(A) Public announcement. It is the policy of the town to announce publicly all requirements for architect-engineer and land surveying services and to negotiate such contracts on the basis of demonstrated competence and qualifications at fair and reasonable prices. In the procurement of architect-engineer and land surveying services, the purchasing agent shall request firms to submit a statement of qualifications and performance data.
(B) Selection process. A selection committee of three members, including the purchasing agent, the Town Engineer, and the head of a using agency in need of the architect-engineer or land surveying services shall conduct discussions with no less than three firms regarding the proposed contract and the relative utility of alternative methods of approach for furnishing the required services and shall select from among them no less than three of the firms 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.
(C) Negotiation. The purchasing agent shall negotiate a contract with the firm considered to be the most qualified for architect-engineer or land surveying services at compensation, which the purchasing agent determines in writing to be fair and reasonable to the town. In making this decision, the purchasing agent shall take into account the estimated value, the scope, the complexity, and the professional nature of the services to be rendered. Should the purchasing agent be unable to negotiate a satisfactory contract with the firm considered to be the most qualified at a price the purchasing agent determines to be fair and reasonable to the town, negotiations with that form shall be formally terminated. The purchasing agent shall then undertake negotiations with the second most qualified firm. Failing accord with the second most qualified firm, the purchasing agent shall formally terminate negotiations. The purchasing shall then undertake negotiations with the third most qualified firm. Should the purchasing agent be unable to negotiate a contract at a fair and reasonable price with any of the selected firms, the selection committee shall select additional firms in order of their competence and qualification, and the purchasing agent shall continue negotiations in accordance with this section until an agreement is reached.
(Ord. passed 9-19-05)