Explains the process by which the US government selects architect-engineering firms to perform design services for it, and guides the prospective contractor through the maze of requirements from finding the announcement of available contracts, almost (but not quite) to the Senate subcommittee hearings on graft. Covers how to go after a job, the proposals and negotiations leading to getting it, the administration and recording requirements after the contract is awarded, and the requirements when the project is completed. Updated to the 1995 versions of the regulations. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) System; Improper Practices and Conflicts of Interest; Competition Requirements; Make or Buy; Contractor Qualifications; Market Research; Commercial Items; Simplified Procedures; Sealed Bidding; Negotiation; Types of Contracts; Special Methods; Small Business; Labor Laws; Environment; Privacy and Freedom of Information; Foreign Acquisition; Patents and Copyrights; Bonds and Insurance; Taxes; Cost Accounting Standards; Contract Cost Principles; Financing; Protest and Disputes; Major Systems; Research and Development; Construction and A-E Contracts; Service Contracting; Federal Supply; Utilities; Modifications; Subcontracting; Government Property; Quality Assurance; Transportation; Value Engineering; Termination; Extraordinary Actions; Government Sources; Clauses and Forms.

The procurement of architectural and engineering design services is one of the least known markets in Federal Government contracting. However, it can be one of the most profitable business ventures a professional services firm can undertake. The regulations, policies and procedures for architect-engineer contracting are based in law from the Brooks Act of 1972. The award of a design services contract is almost totally based on the qualifications and experience of the firm as a whole and the particular individuals in the firm who will be assigned to the advertised project. During the selection process, all firms are ranked based on the merit of their technical proposal for the specific solicitation. Only after the evaluations are completed do discussions on price related factors begin. If the most qualified firm proposes reasonable fees, they are awarded the contract. Firms that continually strive for technical excellence will always have a profitable market share under this procurement system.

This second edition text discusses the regulations, the different types of contracts, invitations for bids, requests for proposals, the IFB and RFP format, the Commerce Business Daily, the standard form 129 and the bidders list, other contractual instruments, commercial activities, architect engineering and construction contracts, set asides and preference programs, labor laws, the major procurement offices, the General Services Administration and the Small Business Administration.