House committee approves bill to require qualification‑based selection for architects and engineers
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Summary
The Georgia House Governmental Affairs Committee voted to pass Senate Bill 51, a measure that would require state and local governments to use a qualification‑based selection process for architect and engineer procurements.
The Georgia House Governmental Affairs Committee voted to pass Senate Bill 51, a measure that would require state and local governments to use a qualification‑based selection (QBS) process when procuring architects and engineers.
Senator Sessler, who presented the measure, told the committee the bill “takes the process that our university system of Georgia uses and that the state of Georgia uses for every A and E procurement, and applies that as a requirement for state and local A and E procurements.” He added that the A/E (architect‑engineer) serves as “the trusted advisor for the owner” and that a QBS process helps align engineers with government owners during project scoping and contract formation.
Supporters said QBS helps local governments—particularly smaller counties or cities without in‑house engineering staff—select the most technically qualified firm first, then negotiate fees, instead of letting price dominate selection. Senator Sessler said the federal government has used the qualification‑based approach for decades and that the state and university system already use it: “The federal government for more than 80 years has used this process.” He also pointed committee members to a map in the bill packet showing that most states use a similar selection method.
Committee members pressed on the effect of the bill on local control, cost considerations and opportunities for smaller or minority‑owned firms. Senator Sessler pointed to language in the bill (lines 86–93) that, he said, gives broader discretion to local governments: “the qualifications which the local government and the evaluation shall use shall be determined the sole and absolute discretion of that local government.” He told members that local governments could set criteria differently for Fulton County than for a small rural county.
Opposition and concerns: Senator Sessler acknowledged the Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG) had expressed concern about making QBS a mandate, even though ACCG’s procurement manual recommends QBS. He said the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) supports the bill. Representative Roberts and others asked whether price would be excluded entirely; the senator replied that fee negotiation happens after selecting the most qualified firm and that governments retain “tremendous pricing power” during negotiations. Critics warned a mandate might concentrate work among larger firms; proponents said the bill allows local governments to tailor criteria to create opportunities for smaller firms when appropriate.
Committee action and next steps: After discussion, a motion to pass the bill was made and seconded. The committee approved the motion by voice vote; a committee member reported, “The ayes have it. Bill passes.” Senator Sessler said he would confirm the House sponsor for the bill with the chair before adjournment.
Why it matters: The bill would change how some local governments hire architects and engineers by making QBS a statutory procurement requirement, while also leaving discretion to local governments to define evaluation criteria.
