(A) Authority. For the purpose of procuring the services of accountants, clergy, physicians, engineers, architects, lawyers, or dentists as defined by the laws of the State of Rhode Island, any using agency requiring such services may procure them on its own behalf, in accordance with the selection procedures specified in this section. A using agency procuring such services shall consult with the purchasing agent. No contract for the services of legal counsel may be awarded without the approval of the Town Council.
(B) Selection procedure.
(2) Statement of qualifications. Persons engaged in providing the designated types of professional services may submit statements of qualifications and expressions of interest in providing such professional services. A using agency using such professional services may specify a uniform format for statements of qualifications. Persons may amend these statements at any time by filing a new statement.
(3) Public announcement and form of request for proposals. Adequate notice of the need for such services shall be given by the using agency requiring the services required, list the types of information and date required of each offeror, and state the relative importance of particular qualifications.
(4) Discussions. The head of a using agency procuring the required professional services or a designee of such officer may conduct discussions with any offeror who has submitted a proposal to determine such offeror's qualifications for further consideration. Discussions shall not disclose any information derived from proposals submitted by other offerors.
(5) Award. Award shall be made to the offeror determined in writing by the head of the using agency procuring the required professional services or a designee of such officer to be best qualified based on the evaluation factors set forth in the request for proposals, and negotiation of compensation determined to be fair and reasonable. If compensation cannot be agreed upon with the best qualified offeror, then negotiations will be formally terminated with the selected offeror. If proposals were submitted by one or more other offerors determined to be qualified, negotiations may be conducted with such other offeror or offerors, in the order if their respective qualification ranking, and the contract may be awarded to the offeror then ranked best qualified if the amount of compensation is determined to be fair and reasonable.
(Ord. passed 9-19-05)