The FAA’s Airport Improvement Program (AIP) is vital to U.S. airport development, providing federal grants to enhance safety, capacity, and efficiency at public-use airports. However, procuring architectural, engineering, and planning (A/E) services can be challenging—especially for small communities, where airport management competes with other duties such as water systems and public health. Central to AIP is the qualifications-based selection (QBS) process, a required method for selecting A/E consultants that’s often misunderstood.
TL;DR: Waiting until being told to update your A/E QBS can jeopardize project cost eligibility.
Many sponsors (local governments or authorities) believe QBS is required only when the FAA directs it. In truth, AIP operates as a sponsor certification program, requiring sponsors to comply and certify their adherence via signed grant documents independently. This guide clarifies the process and stresses proactive compliance to avoid issues.
AIP Grant Assurances and Procurement Basics
Sponsors accepting AIP grants agree to grant assurances covering civil rights, environmental rules, and more. Procurement for A/E services is strict to ensure quality and value. Federal law mandates uniform eligibility standards. See: FAA Grant Assurances. For A/E contracts, they skip price-based bids; use QBS which prioritizes qualifications over cost. Rooted in the Brooks Act and 49 U.S.C. § 47107(a)(17), QBS flips traditional low-bid/price-based procurement: Issue a Request for Qualifications (RFQ), evaluate based on expertise and performance, then negotiate fees with the top firm—details in: FAA Professional Services Guidance.
Noncompliance risks result in denied reimbursements or project ineligibility. The Sponsor Certification Core AIP’s “certification” model means sponsors sign attestations in grant applications, confirming compliance with all rules—including QBS. Embedded in assurances (updated in 2022), these bind sponsors to Title 49 U.S.C. and procurement regulations. Assurance 1 requires following statutes, such as QBS mandates, lasting up to 20 years (or indefinitely for some land projects). Sponsors certify that past, present, and future actions align with AIP. This empowers self-management but demands accountability when the FAA requests proof of your QBS process.
Debunking the Myth: “QBS Only When FAA Says So”
A frequent misconception: QBS is optional unless FAA flags it. Wrong! 49 U.S.C. § 47107(a)(17) requires QBS for all AIP-eligible A/E services, independently of FAA input. Sponsors must initiate and certify it as part of assurances. This myth arises from the FAA’s advisory role in nonstandard cases or via the AIP Handbook. FAA provides guidance and is a resource to use for technical guidance throughout. But, sponsors own the process. Reactive thinking causes delays, denials, or violations. Audits often reveal incomplete adherence, risking fund misuse.
Tips for Compliance For new or small airports, start with your A/E firm—they should guide you toward compliance. Consult FAA ADOs or state aviation agencies and advocacy groups. With decades of experience with FAA grants, MDG can assist; reach out if needed. Proactive QBS ensures quality projects and sustained funding. Treat certifications as your integrity pledge—it’s essential for AIP success!
