Two companion bills are currently under discussion in the New Mexico legislature that would discourage state agencies from utilizing private-sector firms for professional service contracts. Known as the Performance Contracting Act, (H.B. 230/S.B. 166), the legislation would require state agencies to conduct an extensive, undefined, cost-benefit analysis before “making the decision to contract for professional services.” The bills would affect architects, engineers, construction managers, surveyors, landscape architects, and “other persons or businesses providing professional services.”
Similar bills have been introduced this year in California, Minnesota, and the US Congress. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is actively opposing these measures because they believe the legislation would lessen the quality of public facilities and have a negative impact on architecture firms nationwide. According to the AIA, the specialized skills and experience of private-sector architects and engineers (A/E) currently provide innovative design and cost savings for public-sector clients when the A/Es perform government contract work. For more information on government contracting issues, e-mail Stan L. Bowman, AIA Director of State and Local Affairs, or contact AIA New Mexico.
Based on a report from ANGLE, published by the American Institute of Architects
