Action” page in the “Issues and Advocacy” section of www.nspe.org.
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Read NSPE Professional Policy 131, “Procurement of Engineering Services (QBS)” in the Policy Manual at www.nspe.org/membership/leadership-toolbox/governance. (Member login will be required.)