for research, development, test, or evaluation to a non-Federal Government entity. It is further the policy of Congress that any program, project, or technology identified in legislation be awarded through merit-based selection procedures. (b) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.-A provision of law may not be construed as requiring a new grant to be awarded to a specified non-Federal Government entity unless that provision of law(1) specifically refers to this subsection; (2) specifically identifies the particular non-Federal Government entity involved; and (3) specifically states that the award to that entity is required by such provision of law in contravention of the policy set forth in subsection (a). (c) NEW GRANT DEFINED.-For purposes of this section, a grant is a new grant unless the work provided for in the grant is a continuation of the work performed by the specified entity under a preceding grant. (d) INAPPLICABILITY TO CERTAIN GRANTS.-This section shall not apply with respect to any grant that calls upon the National Academy of Sciences to investigate, examine, or experiment upon any subject of science or art of significance to an executive agency and to report on such matters to Congress or any agency of the Federal Government. TITLE IX-SELECTION OF ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS SEC. 901. [40 U.S.C. 541] DEFINITIONS. As used in this title (1) The term "firm" means any individual, firm, partnership, corporation, association, or other legal entity permitted by law to practice the professions of architecture or engineering. (2) The term "agency head" means the Secretary, Administrator, or head of a department, agency, or bureau of the Federal Government. (3) The term "architectural and engineering services" means(A) professional services of an architectural or engineering nature, as defined by State law, if applicable, which are required to be performed or approved by a person licensed, registered, or certified to provide such services as described in this paragraph; (B) professional services of an architectural or engineering nature performed by contract that are associated with research, planning, development, design, construction, alteration, or repair of real property; and (C) such other professional services of an architectural or engineering nature, or incidental services, which members of the architectural and engineering professions (and individuals in their employ) may logically or justifiably perform, including studies, investigations, surveying and mapping, tests, evaluations, consultations, comprehensive planning, program management, conceptual designs, plans and specifications, value engineering, construction phase services, soils engineering, drawing reviews, preparation of operating and maintenance manuals, and other related services. SEC. 902. [40 U.S.C. 542] POLICY. The Congress hereby declares it to be the policy of the Federal Government to publicly announce all requirements for architectural and engineering services, and to negotiate contracts for architectural and engineering services on the basis of demonstrated competence and qualification for the type of professional services required and at fair and reasonable prices. SEC. 903. [40 U.S.C. 543] REQUESTS FOR DATA ON ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING SERVICES. In the procurement of architectural and engineering services, the agency head shall encourage firms engaged in the lawful practice of their profession to submit annually a statement of qualifications, and performance data. The agency head, for each proposed project, shall evaluate current statements of qualifications and performance data on file with the agency, together with those that may be submitted by other firms regarding the proposed project, and shall conduct discussions with no less than three firms regarding anticipated concepts and the relative utility of alternative methods of approach for furnishing the required services and then shall select therefrom, in order of preference based upon criteria established and published by him, no less than three of the firms deemed to be the most highly qualified to provide the services required. SEC. 904. [40 U.S.C. 544] NEGOTIATION OF CONTRACTS FOR ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING SERVICES. (a) The agency head shall negotiate a contract with the highest qualified firm for architectural and engineering services at compensation which the agency head determines is fair and reasonable to the Government. In making such determination, the agency head shall take into account the estimated value of the services to be rendered, the scope, complexity, and professional nature thereof. (b) Should the agency head be unable to negotiate a satisfactory contract with the firm considered to be the most qualified, at a price he determines to be fair and reasonable to the Government, negotiations with the firm should be formally terminated. The agency head should then undertake negotiations with the second most qualified firm. Failing accord with the second most qualified firm, the agency head should terminate negotiations. The agency head should then undertake negotiations with the third most qualified firm. (c) Should the agency head be unable to negotiate a satisfactory contract with any of the selected firms, he shall select additional firms in order of their competence and qualification and continue negotiations in accordance with this section until an agreement is reached. SEC. 905. [40 U.S.C. 541 note] SHORT TITLE. This title may be cited as the "Brooks Architect-Engineers Act". |