Resource Materials

The QBS Coalition offers free assistance to owners who are interested in developing and implementing a Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) process. Below are a list of resources available for download.

Detailed Workbook for Qualifications-Based Selection - This workbook contains step-by-step procedures, guidance, examples, and history in the development of the QBS process.

QBS Workbook Forms - This document contains forms and information for use by the owner during the screening and interview process.

Individual forms are also available for download:

1. Request for Letters of Qualification Sample Memo

2. Requirements for Letters of Qualification

3. Schedule of Activities

4. Preliminary Scope of the Work

5. Memo: for Firms that Submitted Letters/Statements of Qualification-not Selected to Interview

6. Memo to Shortlisted Firms to be Interviewed/Tour of Facilities/and Criteria

7. Example-The Interview: Questions and Score Sheets

8. Group Interview Evaluation Form

9. Memo to Shortlisted Firms when Technical Proposal is Required

10. Technical Proposals Should Address the Following Issues

11. Group Technical Proposal Evaluation Form

12. Memo for All Professional Design Firms that were Interviewed

13. The Reference Check

14. Letters of Qualification Evaluation

15. Optional Form

16. Example-The Interview: Questions and Score Sheets

17. Example-Group Technical Proposal Evaluation Form

QBS Brochure - An explanation as to why value outweighs cost in the selection of Engineering services as it also provides a description of QBS and how it works.

PowerPoint Presentation: Using QBS - A sample Presentation with 27 screens in easy, summary format.

Laws & Regulations: Management and Budget Act (Excerpt) - Michigan public Act 431 of 1984

2009 National QBS Study - An analysis of issues pertaining to Qualifications-Based Selection.

The Brooks Act - A link to ACEC National's Federal Government Selection of Architects and Engineers Public Law 92-582 of 1972.

Survey of State QBS Laws and Registration Boards - This table consists of information provided to ACEC by the Member Organizations regarding QBS laws in the states.

Articles on QBS

How to Develop and Evaluate an Engineering Service Proposal -Pipeline by Jim Hegarty

A Law That Works - Bacon's Rebellion by John Palatiello

Why Value Outweighs Cost When Selecting an Engineer - Technology Century by Michael F. Cooper, P.E.

The Case for QBS- Engineering Inc. by Gerry Donohue

Does the Lowest Bidder have a Business Expectancy? - The Review by Sue Jeffers