IIBEC Advocates for Protecting Qualifications-Based Selection in Wisconsin

By Irene Butler

IIBEC sent a letter on November 6, 2025, to the leading proponents of Wisconsin’s Assembly Bill 217 and Senate Bill 216, Rep. Jerry O’Connor and Sen. Cory Tomczyk, sharing the organization’s perspective on this legislation. While IIBEC supports efforts to modernize procurement procedures and improve efficiency for local governments, the organization expressed concern that raising procurement thresholds without explicitly exempting professional design services could unintentionally weaken Wisconsin’s long-standing commitment to qualifications-based selection.

IIBEC emphasized that professional design services are not commodities and should not be awarded based on the lowest bid. To safeguard public safety, project quality, and taxpayer value, IIBEC recommended language clarifying that the new thresholds not apply to architectural, engineering, surveying, or related licensed professional services. These bills would maintain efficiency for routine purchases while ensuring that design professionals continue to be selected for their expertise and competence.

IIBEC looks forward to working collaboratively with Wisconsin legislators to uphold transparent, qualifications-driven procurement standards that protect the public and strengthen the building enclosure industry.