Chapter 284
2017 -- H 5817
Enacted 07/21/2017

A N   A C T
RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- AWARD OF MUNICIPAL CONTRACTS

Introduced By: Representatives Ackerman, and Shekarchi
Date Introduced: March 02, 2017

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
     SECTION 1. Section 45-55-8.1 of the General Laws in Chapter 45-55 entitled "Award of
Municipal Contracts" is hereby amended to read as follows:
     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. 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.
     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
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LC001957
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