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 and the secretary's right to reject any submissions. 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 these firms for a one-year term, with a possible two-year extension.

Additionally, the bill outlines the procedures for project assignments, requiring the department to issue expressions of interest to prequalified firms and conduct discussions with at least three firms before awarding contracts. It allows for exceptions in cases where competition is impractical, enabling the selection of firms based on previous performance. The bill also stipulates timelines for scope of work meetings, cost negotiations, and contract initiation, ensuring a structured approach to hiring engineering services for 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