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QBS
What is QBS?
This is a frequently asked question by owners interested in planning a project. Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) is a procedure designed to help the owner find the most qualified engineer for their project. QBS is an objective, fair process designed to benefit the owner and their project. It is a competitive selection process based on qualifications and competence in relation to the work to be performed. Studies have shown that use of QBS for public projects can be more efficient and less costly than using alternative selection processes.
QBS Wisconsin offers assistance to public owners in implementing a QBS program. We provide helpful guides and forms, as well as the services of a knowledgeable facilitator at no cost to the owner. Click on the QBS Workbook link to download a copy of the latest QBS manual. Hard copies are also available from the ACEC WI office. Please call 608-257-9223 for more information.
Benefits of Using QBS
- Saves the owner time and money through an organized approach that get the engineer on board early enough to improve project planning and prevent costly mistakes.
- High quality engineering services are only a small percentage of the project cost, yet greatly influence the entire project cost and outcome
- Saves engineer time and money because they know how to better prepare and plan for interviews based on a uniform set of criteria and information shared with all firms.
- Encourages the development of a productive team effort between the public owner and the selected engineer right from the start, by fostering improved communication.
- QBS promotes improved project quality by assuring that both the client and engineer clearly understand the scope of work required.
Selecting An Engineer
When a public project is undertaken, the selection of an engineer is one of the most important events in the process. The engineer's performance can influence the entire course of the project - financial feasibility, public response, appearance, functional efficiency, construction costs - as well as operating and maintenance cost during the facility's life.
The QBS program can be an invaluable resource to board members, committees and staff when an organization begins planning for a project.
The QBS Wisconsin Program provides, at no charge, a facilitator to help owners learn about the process and train selection teams on the specifics of proposal preparation and interviews.
The Seven Step QBS process:
| 1 |
Review QBS Materials (QBS Owner's Manual, Directory of Engineers, etc.). |
| 2 |
Clarify Project Goals (checklist of project needs, project description, budget and timetable) |
| 3 |
Request Statement of Qualifications (announcement, schedule for selection process) |
| 4 |
Evaluate Responses (evaluation forms, reference checks, notices to firms not selected) |
| 5 |
Interview Top Ranked Firms (plan interviews, conduct tours, provide selection criteria to firms in advance) |
| 6 |
Select Most Qualified Firm (negotiate contract with top ranked firm, including scope of service and compensation) |
| 7 |
Notify firms not selected, and thank them for their interest |
A QBS facilitator and other resources are offered as a public service by the American Council of Engineering Companies of Wisconsin & AIA Wisconsin.
The American Council of Engineering Companies of Wisconsin
3 South Pinckney St., Suite 800
Madison, WI 53703-3259
608-257-9223
Fax: 608-257-0009
acecwi@acecwi.org
For more information, please go to the QBS Wisconsin website.
Click on the link below for more information about Qualifications-Based Selection:
ACEC WI/AIA QBS Brochure: Why Value Outweighs Cost in the Selection of A/E Services
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