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The cost of design services for an average facility represents less than two percent of the total lifetime cost of construction, operation and maintenance. Investing in quality design services at the outset of the project can result in long-term savings in terms of a more efficient layout, occupant safety, durability, occupant satisfaction, ease of future expansions, and others.

The initial impulse of some owners who have a need for design and construction administration services is to request prices from several engineers and to select the one that submits the lowest price or bid for the services requested. At first thought, viewing these services as a commodity rather than a professional service may seem to make sense. But a closer look into issues that impact the successful completion of a construction or renovation project reveals that an initial low bid does not necessarily result in the lowest overall cost or a better value to the building’s owner, manager or users. In fact, there may be many other reasons not to use price as the primary factor in the decision process.

Cost-effective problem solving and high quality design services can only be achieved with competence and experience in the type of project being proposed. To help owners through the process of finding a qualified professional the Qualifications Based Selection (QBS) processwas developed in the early 1970s for the federal government. The Connecticut QBS Council was established in 1992 and has, at no charge, assisted numerous building owners and managers through the proven QBS process.

A seasoned facilitator, experienced in the construction industry, works with public agencies and private industry by offering guidance, forms and advice to help them through the selection process.

Following this simple method, a consultant is selected based on the firm’s qualifications for that project, creativity and past performance. Then, the scope of services is mutually developed which becomes the basis for negotiating a fair and reasonable price. This assures that the best firm to do the job is selected. Should the owner and selected firm not be able to agree on a reasonable price, the firm that scored next best is contacted for negotiations.

Qualifications-based selection is a tried and true concept, which has been required by law for all federal projects since 1972. In Connecticut, State law requires that the Department of Public Works and the Department of Transportation use the QBS process. In addition, the QBS process is endorsed by the American Public Works Association and included in the American Bar Association’s Model Procurement Code for State and Local Governments.

The Connecticut QBS Council has experienced, knowledgeable, independent facilitators to assist elected officials, building committees, municipal staff and private owners in establishing a selection process tailored to their particular needs.

The facilitator program is free to owners, both public and private. The QBS Facilitator works "one-on-one" with agencies to assist the owner in developing a process for selecting a competent and qualified design team. The facilitator’s job is to provide information, draft materials, offer guidance, supply directories of design professionals, and provide other resources. The facilitator doesn't try to influence the selection of any particular design professionals or firms. Nor will the facilitator participate in the selection process itself or act as an intermediary in negotiating a contract.

The Connecticut QBS Council is a non-profit organization sponsored by the American Council of Engineering Companies of Connecticut; the American Institute of Architects, Connecticut; and the Connecticut Association of Land Surveyors.  For more information, visit their web site at www.ctqbs.org.

Steven D. Trinkaus, P.E. Civil Engineer

TRINKAUS ENGINEERING, LLC

Experts in Low Impact Development Analysis & Design

Certified Professional in Erosion & Sediment Control

Certified Professional in Storm Water Quality

114 HUNTER’S RIDGE ROAD SOUTHBURY, CT 06488

203−264−4558 203−264−4559 (fax)

E−mail: strinkaus@earthlink.net

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