QBS (Qualifications-Based Selections)

T.C.A. § 12-4-107(a) requires that design professionals for public projects in Tennessee be selected through qualifications-based selections (“QBS”). Additionally, the Board has adopted rule 0120-02-.02 {Proper Conduct of Practice} that precludes registered architects, engineers, and landscape architects from participating in any system that does not comply with T.C.A. § 12-4-107(a).

In accordance with T.C.A. § 12-4-107(a), the public body (client) can negotiate a satisfactory contract with a design professional or firm selected for their qualifications. If an agreement cannot be reached the public body can then proceed to select another design professional or firm also by their qualifications to continue negotiations until an agreement is reached.

If you have additional questions regarding QBS, we encourage you to contact an attorney in your area or the specific public body regarding the Request for Qualification (RFQ) or Request for Proposal (RFP) they have published.

Qualification Based Selection – A guide for procuring design professional services in Tennessee