ADVOCACY IN ACTION OSPE Calls for the Adoption of Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) as a Post-COVID-19 Economic Recovery Tool A fter listening to our members and their concerns regarding the lack of a Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) framework for the procurement of engineering services in Ontario, OSPE has renewed its focus on pushing government officials at Queen's Park to be aware of the benefits. Given Ontario's current economic situation, it is essential that all public infrastructure investments be transparent and return the greatest possible value for money. By adopting QBS as a best practice, the government will select engineering firms based on their credentials, previous performance, and availability to do a project over low-fee biding structures. Why use QBS? QBS is an internationally recognized best practice for the procurement of engineering services. It is a competitive, sound, and fair process that selects firms that are best qualified for the project. This best practice has been mandated by law in the United States since the 1970s (The Brooks Act), and more recently in the city of Calgary and province of Quebec. June 2021 THE VOICE 13