State and federal regulations require LGs to use TxDOT’s qualifications-based competitive selection process for the procurement of any professional services (or a TxDOT-approved alternate process) for all types of transportation projects involving state or federal funding. If the LG proposes to use an alternate selection process, it must be approved in advance in writing by the TxDOT district. The LG must also submit a Consultant Concurrence form to TxDOT prior to entering into a contract with a service provider. Detailed guidelines regarding the state and federal requirements for procuring professional services are described in .

Professional service providers (contractors and suppliers) are not allowed to participate in federally funded projects if they are suspended or debarred. The professional service provider is required to certify as to its current eligibility status. Certification is also required of all prospective participants in lower-tier transactions. This includes subconsultants, material suppliers, vendors, etc. The state of Texas has similar requirements prohibiting contracts with debarred providers. The LG is required to verify its professional service providers and lower-tier providers are not debarred by the federal or state government prior to contract award. Additional information on debarment is provided in the section of Chapter 7.