American Council of Engineering Companies of Michigan

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QBS - Qualifications Based Selection - Design Professionals

When a construction project is undertaken, the selection of a design firm is one of the most important events in the process. This is because the design professional's performance can influence the entire course of the project as it relates to financial aspects, feasibility, public response, design, functional efficiency, as well as the costs for construction , operation and maintenance during the life of the facility.

The Michigan QBS Coalition, through the Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) program, can be an invaluable resource to public officials when their community is planning for a study or a design project. The QBS program involves working one-on-one with city, county, township, or village officials to provide information and develop a tailor-made process for selecting a design firm based on the qualification and competence in meeting the owner's needs. In 1987, the Michigan Legislature, through House Concurrent Resolution No. 206, requested that the American Council of Engineering Companies of Michigan (ACEC/M) and the American Institute of Architects (AIA-Michigan) provide selection criteria. A variety of useful documents have been developed and are available to assist owners in establishing an individualized selection process available on a no-cost basis to public officials.

The Michigan QBS Coalition is a non-profit educational group supported by donations from ACEC/Michigan, Associated General Contractors (AGC) Michigan & Greater Detroit Chapters, American Institute of Architects (AIA - Michigan), American Public Works Association (APWA), American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA/Michigan), ESD - The Engineering Society of Detroit, Michigan Society of Professional Engineers (MSPE) and the Michigan Society of Professional Surveyors (MSPS).

Over forty (40) states have passed legislation requiring the use of QBS in the selection of design consultants for projects using public monies. For further information contact the QBS office at:

2008 QBS Nomination Form

Qualifications-Based Selection, Inc.
   P.O. Box 19189
   Lansing MI 48901-9189
   Phone: 517-332-2066          Fax: 517-332-4333
   Email: info@qbs-mi.org        Website: www.QBS-MI.org