Iowa Admin. Code r. 11-105.9 - Procurement of architectural and engineering services

(1) Qualifications. As part of the competitive selection process, the department shall determine whether an architect or engineer is competent and qualified. In making this determination, the department may consider the following factors:

1. Professional licensing or registration credentials,

2. Integrity and reliability,

3. Past performance relative to the quality and timeliness of service on similar projects,

4. Past experience with the state in relation to services provided,

5. Quality and timeliness of the services provided,

6. The proposed terms of delivery, and

7. The best interests of the state.

(2) Fair and reasonable price. As part of the competitive selection process, the department may request, in addition to the architect's or engineer's qualifications, pricing information that may include a total fee for the specified services, hourly rates, or other pricing measures that will help the department establish a fair and reasonable price.

a. The department shall request a fee proposal(s) as part of the competitive selection process only when the services required are of limited scope, limited duration or otherwise clearly defined. An award shall not be made solely on the basis of the lowest price.

b. When a fee is not requested as part of the competitive selection process, other pricing factors shall be requested, and the firm deemed most qualified will be asked to negotiate a fee using the pricing factors included in the firm's proposal. If a fair and reasonable price for the work cannot be negotiated, the department shall reject the firm's proposal and begin negotiations for a fair and reasonable price with the next most qualified firm.

Examples of fair and reasonable pricing factors include:

(1) Hourly rates and anticipated hours,

(2) A lump sum fee,

(3) Any other costs the department determines to be fair and reasonable.

c. If reimbursable expenses are included in the price proposal, rates shall not exceed those in procedure 210.245, "Travel-in-state-board, commission, advisory council, and task force member expenses," of the department of administrative services state accounting enterprise's Accounting Policy and Procedures Manual.

d. The fee proposal or other pricing information shall serve as a basis for contract negotiations.

Notes

Iowa Admin. Code r. 11-105.9