AASHTO Journal - Illinois DOT Wins Award for Procurement Practices

The Illinois Department of Transportation received an award for its “exemplary” procurement practices from the American Council of Engineering Companies and the National Society of Professional Engineers.

[Above image via Illinois DOT]

The 2022 Qualifications-Based Selection or QBS award for state/local governments recognizes organizations that promote and make ideal use of QBS methods to procure the professional services of consulting engineers at the federal, state, or local level.

QBS is a procurement process that prioritizes experience and technical expertise rather than just the lowest cost bid. This process first assesses firms on their qualifications by a panel that includes Illinois DOT staff and four qualified members from the public.

The agency then contacts the final top-ranked firm from that process for price negotiations, with the goal of reaching a fair and reasonable price. If Illinois DOT does not reach an agreement with the top-ranked firm, negotiations shift to the second-ranked firm.

“We are proud to win this award for doing our utmost to obtain the best quality services at the best prices,” said Illinois DOT Secretary Omer Osman in a statement.

“At Illinois DOT, we are committed to excellence. The QBS process helps us ensure a high level of quality in our work on behalf of Illinois residents, while respecting the taxpayer dollar,” he added. “The selection committee, which includes members outside of IDOT, works hard to do their jobs transparently and with integrity.”

“The National QBS Award recognizes organizations and individuals who promote and make exemplary use of QBS methods, which is the gold standard for ensuring taxpayers get the best results for their tax dollars,” noted Kevin Artl, president and chief executive of the American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois.

“The Illinois DOT has been exemplary in its commitment to QBS procedures and is most deserving of this special award and recognition,” he explained. “CEC and its members are grateful that IDOT shares this view and we look forward to continuing to work with them to protect and promote this important process.”