Faa Reauthorization Act of 2018

Floor Speech

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Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that Congress included Section 131, subsection (1) in the final version of H.R. 302, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018.

This provision amends section 47107(a)(17) of title 49, United States Code, to ensure that Qualifications Based Selection (QBS) is used for any contracts and subcontracts for program management, construction management, planning studies, feasibility studies, architectural services, preliminary engineering, design, engineering, surveying, mapping, and related services for projects that use Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding in any phase. Thus, FAA would be precluded from funding any parts of the project using AlP funds if the QBS process is or was not used in the selection of professional service providers for the above activities.

This provision is intended to ensure that high-quality design, engineering, and architectural services are procured through a QBS process, including when an airport sponsor uses AlP for construction activities. QBS has long been used by the federal government and federal-aid grant programs to ensure the best-qualified companies are selected for pre-construction designs and activities that will result in high-quality, cost-saving construction projects.

I was pleased to work with my colleague Congressman Dan Lipinski from Illinois on the important measure and we look forward to its implementation.

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