What is QBS?
Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) is an objective and fair process used by owners to select architects, engineers, and land surveyors based on the design professionals' qualifications in relation to the project. A low bid process does not work when selecting design professionals.
Selecting design professionals is one of the keys to a successful project. The design will determine the construction costs, financial and functional feasibility as well as the operation and maintenance costs during the life of the project.
The Michigan QBS Coalition offers assistance to the public 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. The Coalition will not participate in the actual selection of design professionals or recommend firms for consideration.
QBS has been required by law for all federal projects since 1972. In Michigan, a resolution was passed in 1987 "urging the departments of Michigan state government and the political subdivisions of this state to select the services of a design professional based upon qualification". In 2002, a state law was passed that requires the Department of Management and Budget to use QBS. Numerous other state and local agencies use QBS because it works. The QBS process is endorsed by the American Public Works Association and included in the American Bar Association's Model Procurement Code for State and Local Governments.