§ 45-55-8.1. Qualification-based selection of architects and engineers.
(a) When the purchasing agent determines that the city or town needs the services of a professional architect or engineer, the purchasing agent shall follow the qualification-based selection process for the procurement of architectural and engineering consulting services.
(b) Federal requirements. In the procurement of architectural, engineering, and consulting services and in the awarding of contracts, the city or town shall comply with federal law and regulations including, but not limited to, Pub. L. No. 92-582 (Federal Architect-Engineer Selection Law, Brooks Law, 40 U.S.C. § 541) and take all necessary steps to adapt its rules, specifications, policies, and procedures accordingly to remain eligible for federal aid.
(c) Prequalification. Cities and towns may establish procedures to prequalify firms seeking to provide architectural, engineering, and consultant services or may use prequalification lists from other state agencies to meet the requirements of this section.
(d) No city or town, prior to selecting a firm for negotiation during procurement under this section, shall seek formal or informal submission of verbal or written estimates of costs or proposals in terms of dollars, hours required, percentage of construction cost, or any other measure of compensation.
History of Section.P.L. 1998, ch. 276, § 2; P.L. 2017, ch. 284, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 362, § 1.
Structure Rhode Island General Laws
Chapter 45-55 - Award of Municipal Contracts
Section 45-55-1. - Legislative findings.
Section 45-55-2. - Method of source selection.
Section 45-55-3. - Purchasing agent — Appointment — Duties.
Section 45-55-4. - Definitions.
Section 45-55-5. - Competitive sealed bidding.
Section 45-55-5.1. - Business exempt.
Section 45-55-5.2. - Town of North Smithfield — Exemption.
Section 45-55-6. - Competitive negotiation.
Section 45-55-7. - Negotiations after unsuccessful competitive sealed bidding.
Section 45-55-8. - Sole source procurement and emergency procurements.
Section 45-55-8.1. - Qualification-based selection of architects and engineers.
Section 45-55-9. - Small purchases.
Section 45-55-10. - Cancellation of invitation for bids and requests for proposals.
Section 45-55-11. - Responsibilities of bidders and offerors.
Section 45-55-12. - Prequalification of contractors — General.
Section 45-55-13. - Exclusion of state mandated costs.
Section 45-55-13.2. - Exclusion of multi-cities or towns energy aggregation programs.
Section 45-55-13.3. - Exclusion of multi-school district combined purchasing consortia.
Section 45-55-14. - Staff consultants.
Section 45-55-15. - Severability.
Section 45-55-16. - Prohibition against the use of lead based paints.