QBS & Procurement Policy
Aerial photo of the Barr & Kimley-Horn Highland Bridge redevelopment project in progress.
The procurement structure determines whether engineering expertise is treated as professional judgment or as commoditized services. Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) remains the foundation of responsible engineering procurement policy.
For the 2026 legislative session, ACEC Minnesota advocates for procurement systems that recognize professional engineering services as expertise-driven and accountable to public safety.
ACEC Minnesota works with legislators, agencies, and stakeholders to maintain strong procurement policy aligned with professional engineering principles.
Why QBS Matters
Engineering services are fundamentally different from low-bid construction contracts. Professional engineering decisions affect:
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Public safety
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Long-term asset performance
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Project lifecycle cost
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Environmental outcomes
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Community resilience
When procurement shifts toward lowest-cost evaluation models, project risk increases and professional accountability is diluted.
QBS ensures that engineering firms are selected based on qualifications, experience, and demonstrated capability before fee negotiation.
2026 Focus Areas
In 2026, ACEC Minnesota will focus on:
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Reinforcing statutory and policy alignment with QBS principles
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Advocating for QBS as a preferred consultant selection method
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Preventing erosion toward lowest-cost evaluation models
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Supporting modernization of procurement systems while preserving QBS principles
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Promoting risk-balanced contract frameworks
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Protecting competitive access for qualified firms
Procurement modernization is appropriate. Commoditization of professional engineering services is not.