The Legislature hereby declares it to be the policy of the state, and its political subdivisions, to procure architectural or engineering services or both on the basis of demonstrated competence and qualification for the type of professional services required.
As used in this section: (a) The term "agency" means all state departments, agencies, authorities, quasi-public corporations and all political subdivisions, including cities, counties, boards of education and public service districts, except, for the purposes of this section, the term "agency" does not include the state institutions of higher education known as Marshall University and […]
In the procurement of architectural and engineering services for projects estimated to cost $250,000 or more, the director of purchasing shall encourage firms engaged in the lawful practice of the profession to submit an expression of interest, which shall include a statement of qualifications and performance data, and may include anticipated concepts and proposed methods […]
(a) In the procurement of architectural and engineering services for projects estimated to cost less than $250,000, competition shall be sought by the agency. The agency shall conduct discussions with three or more professional firms solicited on the basis of known or submitted qualifications for the assignment prior to the awarding of any contract: Provided, […]
