The bill amends the Code of West Virginia by adding a new section, 22-2-11, which establishes a prequalification process for engineering firms providing services under the Abandoned Mine Lands and Reclamation Act. It mandates that the secretary publish a Class II legal advertisement to solicit letters of interest for professional engineering services, detailing the submission process, the secretary's right to reject submissions, and the requirement for publication in local newspapers. The department is tasked with evaluating these letters to create a "Prequalified List of Firms," and the Purchasing Division will enter into prequalification agreements with selected firms.

Additionally, the bill outlines the procedures for project assignments, including issuing expressions of interest to prequalified firms, conducting discussions with multiple firms before awarding contracts, and establishing timelines for scope meetings and cost negotiations. It allows for the selection of firms based on previous performance if competition is deemed impractical, and requires the department to notify relevant divisions of the selected firm and provide necessary information to initiate contracts. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the procurement process for engineering services related to abandoned mine reclamation projects.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 22-2-11
Committee Substitute: 22-2-11
Engrossed Committee Substitute: 22-2-11
Enrolled Committee Substitute: 22-2-11