Transcript Using QBS A Qualifications-Based Selection Process Presenters: Ron Brenke, PE - QBS Manager What is QBS? Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) is an objective, flexible procedure for obtaining architectural,

Using QBS
A Qualifications-Based Selection
Process
Presenters:
Ron Brenke, PE - QBS Manager
What is QBS?
Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) is an
objective, flexible procedure for obtaining
architectural, engineering, surveying and other
related professional services on public projects.
What is QBS?
QBS provides a selection process that is straight
forward and easy to implement, is well
documented, and open to audit!
QBS will raise your comfort level and lower
personal risk.
Federal Brooks Law
Public Law 92-582 (Brooks Bill) was passed in
1972 and establishes a Federal Policy to select
architects and engineers based on competence and
qualifications.
Michigan
In 1987 Legislature approved Concurrent
Resolution No. 206 urging state and local agencies
to utilize QBS processes for selection of design
professionals.
In 2002, PA 504 was adopted. This requires the
Department of Management and Budget to hire
design professionals using a competitive QBS
process.
QBS Coalition in Michigan
ACEC/Michigan
AIA/Michigan
ASLA/Michigan
APWA
AGC
ESD
MSPE
MSPS
American Council of Engineering Companies
American Institute of Architects
American Society of Landscape Architects
American Public Works Association
(Michigan Chapter)
Associated General Contractors
(Michigan Chapter)
Engineering Society of Detroit
Michigan Society of Professional Engineers
Michigan Society of Professional Surveyors
QBS
Most often leads to the best choice when selecting
professional design services.
“Low bid is not always the best choice.”
Can also be considered for selecting products and
contractors.
Would you use the Cheapest Doctor?
QBS Requires Planning
Long-Term Costs
The success of any major public project starts with
selection of the appropriate design professional.
“Fair compensation – expect quality results.”
“Low bid – you get what you pay for.”
How QBS Works?
1. The owner identifies the project scope of work
2. A selection schedule is established
3. A list of design professionals is compiled or an
ad is published in professional journal (MC&B)
4. Qualifications documents (RFQ) are requested
5. Qualifications documents (RFQ) are evaluated
6. Develop short list of qualified firms
How QBS Works?
7. Brief short listed firms on interview procedures
8. Interviews are conducted
9. Firms are scored and ranked for selection
10. Negotiate detailed scope of work with top
ranked firm
11. A contract is negotiated with top ranked firm. If
an agreement cannot be reached, negotiations
begin with second ranked firm, and so on…
12. Advise all firms of the final selection
Project Scope of Work
& Selection Schedule
Steps 1&2
• Establishing a selection schedule prevents
misunderstandings and last minute surprises
• The time frame for each project will differ
• Sometimes a two interview process may be
required
• Once established, stick to schedule
• If schedule changes are required, notify firms in
writing
Compiling List of Design Professionals
Step 3
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Directories of professional organizations
Referrals from other owners
Advertisements for public projects
•Local news papers
•Professional journals
Invitations to area firms
Requesting Qualifications Documents
Step 4
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A clear list of information the firms must
provide, for example:
-Staff Qualifications/Depth
-Experience
-Company Culture/Attitude
-Financial Strength
-References
-Geographic Location
-Price
Requesting Qualifications Documents
Step 4 (Continued)
-Communications/Public Relations
-Response Time/Location
-Administrative Procedures
-Understanding of Project
-Other*
*Special Requirements: MBE, WBE, DBE requirements,
insurances, permits, public relations, progress
reports, etc.
Evaluating Qualifications Submittals
Step 5
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Establish competent evaluating committee
Develop standard evaluation form and process
Evaluate submittals using established criteria
Decide how many firms to be short listed
Establish a Short List of Firms
Step 6
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Based on evaluation of qualifications,
submittals and reference checks; owner should
establish short list of firms to be interviewed
Usually 3 to 5 firms
Advise firms not selected with thank you letter
Brief the Short Listed Firms
Step 7
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Briefing information on interview process,
requirements and schedule
Briefing can include questions, explanation of
scoring process, a request for more specific
information on scope, pricing, personnel,
scheduling, etc.
Any other interview specifics including limit on
sub-consulting work, names of interview panel,
etc.
Interviewing Short Listed Firms
Step 8
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Interviews allow owners to compare different
firm approaches to design services
Interviews allow for evaluation of the personal
styles of each firm’s management and
personnel
Establish role each interviewer will play
Schedule interviews on same day or
consecutive days
Scoring & Ranking Firms
Step 9
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Each firm should be evaluated and scored
separately by each interviewer
It is recommended that the interview committee
attempt to achieve a consensus once
evaluations are tabulated
Negotiating a Detailed Scope of Work
with Selected Firm
Step 10
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Normally not difficult to reach an agreement
since QBS process facilitates an early
understanding of the project scope and
requirements
The work plan should list responsibilities of firm
and owner and any third party involvement
such as subconsultants
Negotiating a Contract with Selected Firm
Steps 11 & 12
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Once scope of work agreement is obtained, the
firm should submit its proposal for
compensation to initiate and complete fee
negotiations
A written contract should be used. Standard
form documents are available from the
Engineers Joint Contract Documents and the
American Institute of Architects.
Advise all firms of the final selection
Why QBS?
 Thorough Evaluation of Candidates
The QBS process offers the opportunity to select the
most qualified engineer, surveyor, architect or
construction manager by using a thorough and
complete evaluation.
 Compare for Best Quality
The QBS process offers the opportunity to compare
short listed firms; all presumed to be qualified.
Why QBS?
 Right Firm…Right Project…Right Price
The QBS process offers the opportunity to match the
appropriate firm to the client’s project.
 Matches Personality of Professional with Client
The QBS process offers the opportunity to select an engineer,
surveyor, architect or construction manager that best matches
the desired personality style of the client.
Why QBS?
 Pay Too Much-Unwise; Pay Too Little-Worse!
QBS is preferred over low bid selection procedures
The worst situation is to pay good money and not achieve the
results you need.
Thank You!
Comments or Questions?
QBS, Inc.
215 N. Walnut St.
Lansing, MI 48933
Ph: 517-332-2066