(a)

1. (1) Recipients of County Courthouse Restoration Grants are required to use the services of an architect licensed by the State of Arkansas.

2. (2) The architect will:

   1. (A) Prepare plans, specifications, a work-cost breakdown, and other required contract documents for submission to the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program; and
   2. (B) Supervise the project.
3. (3) This requirement may be waived by the program under certain circumstances.

(c) The major provisions of the selection process are stated here:

1. (1) Competitive bidding for procurement of architectural services is prohibited;
2. (2) Contracts for architectural services shall be negotiated on the basis of demonstrated competence and qualifications;

3. (3) Select three (3) qualified firms based on such criteria as:

   1. (A) Specialized experience and technical competence;
   2. (B) Ability to work within required time limitations;
   3. (C) Past record; and
   4. (D) Proximity to and familiarity with the project; and

4. (4)

   1. (A) Negotiate a satisfactory contract with the most qualified firm.
   2. (B) See Acts 1989, No. 616, § 5, for more details on the negotiating process.