Requires public authorities to negotiate with most qualified architectural, engineering, geological, landscape architectural and/or surveying professional…

Showing the cosponsors who are on Agora, A to Z. The official record may list more.

• Democratic5

Shown in neutral colors by design; Agora is non-partisan.

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Leroy Comrie says this is needed

The intent of this bill is to ensure that public authorities and public benefit corporations receive the services of the most qualified contrac- tor through the establishment of a new mechanism for the procurement of engineering, architectural and surveying services. Qualifications Based Selections (QBS) is a procurement process that is used widely throughout the country and has recently been adopted by New York City. Instead of cost-based procurement which focuses primarily on price, QBS procurement focuses on qualifications and experience as the paramount basis for selection. However, after the highest technically ranked firm is selected and the project scope is fully defined, QBS generates a realis- tic fee based on a fee proposal by the consultant and negotiations with the agency. If an agency cannot negotiate a fair price with the first choice consultant, it has the option to negotiate with the next highly qualified consultant, and so on. QBS allows agencies to select the design firm with the best experience, capabilities, technical approach and quality of personnel, matched to the needs of the project and the agency; generates better plans and specifications, resulting in higher quality contract documents that make bidding on an d carrying out construction easier; fosters the development of innovative, cost-effec- tive design solutions at a fair market value, resulting in lower overall project costs; and generates design solutions that best meet the needs of the project, emphasizing public health, safety and quality of life. QBS is mandated in at least 46 other states and has proven to be an effective procurement tool. QBS generates competition by bringing more firms into the bidding process. As a result, owners are ensured a better project and a savings to the taxpayer.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.