(a) Any state agency or department, which is subject to this code, shall follow this section in negotiating fees and executing a contract for professional consulting services of a private architectural, engineering, land surveying, environmental, or construction project management firm.

(b) After providing notification to the successful firm of its selection, the state shall provide written instructions for the negotiations which are to follow. These instructions shall provide the private consulting firm with necessary information which shall allow the negotiations to proceed in an orderly fashion. Negotiations shall begin within 14 days after the successful firm has been notified of its selection or upon receipt of the cost proposal. The contractor should be notified if additional time is necessary to begin negotiations.

(c) Upon the completion of negotiations, the state and the private firm shall proceed to execute a contract so that the contract may be completed by the state within 45 days. The contractor should be notified if additional time is necessary to complete the contract. The state and private firm shall work together to ensure the successful delivery of the requested services in a timely fashion.

(d) In the event that an impasse is reached in negotiations, the state agency or department may terminate negotiations and enter into negotiations with the next most qualified firm as prescribed in Section 4528 of the Government Code.

(Added by Stats. 1990, Ch. 1128, Sec. 2.)