Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Brooks Act
October 27, 2022
On this day, October 27, in 1972, US President Richard Nixon signed into law legislation providing for qualifications-based selection (QBS) of architecture, engineering (A&E), and related services, including surveying and mapping. It was 50 years ago today the Brooks Act became law. At the time of its enactment, the Brooks Act was a radical departure from the norm of lowest bid in federal procurement. It set a precedent that enabled qualitative factors to become commonplace in various contemporary acquisition procedures. In other words, A&E was for past performance and best value before it was cool.