West Lafayette interceptor Project M.D. Wessler & Associates

In 1990, the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), and American Institute of Architects (AIA) awarded a grant to initiate a QBS program in the State of Indiana. Indiana, because of the solidarity of the local professional organizations, was the first state to receive the entire grant. The coalition is currently funded by volunteer contributions from member organizations as well as companies who benefit from coalition’s activities.

The Indiana QBS Coalition has been extremely effective in creating awareness and providing education for the qualifications based selection process, and continues to be the primary source of information and assistance with regard to selection of high quality professional services.

In 1972 the U.S. Congress recognized the merits of competition based on qualifications.   Congress established Public Law 92-582 (the Brooks Act), which declares it to be the policy of the federal government to base all procurements for architectural and engineering services on demonstrated competence and qualifications for the type of professional services required at a fair and reasonable price to the government.

Currently over 46 states have adopted similar laws.   In addition, the American Bar Association has endorsed this qualification ranking/negotiation technique in its "Model Procurement Code for State and Local Governments."