As the leader of the nation's top agency for transportation and infrastructure, Secretary Foxx has an extraordinary opportunity to advance economic opportunity, increase productivity, and create a sustainable transportation infrastructure for current and future generations.
Formally codified in the 1972 Brooks Act, qualifications-based selection (QBS) provides for the selection of firms to perform architecture, engineering, and related services on the basis of the competence, qualification, background, and track record of competing firms, subject to the negotiation of a fee that is fair and reasonable to the government.
In the open letter to Secretary Foxx, NSPE President Robert Green, P.E., F.NSPE writes, "Research shows that government agencies in the United States achieve lower construction costs, more efficient use of taxpayers' money, and higher construction satisfaction when procuring design and engineering services based on qualifications rather than price. By strongly supporting and encouraging the use of qualifications-based selection in the procurement of transportation projects, you can help ensure that the nation's transportation system will be safe, sustainable, cost-effective, and an example to other countries for generations to come.
For more information or questions concerning this, please contact Manager of Government Relations Arielle Eiser at aeiser@nspe.org.
The National Society of Professional Engineers is the national society of licensed professional engineers from all disciplines that promotes the ethical and competent practice of engineering, advocates licensure, and enhances the image and well-being of its members. Founded in 1934, NSPE serves more than 35,000 members and the public through 53 state and territorial societies and more than 400 chapters. For more information, please visit www.nspe.org.