(1) Public Announcement. It is the policy of the County to publicly announce all requirements for architect engineer and land surveying services and to negotiate such contracts on the basis of demonstrated competence and qualification at fair and reasonable prices.
(2) Selection Process. A selection committee composed of at least the following members: Procurement Director, head of using agency in need of the architect engineer or land surveying services, and those determined to be qualified to make an informed decision as to the most competent and qualified firm for the proposed project shall conduct discussions with at least 3 firms regarding the proposed contract and shall select from among them the firm(s) deemed most qualified to provide the required services. The selection shall be made in order of preference, based on criteria established and published by the selection committee.
(3) Negotiation. The selection committee shall negotiate a contract with the highest qualified firm for architect engineer or land surveying services at compensation which is considered to be fair and reasonable to the County. In making this decision, the committee shall take into account the established value, the scope, the complexity, and the professional nature of the services to be rendered. Should the committee be unable to negotiate a satisfactory contract with the firm considered to be most qualified, negotiations with that firm shall be formally terminated. The committee shall then undertake negotiations with the second most qualified firm. Failing award with the second most qualified firm, the committee shall formally terminate negotiations. The committee shall then undertake negotiations with the third most qualified firm. Should the committee be unable to negotiate a contract with any of the selected firms, the selection committee shall select additional firms in order of their competence and qualifications and continue negotiations in accordance with this Section until an agreement is reached.
(Ord. 3704, passed 6-17-2003; Ord. 5051, passed 1-22-2019)