Choosing a Design Professional Through
Qualification Based Selection
Qualification Based Selection (QBS) is an objective and fair process used by owners to select a design professional
based on the qualifications (versus price) of the designer in relation to the specific project as the basis for awarding architectural, engineering, landscape, and interior-design contracts.
All federal agencies use the "QBS" or Qualifications Based Selection process. Numerous state governments,
local governments, hospitals and universities have also adopted this procedure.
Maryland QBS Council
The Maryland QBS Council's mission is to
educate Architectural and Engineering Professionals, Public Works, Boards of Education, Institutions, other governmental agencies and bodies, private corporations, and the general public on the benefits and
application of Qualification Based Selection of Design Professionals.
Why is this the best A/E selection system?
Public and private owners use this proven selection system because it ensures that the best
firm is selected to design their project, and to represent them during construction of the facility. This prevents competing design firms from fee bidding and cutting the scope of work performed just to get the job.
The design team will make certain that appropriate project analysis, engineering and economic studies are made. The project benefits from this professional service and is delivered in a functional, efficient manner,
within budget and on time.
Experience with QBS
Many years of experience with projects that have resulted from utilizing QBS procedures demonstrate the following
benefits:
- Ensures that the most qualified design professional
is retained for the project, thereby providing safeguards for competent design and minimizing construction problems and claims.
- Saves owner time and money
through an organized approach that gets the design professional on board early enough to improve project planning, minimize total project costs, and help prevent costly mistakes.
- Encourages the development of a productive team effort
between the owner and the design professional, because they develop the scope of work together. This provides increased client satisfaction.
How does it work?
- ANNOUNCEMENT: The agency announces it requires A/E services for the project and issues a request for qualifications (RFQ).
- SCREENING AND EVALUATION:
The agency reviews and evaluates all the A/E submissions and develops a "short list" of three to five firms.
- INTERVIEWS: The agency staff interviews the A/E teams at the firm's or the agency's offices.
- RANKING AND SELECTION:
The agency rates all the firms and selects the top ranking firm in order of qualifications, philosophies, project management, and client references.
- NEGOTIATION:
The top-rated firm is invited into negotiations with the agency to develop both a detailed scope of work and a formal contract and fee, based on this approved scope of work. If the agency cannot negotiate a reasonable fee with the first firm, it will terminate negotiations with that firm and start with the second or then third firm if required, until a successful agreement is reached. Again, none of the firms are put into a situation to compete fees with each other.
Is price a factor in selection?
Yes!
When the full detailed scope of professional services is ready for contract, then the agency and the A/E firm can come to an agreement on final fees based on open comparison of agency and design firm estimates of services that are fair and reasonable to both.
Need help?
The Maryland Qualifications Based Selection (QBS) Council was formed to help and show Maryland public agencies and
architectural/engineering design firms how to select the most qualified A/E design firms in ranked order.
Call us for free advice!
We have sample forms and proven procedures to share with you. We will even help you to develop policies and
contract documents for your agency. There is no charge for this service.... it is a public service of the Maryland QBS Council as an effort to improve the quality
of the built environment in Maryland. The Maryland QBS Council is sponsored by the Maryland Society of the American Institute of Architects, Consulting
Engineers Council of Maryland, Maryland Society of Professional Engineers, the American Society of Landscape Architects/Maryland,
and the American Society of Interior Designers.
Where can the owner or agency obtain further information on QBS and design professionals?
Contact the Maryland QBS Council Executive
Director:
Arnold J. Prima, Jr., FAIA [E-MAIL]
P.O. Box 71156
Chevy Chase, MD 20816-1156
Phone: (301) 656-8062
FAX:
(202) 244-2446
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