N.J. Admin. Code § 17:19-3.3 - Prequalification of consultants

(a) Firms desiring to be considered for consultant work with the DPMC shall submit, as appropriate, a prequalification form, DPMC-48A or a material testing laboratory prequalification form, DPMC-48T. This form provides comprehensive information on the management of the firm, the financial history of the firm, the type and value of past project work, licensed and technical staff, and other factors deemed relevant by the DPMC. This information is used to assist in the evaluation of firms for DPMC work and to establish the maximum construction cost estimate dollar level and professional disciplines for which the firm is qualified. The result of this evaluation is the firm's "prequalification." The prequalification will be effective for a 24-month period beginning with the date shown on the prequalification notice issued by the DPMC.

(b) In accordance with provisions found in N.J.S.A. 52:34-9.3, firms submitting a new or renewal application must include a non-refundable company check in the amount specified in N.J.S.A. 52:34-9.3 payable to "Treasurer, State of New Jersey." No application will be processed until a company check is received. If a check is returned for any reason, the DPMC may immediately revoke the firm's prequalification. Any firm that submits a check that is returned will be required to submit a certified check or money-order with all future submissions for a period of three years. The firm will also be responsible for any additional charges, including bank charges, incurred as a result of any returned check.

(c) Review of the firm by the DPMC shall be completed within 30 calendar days of receipt of fully completed prequalification forms, and a notification of results shall be mailed to the firm within the same time period.

(d) If a prequalification is denied, the firm will be notified in writing of the reasons for denial. Measures that the firm may take in order to become qualified will be identified by the DPMC.

(e) If a firm does not agree with its prequalification as assigned by the DPMC, or the denial of its prequalification, it may make a written request to the manager of the DPMC's prequalification unit for reconsideration. Results of this review will be made known to the firm in writing. If the firm still does not agree with the DPMC's prequalification determination, it may appeal in writing to the Director whose decision will then be final.

(f) It is the responsibility of each firm to update and keep current all prequalification forms. Major changes occurring in the firm's status shall be brought to the attention of the DPMC in order that the prequalification record is current.

(g) Any firm seeking prequalification shall have at least one principal on its staff who has been engaged in active private practice with full financial responsibility for a period of two years immediately preceding its request for prequalification.

(h) The prequalification level assigned does not necessarily reflect the level on which a consultant has performed for other clients. The DPMC will endeavor to assign a level that is justified by applicable overall experience, length of time in business, prior experience, the number of licensed New Jersey principals, professional and technical staffing, and management depth. At a minimum, the consultant must have three public or private projects (two completed and one in progress) at or exceeding a specific prequalification dollar level in the discipline requested prior to approval for that prequalification level.

(i) Firms may increase their technical qualification for a specific project by entering into joint-ventures with other firms. Each individual firm of the joint venture must be separately prequalified. One of the firms shall have been prequalified at the level stipulated for the project.

Notes

N.J. Admin. Code § 17:19-3.3

Amended by 48 N.J.R. 2830(a), effective 12/19/2016