Qualification-based selection for engineering discussed

On April 5, the MMA’s Policy Committee on Municipal and Regional Administration discussed qualification-based selection for the procurement of engineering services.

Representatives from the Massachusetts chapter of the American Council of Engineering Companies gave a presentation, recommending qualification-based selection instead of the strict low-bid method.

With qualification-based selection, engineering services are procured based on the qualifications of the firm, and these qualifications are discussed before a cost is put to the project. The cost and scope of the contract are mutually determined after a firm is chosen as the most well-qualified.

The state is mandated to use qualification-based selection for all “vertical projects,” such as buildings, and the Department of Transportation uses it for “horizontal projects,” such as roads, bridges, and pipes. There are no such requirements for other state agencies that engage in horizontal projects or for municipalities.

The American Council of Engineering Companies says qualification-based selection is more cost-effective over the life of a project, benefits small firms because they have the ability to showcase their unique capabilities without being outbid, and promotes technical innovation.

“Municipal officials using QBS realize the significant advantage that comes from its facilitation of client and consultant collaboration, which maximizes quality, value, cost-effectiveness and usefulness,” said Abbie Goodman, executive director of the ACEC’s Massachusetts chapter. “It is in the best interest of taxpayers to have the most qualified firms selected to do the work.

“QBS can be well-documented and it is open to public scrutiny,” she added.