By John Boling
On December 12, 2024, leaders from IIBEC sent a letter urging the Michigan State Senate Regulatory Reform Committee to expeditiously pass MI HB 5654, which would expand the use of the qualifications-based selection (QBS) process for the procurement of architect and engineering design (A/E/D) professional services.
Once expected to be considered in September, election politics delayed the bill from moving through the state House. After the elections, which saw the Republicans gain enough seats to take control of the chamber in 2025, the session has been chaotic as Democratic leaders decided which of their priorities to move first. With only today, tomorrow, and Wednesday left in the legislative session, HB 5654 needs to be expedited to make it to the governor’s desk for consideration.
Brian Pallasch, executive director and CEO of IIBEC, said, “The final days of a legislative session can be quite hectic, and we are hopeful this legislation can make it through based on its merits. Our letter, cosigned by Jim Watson of the IIBEC Great Lakes Chapter, and Elise Love, RRC, our West Michigan Branch liaison, makes the case why this bill needs to be sent to the Governor for her signature.”
The legislation, sponsored by state representative Amos O’Neal (D), would create a study from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2032, and would require state agencies to use QBS to select A/E/D professionals for projects with an estimated cost of $250,000 or more. This study would significantly expand the use of QBS across the state government and require the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget (DTMB) to submit an annual report summarizing the state’s experiences with QBS. Currently, only the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget is required to follow QBS, but other state agencies that use federal funds for the procurement of A/E/D professional services also must comply with QBS requirements.
IIBEC has worked with the American Council of Engineering Companies of Michigan and the American Society of Civil Engineers Michigan Section to support the legislation. We will continue our work to educate the legislature on the benefits of using QBS.
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