Page Table of Contents - "Click" on Topic
What is QBS?	QBS Owner Manual
Maine Municipal Association Booth	QBS Activity in Other States
REPLY FORM (Request for QBS Owner Manual)

What is QBS?

Reduced to its simplest terms, "Qualification Based Selection" is a process by which the "buyer" of a service selects the individual or firm to provide a service based on the qualifications of the "provider". The intent is to find the "best-qualified" provider from among the many individuals or firms who are qualified with the expectation that retaining the "best-qualified" individual or firm will result in a better outcome. No matter if the purpose is to select a surgeon for an operation, a lawyer to defend in a civil suit, or the selection of a design professional for the design of a construction project, the "buyer" of the service needs to feel confident there has been match of the qualifications of the "provider" to the needs of the "buyer".

The QBS process assumes the qualifications of the "provider" are of so great an importance to the outcome that the issue of fee or cost should not be considered until after a determination has been made as to whom is the "best-qualified". Once the "best-qualified individual or firm has been identified, the scope of the expected services can be negotiated and a fair cost established for the services the "buyer" needs or expects. In many instances, it is difficult for the "buyer" to fully understand the services that are necessary or conversely assume a need for services that are not necessary without consulting the "provider" of the service.

In the construction field, there have been some excellent procedures established to assist Owner's or the "buyers" of a service to select the best-qualified individual or firm. These procedures are applicable to the selection of not only design professionals but also geotechnical firms, landscape architects, and land surveyors. These same procedures work when the primary design professional needs to retain consultants to assist in the design process.

QBS Activity in Other States

The following links provide a connection to the State QBS website in some other states:

State	Link
Connecticut	Connection
New Hampshire	Connection

Maine Municipal Association Booth

Again this year, The Maine QBS Program had an exhibit at the Maine Municipal Association Annual Convention. The booth provided an opportunity to explain the QBS Program to convention attendees and to distribute QBS promotional material.

QBS Booth at the MMA Convention
Herb Doten, PE, former QBS Council Member	Liz Champeon, S.W. Cole, Engineering

QBS Owner Manual

The Maine QBS Council has developed an "Owner Manual" to assist public officials in implementing the QBS Process  when retaining design professionals or professional to provide other type of services for publicly financed construction projects. This "Manual" can also provide guidance to private entities wishing to use the QBS Process. 

The QBS "Owner Manual" includes sample letters to be used in requesting qualifications, and sample forms to be used in the initial evaluation and Interview process.  This Manual  includes a "Model Newspaper Ad" that may be modified as appropriate for the services being requested. The "Manual" also provides guidance in scheduling the activities in the QBS Process.  This "Owner Manual" is available in electronic form as a part of this web site and the complete set of Forms in "Word" format may be sent as an attachment to an e-mail.  If a hardcopy version of the "Owner Manual" or a set of electronic forms is desired, please complete and submit the form below.

The QBS Facilitator is available to answer questions or to provide guidance in the use of the QBS Process.