Brief Description: Modifying the criteria for which architectural and engineering services are procured.

Sponsors: Representatives Miloscia and Nixon.

Hearing Date: 2/25/03

Staff: Anne Warwick (786-7291).

Background:

The following procedures are established for state agencies or local governments to award contracts for architectural and engineering services:

•    Announce a need for architectural or engineering services;

•    Encourage firms to submit annual statements of qualifications and performance;

•    Evaluate current statements of qualifications and performance, together with information submitted specifically for the project, and conduct discussions with one or more firms regarding anticipated concepts and the use of alternative methods for furnishing the required services;

•    Select the firm deemed to be the most highly qualified to provide the services for the proposed project; and

•    Negotiate a contract with the most qualified firm for services at a price the government body determines is fair and reasonable.

If the agency is unable to negotiate a satisfactory contract, it may terminate the negotiations and select another firm following the same procedure and negotiate with that firm.

Summary of Bill:

"Professional land surveying services" is excluded from the "architectural and engineering services" or "professional services" definition section of the statute. Professional land surveying services are contracted in a traditional bid method. Expands the final selection of firms from the most highly qualified firm to qualified firms and allows the agency to use fee information solicited from firms to be taken into consideration when determining the firm receiving the contract. Eliminates the provision that allows agencies to terminate negotiations if a price cannot be agreed upon.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on February 19, 2003.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.