Why Quality Based Selection Benefits Communities

When a city plans a new roadway, a water system upgrade, or a public facility, one of the most important decisions happens long before construction begins. The community must choose the engineering firm that will help bring the project to life.

At first glance, selecting the lowest-priced proposal may seem like the obvious choice. After all, public agencies are responsible for managing taxpayer dollars carefully. However, decades of experience across the country have shown that choosing engineering services based primarily on cost often leads to higher expenses, project delays, and missed opportunities down the road.

That is why many public agencies rely on a process known as Quality-Based Selection, often referred to as QBS.

What is Quality-Based Selection?

Quality-based selection is a procurement process that focuses on qualifications, experience, and expertise when selecting engineering firms. Rather than choosing the lowest bid, agencies first identify the most qualified firm for the project and then negotiate a fair fee for services.

The approach recognizes an important reality. Engineering is a professional service, not a commodity.

Every project presents unique challenges. Soil conditions vary. Environmental regulations differ. Community needs evolve. Selecting a firm with the right experience and expertise can significantly influence project success.

Looking Beyond Initial Costs

Engineering fees often represent a small percentage of a project’s total lifecycle cost. Decisions made during planning and design, however, can affect maintenance expenses, operational efficiency, and long-term performance for decades.

A well-designed transportation corridor may reduce congestion and improve safety. An effective water system may lower operating costs and increase reliability. Thoughtful site planning can help avoid expensive future modifications.

When qualified engineering professionals are involved early in the process, communities often realize greater value over the life of the project.

Reducing Risk Through Expertise

Infrastructure projects are becoming increasingly complex. Regulatory requirements continue to grow. Environmental considerations demand greater attention. Emerging technologies are creating new opportunities while introducing new challenges.

Experienced consulting engineers help clients navigate these complexities. Their expertise allows them to identify potential issues before they become costly problems.

Quality-Based Selection gives agencies the opportunity to evaluate a firm’s technical capabilities, project history, staffing resources, and understanding of local conditions before making a decision. This helps reduce risk and improves confidence throughout the project lifecycle.

Building Stronger Community Outcomes

Engineering projects influence daily life in countless ways. Residents rely on safe roads, reliable utilities, well-designed public spaces, and resilient infrastructure systems.

The firms responsible for designing these projects play a critical role in determining how effectively they serve the public.

Quality-based selection encourages innovation and collaboration by allowing engineering firms to focus on delivering the best possible solution rather than competing solely on price. This often leads to designs that are safer, more sustainable, and better aligned with community goals.

Why ACEC Supports QBS

For more than a century, the American Council of Engineering Companies has advocated for policies that promote quality, professionalism, and long-term value in infrastructure development.

The organization recognizes that selecting engineering firms based on qualifications helps protect the public interest while supporting better project outcomes. Across the country, Quality-Based Selection has become a proven method for delivering infrastructure that serves communities efficiently and responsibly.

Investing in Long-Term Success

Every infrastructure project represents an investment in the future. Roads, bridges, water systems, parks, and public facilities are expected to serve communities for generations.

The decisions made during the selection process help determine whether those investments achieve their full potential.

By prioritizing qualifications, experience, and expertise, public agencies position themselves to receive greater value from their projects. Quality-based selection is not simply about choosing an engineering firm. It is about choosing the knowledge, judgment, and professional insight needed to build stronger communities.

For Utah’s consulting engineering industry, that commitment to quality remains one of the most important foundations for long-term success.

When a city plans a new roadway, a water system upgrade, or a public facility, one of the most important decisions happens long before construction begins. The community must choose the engineering firm that will help bring the project to life.

At first glance, selecting the lowest-priced proposal may seem like the obvious choice. After all, public agencies are responsible for managing taxpayer dollars carefully. However, decades of experience across the country have shown that choosing engineering services based primarily on cost often leads to higher expenses, project delays, and missed opportunities down the road.

That is why many public agencies rely on a process known as Quality Based Selection, often referred to as QBS.

What Is Quality Based Selection?

Quality Based Selection is a procurement process that focuses on qualifications, experience, and expertise when selecting engineering firms. Rather than choosing the lowest bid, agencies first identify the most qualified firm for the project and then negotiate a fair fee for services.

The approach recognizes an important reality. Engineering is a professional service, not a commodity.

Every project presents unique challenges. Soil conditions vary. Environmental regulations differ. Community needs evolve. Selecting a firm with the right experience and expertise can significantly influence project success.

Looking Beyond Initial Costs

Engineering fees often represent a small percentage of a project’s total lifecycle cost. Decisions made during planning and design, however, can affect maintenance expenses, operational efficiency, and long-term performance for decades.

A well-designed transportation corridor may reduce congestion and improve safety. An effective water system may lower operating costs and increase reliability. Thoughtful site planning can help avoid expensive future modifications.

When qualified engineering professionals are involved early in the process, communities often realize greater value over the life of the project.

Reducing Risk Through Expertise

Infrastructure projects are becoming increasingly complex. Regulatory requirements continue to grow. Environmental considerations demand greater attention. Emerging technologies are creating new opportunities while introducing new challenges.

Experienced consulting engineers help clients navigate these complexities. Their expertise allows them to identify potential issues before they become costly problems.

Quality Based Selection gives agencies the opportunity to evaluate a firm’s technical capabilities, project history, staffing resources, and understanding of local conditions before making a decision. This helps reduce risk and improves confidence throughout the project lifecycle.

Building Stronger Community Outcomes

Engineering projects influence daily life in countless ways. Residents rely on safe roads, reliable utilities, well-designed public spaces, and resilient infrastructure systems.

The firms responsible for designing these projects play a critical role in determining how effectively they serve the public.

Quality Based Selection encourages innovation and collaboration by allowing engineering firms to focus on delivering the best possible solution rather than competing solely on price. This often leads to designs that are safer, more sustainable, and better aligned with community goals.

Why ACEC Supports QBS

For more than a century, the American Council of Engineering Companies has advocated for policies that promote quality, professionalism, and long-term value in infrastructure development.

The organization recognizes that selecting engineering firms based on qualifications helps protect the public interest while supporting better project outcomes. Across the country, Quality Based Selection has become a proven method for delivering infrastructure that serves communities efficiently and responsibly.

Investing in Long-Term Success

Every infrastructure project represents an investment in the future. Roads, bridges, water systems, parks, and public facilities are expected to serve communities for generations.

The decisions made during the selection process help determine whether those investments achieve their full potential.

By prioritizing qualifications, experience, and expertise, public agencies position themselves to receive greater value from their projects. Quality Based Selection is not simply about choosing an engineering firm. It is about choosing the knowledge, judgment, and professional insight needed to build stronger communities.

For Utah’s consulting engineering industry, that commitment to quality remains one of the most important foundations for long-term success.