Legal Services

	“We’re considering obtaining the services of a certified public accountant. The total compensation may exceed $100,000. Is the county required to bid out for the services?”

Does a county have to follow the competitive bidding requirement to engage the services of a certified public accountant?

No. Under Government Code, Chapter 2254, Subchapter A, a county may not competitively bid for the services of the following: a certified public accountant, an architect, a landscape architect, a land surveyor, a physician or surgeon, an optometrist, a professional engineer, a state-certified or state-licensed real estate appraiser, a registered nurse, an interior designer, or a forensic analyst or forensic science expert. The selection of a professional services provider should be on the basis of demonstrated competence and qualifications of the vendor and for a fair and reasonable price.

For more information, see Procurement Handbook.