[Comments on Proposed Memorandum Regarding Procurement of A-E Services]

GAO commented on a proposed memorandum to the heads of Federal agencies regarding the procurement of architect-engineering services. GAO noted that it repeats the definition of architectural and engineering services that appears in the Brooks Act and includes descriptions that are consistent with GAO decisions on the statute's applicability. However, GAO believes that the memorandum should include advice that the Brooks Act does not require that contracts be awarded to architect-engineering firms if architects or engineers might do part of the work. Rather, GAO stated that the statute's procedures apply to the procurement of services which uniquely or substantially require performance by a professionally licensed and qualified architect-engineering firm.