CONTRACT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES OF ARCHITECT, ENGINEER, OR SURVEYOR.

(a) In procuring architectural, engineering, or land surveying services, a governmental entity shall:

(1) first select the most highly qualified provider of those services on the basis of demonstrated competence and qualifications; and

(2) then attempt to negotiate with that provider a contract at a fair and reasonable price.

(b) If a satisfactory contract cannot be negotiated with the most highly qualified provider of architectural, engineering, or land surveying services, the entity shall:

(1) formally end negotiations with that provider;

(2) select the next most highly qualified provider; and

(3) attempt to negotiate a contract with that provider at a fair and reasonable price.

(c) The entity shall continue the process described in Subsection (b) to select and negotiate with providers until a contract is entered into.