Rhode Island General Laws Title 37. Public Property and Works § 37-2-59. Professional services--Architectural, engineering, and consultant services--Committee

(a) It shall be the policy of this state to publicly announce requirements for architectural, engineering, and consultants 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.

(b) Except for architectural, engineering and consultant services which can be solicited and awarded in accordance with the requirements for competitive sealed offers set forth in §§ 37-2-18 -- 37-2-19 of this chapter, a selection committee shall select persons or firms to render such professional services. For state agency contracts, the committee shall consist of the following individuals: the purchasing agent, or his or her designee, as chairman; a representative of the user agency; and a public member, appointed by the governor, subject to the advice and consent of the senate, who shall represent the interests of the general public. The governor may appoint an alternate public member, subject to advice and consent of the senate, who shall represent the interests of the general public who shall serve in the absence of the public member. The term of the public member shall be concurrent with that of the governor. Three (3) members, one being the purchasing agent or his or her designee, shall constitute a quorum. A quorum must be present to conduct business.

(c) The procurement of auditing and accounting services shall continue to be subject to the provisions of §§ 22-13-6 and 35-7-13.