QBS 101

TacomaNarrowsBridgeCollapse_in_color The concept of Qualifications Based Selection (QBS) is not complicated; it is quite simple. This concept is that the firm selected to design a project (or portion of a project) should be the firm that is most qualified to perform the design services. However, this simple concept that qualifications are of prime importance, is occasionally replaced by the idea that hiring the “low bidder” guarantees savings. This usually is far from the truth.
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“Thank you again for the QBS presentation this semester (and in the past), you[r] talk has sparked several discussion[s] this semester regarding an engineer’s obligation to provide a good design. I really enjoy the discussion and the ability to point back to your presentation.”

A note from Peter Marxhausen, M.S., P.E., Instructor, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Colorado at Denver to Ceila Rethamel, P.E., P.M.P., Operations Manager – Denver, WHPacific, Inc.

An Analysis of Issues Pertaining to Qualifications-Based Selection
Paul S. Chinowsky, PhD; University of Colorado, Boulder, CO and
Gordon A. Kingsley, PhD; Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA

The Brooks Act

Federal Government Selection of Architects and Engineers
Public Law 92-582
92nd Congress, H.R. 12807
October 27, 1972

Colorado mini-Brooks Bill
Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS) 24-30-1401 et. seq.
1988

QBS Award Winners

Colorado State Award Winners

1999: Cherry Creek School District
2000: Jefferson County School District (also the National Award Winner)
2001: Town of Castle Rock
2003: Salida
2004: Weld County
2007: Aurora Water (also the National Award Runner-up)
2008: Fort Collins Utilities
2009: City of Fountain Utilities
2010: Peter Marxhausen
2011: Larry Friedberg, AIA (Colorado State Architect)

Newsletters

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QBS Articles

Colorado Public Works Journal Article
Pueblo Business Journal Article
Arthur Schwartz Article
Charles Fielder Article
Kevin Sido Article
Engineering Inc – QBS Study Article

Why Use QBS?