An Analysis of QBS in the Procurement of Engineering Services (2022)

Executive Summary

Savings, Innovation, and Efficiency: An Analysis of Qualifications-Based Selection in the Procurement of Engineering Services

Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) is the federally mandated and widely adopted procurement process for engineering and design services on public projects, requiring firms to be selected based on qualifications and expertise rather than price. This 2022 study by the ACEC Research Institute, conducted by researchers from the University of Colorado Boulder and Georgia Institute of Technology, updates a landmark 2007 analysis to assess whether the benefits of QBS remain valid today. Through national surveys, project-level performance data, and detailed case studies, the research evaluates how QBS influences cost, schedule, innovation, and overall project success across sectors and geographies.

Why This Research Matters

• QBS remains the law for procuring engineering services at the federal level and in most states, yet its benefits are increasingly questioned by proponents of price-based procurement methods.
• Public agencies face staffing constraints, increased project complexity, and growing pressure to deliver projects faster and at lower upfront cost.
• Understanding how QBS performs in practice is essential to ensuring public funds are used efficiently while delivering high-quality, resilient infrastructure.

Key Findings

• Projects delivered using QBS outperform national averages for both cost and schedule performance, with average cost growth of 3 percent compared to a national average of 6 percent, and schedule growth of 7 percent compared to a national average of 10 percent.
• QBS projects demonstrate higher levels of consistency in project success from both designer and owner perspectives, with nearly 90 percent of projects rated as highly successful.
• The research finds a strong association between QBS, higher-quality construction documents, and reduced construction-phase disruptions, including fewer delays and modifications.
• QBS projects are significantly more likely to incorporate innovation, with QBS projects 23 percent more likely to deliver moderate or significant innovation compared to non-QBS projects.
• The benefits of QBS increase as project complexity rises, particularly for projects involving public engagement, technical challenges, environmental constraints, or multi-agency coordination.

Implications for Practice

The findings demonstrate that QBS delivers value not only through direct cost and schedule savings, but also through improved risk management, stronger collaboration, and greater innovation. While QBS is consistently applied at the state level, its use declines in some local jurisdictions due to capacity and education gaps rather than performance shortcomings. Addressing these gaps is critical to preserving the long-term effectiveness of QBS procurement.

Methodology

The study employed a multi-dimensional research approach that included a national survey of ACEC state directors, analysis of 68 completed projects across multiple sectors and regions, and six in-depth case studies. Project outcomes were evaluated across procurement method, cost and schedule growth, innovation, and participant satisfaction. The methodology mirrors the approach used in the original 2007 study, enabling direct comparison over time.

Practical Applications

This research enables public owners to make informed procurement decisions that balance cost control with quality, innovation, and long-term performance. Engineering firms can use the findings to educate clients and procurement officials on the documented benefits of QBS. Policymakers and industry leaders can apply the results to reinforce QBS compliance, improve procurement education, and safeguard public investment in infrastructure and facilities.

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Additional Resources:

• Future of Engineering Roundtable Series: An Analysis of QBS in the Procurement of Engineering Services – Previously recorded December 7, 2022
• Press Release: New Research Shows Engineering Projects Save Time & Money by Selecting Firms Based on Qualifications and Experience
• QBS Primer 
• QBS Media Kit 
• QBS Infographic