Section 805-RICR-00-00-2.5 - Selection of Architects, Engineers and Consultants2.5.1General Policy.It shall be the policy of the Commission to publicly announce its requirements for architectural, engineering and consulting services, which are reasonably estimated to exceed twenty thousand dollars ($20,000), and to negotiate contracts for such professional services on the basis of demonstrated competence and qualifications and at fair and reasonable prices.
2.5.2Public Announcement of Requirements for Architectural, Engineering, and Consulting Services.The Chief Purchasing Officer shall give public notice of the need for architectural, engineering or consulting services which are reasonably estimated to exceed twenty thousand dollars ($20,000). Such public notice shall be published sufficiently in advance of the date when responses must be received in order that interested parties have an adequate opportunity to submit a statement of qualifications and performance data. The notice shall contain a brief statement of the services required, describe the project and specify how a solicitation containing specific information on the project may be obtained. The notice shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the State and in such other publications, if any, as in the judgment of the Chief Purchasing Officer shall be desirable.
2.5.3Solicitation.A. A solicitation shall be prepared which describes the Commission's requirements and sets forth the evaluation criteria. It shall be distributed to interested persons.B. The solicitation shall describe the criteria to be used in evaluating the statement of qualification and performance data and in the selection of firms. Criteria shall include, but are not limited to: 1. competence to perform the services as reflected by technical training and education; general experience; experience in providing the required services; and the qualifications and competence of persons who would be assigned to perform the services;2. ability to perform the services as reflected by workload and the availability of adequate personnel, equipment, and facilities to perform the services expeditiously; and3. past performance as reflected by the evaluation of private persons and officials of other governmental entities that have retained the services of the firm with respect to such factors as control of costs, quality of work, and an ability to meet deadlines.C. For services reasonably estimated to exceed twenty thousand dollars ($20,000), a bidder's conference shall be held at which the criteria to be used in evaluating the statement of qualification and performance data and in the selection of firms shall be described. The scope of work shall be discussed and further defined as such conference, including on-site visits, if appropriate.2.5.4Evaluation of Statements of Qualifications and Performance DataA. The Chief Purchasing Officer shall evaluate: 1. statements that may be submitted in response to the solicitation of architectural, or engineering services or consultant services; and2. statements of qualifications and performance data, if their submission is required. All statements and statements of qualifications and performance data shall be evaluated in light of the criteria set forth in the solicitation for architectural, engineering services or consultant services. The Chief Purchasing Officer may waive informalities in any statements and statements of qualification and performance data.2.5.5Final Selection of Contractors.A. The Chief Purchasing Officer shall select no more than three (3) firms (or two (2) if only two (2) apply) evaluated as being professionally and technically qualified. The firms selected, if still interested in providing the services, shall make a representative available to the Commissioners at such time and place as it shall determine, to provide such further information as it may require.B. The Commissioners shall negotiate with the highest qualified firm for a contract for architectural, engineering or consulting services for the Commission at compensation which the Commissioners determine to be fair and reasonable to the Commission. In making such determination, the Commissioners shall take into account the professional competence of the offerors, the technical merits of the offerors, and the price for which the services are to be rendered. The Commissioners shall be responsible for the final selection of the providers of architectural, engineering or consulting services.C. In the event that the Chief Purchasing Officer determines that only a single professionally and technically qualified firm has applied, the Commissioners may negotiate with such firm for architectural, engineering services, or consulting services at compensation which the Commissioner determine to be fair and reasonable.805 R.I. Code R. 805-RICR-00-00-2.5