(a) Professional service procurement. The Purchasing Agent may procure professional services in accordance with this article and the Purchasing Regulations whenever he determines that such services are required. If a professional service is required to be licensed by the State of Maryland, those services shall be procured from a professional who is licensed and whose license is in good standing with the applicable licensing authority.
(b) Prequalified professional services providers. The Purchasing Agent may maintain lists of prequalified professional services providers. The Purchasing Agent shall enter into professional services procurements in accordance with the Purchasing Regulations.
(c) Architect and engineer professional services. Services of architects and engineers shall be procured using one of the following methods in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Purchasing Regulations: (1) open-end agreements; (2) technical- and price-based evaluation; or (3) qualification-based selection.
(d) Information technology professional services. Services of information technology professionals may be procured in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Purchasing Regulations for technical- and price-based evaluation.
(e) Independent auditor. The independent firm of certified public accountants retained to perform the financial audit of County agencies for the preceding fiscal year under § 311 of the County Charter shall be selected by resolution of the County Council after receiving the recommendation of an Evaluation Committee appointed by the Chairman of the County Council.
(f) Group Health Plan contracts. The Personnel Officer shall solicit competitive sealed proposals or invite competitive sealed bids for health insurance plans for the provision of benefits as determined pursuant to § 6-1-308 at least every six years, and each proposal or bid shall include at a minimum an essential health benefits package as required by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
(1985 Code, Art. 10, § 2-110) (Bill No. 59-85; Bill No. 58-08; Bill No. 92-15; Bill No. 8-17; Bill No. 80-18; Bill No. 24-19)