Rhode Island General Laws Title 45. Towns and Cities § 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. No. 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.