18-8-205. Negotiation of contract for services. (1) The agency shall negotiate a contract with the most qualified firm for architectural, engineering, and land surveying services at a price that the agency determines to be fair and reasonable. In making its determination, the agency shall take into account the estimated value of the services to be rendered, as well as the scope, complexity, and professional nature of the services.

(2) If the agency is unable to negotiate a satisfactory contract with the firm selected at a price the agency determines to be fair and reasonable, negotiations with that firm must be formally terminated and the agency shall select other firms in accordance with 18-8-204 and continue as directed in this section until an agreement is reached or the process is terminated.

(3) The provisions of this section do not apply to the negotiation of contracts for projects that the transportation commission has approved as part of the design-build contracting program authorized in 60-2-137.