Skip to main content
September 2014
PEG on QBS
PE Community: Government

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.

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:

  • Read NSPE’s issue brief on QBS by going to the “Take Action” page in the “Issues and Advocacy” section of www.nspe.org.

  • 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.)

 

MORE Issue 1 2025 ARTICLES
2025 FEYA Award Winner
Air Force Squadron Leader Receives 2025 FEYA Honor
Protected Content
Federal Engineer of the Year 2025 Top Ten
Federal Engineer of the Year Top 10 Finalists

Federal engineers play a vital role in solving complex challenges, shaping infrastructure, and en

Protected Content
New Research: The Planning and Investment Practices of State DOTs
New Research: The Planning and Investment Practices of State DOTs

Recognizing the economic importance of the United States’ massive transportation system as well a

Protected Content
SHIRLEY CHISHOLM STATE PARK
The Future Requires Eco-Conscious Engineers

Spring 2024

Protected Content
Vision Zero
Vision Zero is More Than a Concept, It’s My Calling

Winter 2024

Protected Content
Do the Funds Fit?

Protected Content
Tennessee Valley Authority PE Honored as Federal Engineer of the Year

Spring 2023

Protected Content
GAO Finds Consistency in State DOT Use of Engineering Consultants

Summer 2022

Protected Content
Naval PE Honored as Federal Engineer of the Year

Spring 2022

Protected Content
NSPE Announces Finalists for Federal Engineer of the Year

Winter 2022

Protected Content
Climate Change Puts Great Lakes Infrastructure at Risk

Fall 2021

Protected Content
Local Officials Call Broadband Integral

Fall 2021

Protected Content